Should five-star dining always be de rigueur for a date night? I’m now in the thick of reviewing restaurants that I can recommend for your special occasions and romantic evenings with your loved one, and I have become even more certain that if where you choose to spend a romantic evening is offering a five-star menu, this ought to come with more than just a five-star price-tag. There has to be substance and all the trimmings, and New World Hotel’s food and beverage options do just that without leaving your pockets weightless.
The Yin on 12 bar sits proudly on the rooftop of New World Hotel. The terrace area is home to its very own alfresco bar and epic marble-encased DJ booth. Couples can sit at the bar and take in the city view at night, or cuddle up on one of the loungers while enjoying table service. I’m always cautious of overly stylized bar concepts, and always feel that the alchemic cocktail mixes on offer need to stand out and reflect the opulence of your surroundings.
Negroni in Beijing
The signature cocktails at Yin do just that, with house takes on traditional and iconic mixes, such as the Old Fashioned, Apple Martini, and Negroni. The menu is concise and tied together with Chinese aromas, ingredients, and flavors. As always, I started with a version of the Negroni – the Negroni in Beijing (RMB 88) offers the classic balance of bitterness and sweetness with a Sichuan pepper kick! I really enjoyed this generously-poured classic with a Chinese twist, featuring rattan pepper oil and smoked sichuan pepper. If you prefer something whiskey-based, definitely go for the Amber (RMB 88), delicate and sweet; the smoked plum infused bourbon and rock sugar is a welcome delight and packs a nice punch.
Amber
Surprisingly, a vodka-based drink stole the show for me. The Apple Blossom (RMB 88), made with green apple and green tea infused vodka, apple juice, and homemade matcha syrup was heavenly. It tasted like candy and was smooth as silk. They’re extremely easy drinking, so take it slow, but definitely worth ordering a second round.
Apple Blossom
I love Chinese food, and lately this option tends to be my go-to when dining out. There is so much on offer and you have a hugely diverse selection of regional flavors to choose from in Beijing. 8 Qi Nian offers elevated Cantonese fare from Chinese Executive chef Tony Guo.
The Indulgent Pork Belly
We asked for a few recommendations (I suggest always doing this when you dine out – you might miss something epic, if you don’t ask) and it was suggested that we try the Chef’s Special, Mei Cai Kou Rou (RMB 140). Prepared by chef Tony Guo, slices of seasoned pork belly on a bed of cabbage in dark sweet gravy were sticky, indulgent, and delicious. I would advise that this be chosen as a shared main, since this dish is quite rich and needs to be tempered with a bowl of plain steamed rice. We tried the signature Fried Grain Rice (RMB 88) made with Chinese sausage, preserved pork, barley, and millet. Colorful and tasty, this was good but best paired with something less rich, as it’s already packed full of salty, woody, and textured flavor. The humungous Pork Rib (RMB 98) was moist and carved like butter, and I would say is the perfect accompaniment to the fried rice dish.
Fried Grain Rice
Our sides, Steamed Scallop and Shrimps (RMB 180), reminded me of dim sum without the translucent dumpling casing, and the Pan-Fried Crispy Cod-Fish (RMB 58), was reminiscent one of my dearly-missed British classics, “fish n chips”. The batter was fine and crispy, the cod flaky, and melt-in-the-mouth. The cod tastes like the sea and doesn’t need any added seasoning. These dishes come in generous portions, so go easy when ordering on an empty stomach. I was too full to sample any dessert but decided to go with a nightcap instead, and enjoyed another generously poured glass, this time, a New Zealand red, Brancott Estate Pinot Noir (RMB 105). Lush.
Pork Rib
Ambience-wise, this place is modern and classy without any uncomfortable airs or graces.The low-key lighting, Chinese-inspired adornments, and low rise tables with comfortable leather seating indoors set the right tone for romance and enjoyment. There’s a resident DJ playing chilled house and a nice mixed crowd of people. This place sits neatly on trend without being pretentious and the service was impeccable: knowledgeable staff and service with a genuine smile. I believe as a whole the bar and restaurant offers value for money and next time I intend to occupy one of their stately premier rooms, starting at RMB 1,300 (also a reasonable price per night).
Round off the evening nicely with a glass of Pinot Noir
I’ve been invited back to enjoy a dessert and perhaps shake a leg or two at one of their famous Saturday Salsa nights! Your next date night plans should be set. Go and enjoy their rooftop bar after an evening of good food at 8 Qi Nian, and come with your dancing shoes on!
New World Beijing Hotel, 2/F, 8 Qinian Main Street, Dongcheng District 东城区祈年大街8号新世界酒店2楼 (东打磨厂街 (Head up to 12/F to enjoy Yin On 12 Rooftop Bar).
Photos: Nicole Bonnah, www.beijing.newworldhotels.com
