In a surprise move China has put in place a smoking ban in indoor public places starting 1 May 2011. Now there is only Russia and a few other major smoking countries left without a ban, as France will have a ban in place very soon. The Chinese Ministry of Health will also bar cigarette vending machines in public places and will not allow smoking areas near to where people might pass. China is the world’s largest cigarette market.
Beijing’s high-tech solution for the demand to have pesticide free vegetables. A futuristic warehouse in China is growing vegetables without any actual sunlight or soil. The Jingpeng Plant Factory grows lettuce, cabbage and other vegetables in a liquid solution, fueled by LED lighting. Although the start-up costs are significant, the factory uses less energy and is able to grow the vegetables without pesticides. There is much distrust within, and outside of China, regarding their current farming methods. Fruit and vegetables are liberally sprayed with dangerous chemical solutions to ward off insects. This type of farming also may be the first step to growing produce in high rise buildings in the center of the city, which is most likely the next step in cities worldwide.
The 5-star Beijing Hotel is set at the corner of Wangfujing Street and ChangAn Avenues. It is adjacent to one of Beijing’s major shopping areas, and the hotel is also only a few steps away from the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, Grand National Theater and other cultural and historical sites.
The Beijing Hotel offers over 700 rooms and suites, Asian and western restaurants, meeting and conference facilities as well as having extensive recreation equipment and a Spa. Other services comprise a business center, post office, money exchange/ATM, concierge service, airline booking counter, shops, and limousine service, parking facilities, hair & beauty salon, Chinese style tailors, laundry & dry cleaning services.
The Beijing Hotel meeting and banquet facilities include top floor venues offering a panoramic view over the city and a Chinese style Grand Ballroom for up to 1000 persons, with 8-channel simultaneous translation booth and programmable stage lightning.
Since its opening in 1900, the Beijing Hotel played host to numerous political and corporate events and welcomed heads of states, industry leaders, academics and travelers from all walks of life. During 2008 Olympic Games, the Five Star Diamond awarded hotel has provided excellent service to the Olympic Family and serving as headquarters for the International Olympic Committee.
Gelato Xindong Lu 38-12, Gongti
Tel. 8610 641178890
This is the latest address after their re-location from San Li Tun Nan Ji (bar street). There are many unusual flavors of home-made gelato listed, although not all flavors listed are available. The room can be very smoky, which tends to ruin the tasting experience.
Shangri-La Kerry Centre Hotel
Level 1
Tel. (86 10) 6561 8833 ext. 42
email: hbkc@shangri-la.com
Opening Hours: Centro is always open.
Dress Code: Smart casual
Smoking Policy: Centro accommodates smokers and non-smokers
Credit Cards: All Major
Prices: Expensive
Centro is both the main bar and lounge at the Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, and also one of the best nightspots in Beijing. Centro combines a world-class bar and wine selection with modern decor, live music and seductive design.
The lounge serves light, uncomplicated dishes, and people from all over the city gather here during the daytime until late into the night.
Through the Month of October enjoy delicious hairy crabs at the hotel’s Horizon Chinese Restaurant.
Beijing Da Dong
Bldg 3, Tuanjiehu Beikou, Chaoyang Park Southeast corner of Changhong Qiao
Tel. 6582-2892/4003/4102
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
Prices: Inexpensive-Moderate
Credit Cards: Accepted
This place is famous for its Peking Duck. To avoid queuing it is imperative to book a table in advance probably only possible in the early evening. Even though the main draw is the roast duck, do not overlook the other offerings on the menu as they are all quite good.
58 Yonghegong Dajie, Yonghegong
Tel. 6402-7047
Opening Hours: Lunch:11am-1:30pm, Dinner:6pm-11:30pm
Prices: Moderate
Down a restored narrow street or hutong, this restaurant has large windows that look onto the bicycle traffic on the lane outside and displays its menu on a chalkboard. It has candlelit tables and a large bar featuring a well-selected list of wines and a large selection of various brands of pastis. The chef buys and cuts all the meat himself. The place can be smoky and prices are high for the quality. The customers are not the only ones to smoke in the restaurant as the French owners smoke too, as might be expected and not really a big surprise! It is probably worth spending a little more and dining at Brasserie Flo.
Dongsanhuan Nanlu, CBD/Guomao 800m south of Guomao Qiao
Tel.8771-7013
Email: 2gosso@ht.rol.cn.net
Opening Hours: Open 11:30am-1am
Credit Cards: Accepted
Prices: Moderate-Expensive
Pleas do not let the outward appearance of the building put you off. Climb the stairs and order an aperitif in the second floor bar, with its deep-hued red walls off-set by dark wooden paneling, while listening to the strains of light jazz. It has an extraordinary choice of spirits and is certainly one of the most comfortable of the up-scale bars in the city. The chef and owner are Japanese and the kitchen turns out some of the best Italian dishes in the capital. You may choose from the à la carte menu or from the hand written special menu. Whatever you finally choose, you will not be disappointed.
Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Jianguomen
Next to Wanda International Cineplex
Tel. +86 10 8599 6666 x6528
Website: www.sofitel.com/asia
Opening Hours: Lunch: Noon-2:30pm; Dinner: 6pm-11pm
Credit Cards: All Major
Prices: Very Expensive
In collaboration between Sofitel Wanda Beijing and the legendary French Master Bakers & House of Gastronomy, Lenôtre; Le Pré Lenôtre brings a touch of Parisian style to the Beijing dining scene. You will find innovative French cuisine in well-appointed surroundings. Lenôtre Chef de Cuisine Frederic Meynard is at the helm and the restaurant’s commitment to high-quality ingredients, excellent service, unparalleled food preparation, and a comprehensive all-French wine list, Le Pré Lenôtre is certain to offer the finest French cuisine in the city.
2/F, Rainbow Plaza, 16 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Nuren Jie north of Pacific Century Plaza on Dongsanhuan Beilu
Tel.6595-5135
Website: www.flo.cn/English/index.html
Opening Hours: Lunch:11am-3pm, Dinner:6pm-11pm
Credit Cards: Accepted
Prices: Expensive
This large brasserie-type restaurant offers delicious and artfully presented French cuisine. On offer, among many other dishes, are: smoked salmon salad, foie gras with apple, Brittany oysters (imported fresh from France). The prices are high but the consideration is excellent service, elaborate décor and consistent quality. A set lunch menu and a good selection of French Wines-by-the-Glass including Alsatian selections are a bonus despite a recent price increase.
