Inspired by the Ming Dynasty, the luxurious O’Bar sits proudly on the fifth floor of the well-known Nuo Hotel. Patrons can take advantage of a Zen Oasis on their rooftop terrace, or drink and dine under ambient lighting in their black-and-gold adorned bar and indoor seating area. This is five-star luxury and is worthy of an opulent date night with your nearest and dearest.
The cocktail menu is full of classic options, such a dry Martini. However there are a number of fusion takes on familiar tastes, and the menu is full of signature house cocktails that are reflective of alchemic traditional Chinese flavors, which are robust and adventurous. Take for example the Green (RMB 100), a mixture of Capucana Cachaca, pistachio, dry sherry, lime, Matcha and salt. Inspired by Chinese green tea, this modern blending of flavors pays homage to past times, with added extravagance reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty and its Emperors.
Dry Martini
I chose to go with something just as unique and lavish, the aptly named Luxury (RMB 100). This contained a bombastic mix of Mina Real Mezcal, rye whiskey, beetroot, hazelnut, lime, and the royal ingredient, saffron. Many associate saffron with Indian cooking, however it has a long history that first began in Tibet. Saffron made its way around Asia and surrounding countries along with other herbs and spices that traveled the silk road to be traded for newly discovered and exotic items. Saffron is used in many Chinese regional dishes, and so this cocktail again was a perfect reflection of luxury and Chinese culture.
“Luxury”
The Luxury is not for the fainthearted, and was presented in a diamond-shaped glass goblet which neatly sat in a display box adorned with dry flowers and one of the best macaroon I have ever tasted. The macaroon, at first, felt like an odd partnership for a cocktail but was pleasantly sweet, dissolved in the mouth like butter, and cut through the sharpness. I could have done without the huge display box, but appreciate the sentiment.
One surprise element of the evening was the bar’s cartoon-themed ‘Hero’ range of cocktails, inspired by some of the best-loved animated movie heroes and served in cute toy replica bottles that are great for fun-loving photo opportunities. This lightened the mood and reflected the laid-back atmosphere of the bar. They are five-star, but do wonderfully well not to take themselves too seriously.
I tried the Big Hero (RMB 100), which just has to be the star of the show from the beverages that were sampled on the evening. Made with coconut, roasted barley, pineapple, and lime, this was a decadent, sweet, and refreshing mix that reminded me of an extremely well balanced Pina Colada.
As bar snacks and dishes go, you can’t get more luxurious than the options available at O’Bar. From caviar (RMB 398) to more comforting staples, like cod fish and chips with tartar sauce (RMB 138), there is something for both of you to enjoy with your date night cocktails.
The caviar was sold out, which was such a shame as the dish promised nicely aged caviar with classic condiments (RMB 368). Yum! So I first went for a selection of tapas, which was washed down with a glass or two of Shiraz (RMB 150). The Spanish ham bruschetta (RMB 88) was salty and delicious, and the smoked salmon version was equally as nice (RMB 78). The quality of the ingredients meant that personally I would have preferred the ham and salmon to be served without the bread, as they don’t need this accompaniment. The San Sebastian Croquettes won the battle of the tapas and were served with a creamy tartar sauce (RMB 88).
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bruschetta
The duck confit followed (RMB 100) and to finish the meal, I indulged in the cheese platter (RMB 238). The duck leg was served on a bed of spinach with strawberries and blueberries. The salad was underwhelming, however the duck was gamey, moist, and delicious. The cheese platter was everything and more, with generous portions of blue cheese, Manchego, goat cheese, soft Brie, and Edam. Partnered with sweet poached pear, grapes, seeded crackers, and dates, I was in cheese platter heaven.
Duck Leg Confit
My nightcap was a generous pour of Baileys over ice (RMB 88). Sweet and creamy, this was a great substitute for a dessert after demolishing the cheese!
So much cheese!
This is a date night for those that would like to indulge a little and celebrate a special occasion. It’s always nice to splash out once in a while, and if you so happen to be staying the night in one of Nuo Hotel’s rooms, you’ll get to try one of Beijing’s best brunches! Have a night of Oriental bliss and head on down to O’Bar.
