Beijing Boyce

I am not a fan of Houhai given its copycat bars, wailing crooners, and aggressive touts (on Lotus Lane), but I like a few places there, including La Baie des Anges.

I have added East Shore Jazz Cafe to that list. Maybe that’s because it is away from the action.

This is a cozy L-shaped spot with a sloped ceiling, a faux loft, a decor based on woods, plenty of candles, and, of course, live jazz on most nights. It offers an impressive panoramic view of Houhai that 1) makes the far-off gaudiness of the bar strips seem somewhat romantic and 2) would make it possible for a sniper with a quality scope to fire a few close warning shots should the touts get within 100 meters of the place (using paint pellets, of course).

The office-like black chairs are a bit uncomfortable and the place is so dim that a flashlight is needed to see the menu, but the scented candles, overall atmosphere, and the view are appealing.

Imported beers start at RMB35 for the likes of Hoegaarden, while a glass of wine starts at RMB30 for an Argentine Sauvignon Blanc from Michel Torino.

City Weekend has published a Restaurant & Bar Guide that not only is good, but also is free! I have long griped about City Weekend, including to the managing editor, who is no doubt tired of my free “cnstructive” criticism whenever I run into him in the local bars. Happily, the guide and the magazine’s recent design upgrade deserve praise as a major step in the right direction, though the content still needs a boost, something I am told is forthcoming. The guide itself includes useful lists such as “Where you drink if you are a sport fanatic” (Goose and Duck, Pavillion, Bar Blu) and “Over 30… but not over the hill” (Browns, Q Bar, Suzie Wong, East Shore Live Jazz), as well as nightlife itineraries for couples and singles. / I am again delaying my review of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust class I attended late last month, mainly because I’m too swamped to transcribe my notes, but I do hope to have it and the long overdue review of Bed next issue. / Last year, that’s Beijing organized a Christmas funk party to raise money for a heart operation for an orphan named Tian Yue. Unfortunately, the Scrooge-like venue undermined the magazine’s Santa-like intentions, and the call went out for donations. Several newsletter readers helped out, including Agent Hidden Dragon and K-Ro, and will be happy to know that I attended Tian Yue’s birthday party last week and found her healthy, happy and, since was recently adopted  about to move to the U.S. and start a new life. / Whether you are hanging out in Beijing or heading out of the city, have a safe and happy holiday. Eat, Drink and Be Merry. Cheers, BB.

(From Beijing Boyce XXIV, first emailed on September 21, 2006)