Maxim's in Beijing is modeled after Maxim's de Paris especially in interior design and decoration. It impresses customers with classical-style woodcarvings and maple-leaf-shaped pendant lamps. In addition, there are entire walls covered with canvases depicting Western women of medieval times. The restaurant features traditional French cuisine and employs cooks from France. Entrees include French baked snails, prawn salad, chilled raspberry mousse, flatfish, French cake, and beef ribs in red-wine sauce.

Following Maxim's motto, "The Customer is God," the restaurant has gained favor among Chinese and foreigners alike. Many world-renowned guests, including former U.S. president George Bush and singers Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, have dined here.

Maxim's in Beijing is located at No.2 Chongwenmen Avenue West, 1.5 kilometers east of Tian'anmen Square, near the southeast exit of the Chongwenmen subway station. It is open from 11: 00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lunch and from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for supper.

The Cabo Restaurant and Bar, named after a beautiful town in Mexico, offers typical Mexican food and drinks. Decorations imported from Mexico lend an air of authenticity to the surroundings.

Entrees include enchiladas, tacos, nachos, cactus salad, roast chicken legs, and Mexican red rice with refried beans. Drinks include margarita, tequila sunrise, and ten kinds of wine.

If you want to try genuine Mexican food and enjoy dancing to the rhythms of Latin music, come to the Cabo Restaurant and Bar at Huaqiao Village, 24 Jianguomenwai Street. The restaurant has a seating capacity of 60 and is open from 10:00 a.m. through the wee hours. A satisfying meal is not expensive, about US$10 for one person.

(China Pictorial April 4, 2003)