"Chic young frenchwoman explores the world of Beijing cuisine."  
                                                                                      --------  By Valerie Sartor and Katia Loridon

Dinez Avec Moi: Katia goes to Dareen Cafe

"But I must tell you I have found the best coffee bistro in town," Katia confided one late afternoon as we sat getting our feet massaged. "It is called Dareeb Cafe, and it has been around a good length of time. I think the owner must be Arabic because he offers excellent Turkish coffee and outstanding espresso." Full story

Dinez avec Moi: Katia goes to Nam Nam

"Nam Nam is one of my favorite places to eat," Katia said as we sat leisurely drinking coffee at our desks. "Their presentation, especially the appetizers, delights my eyes. The spring rolls are light, pretty and delicieux. I loved the pineapple that is carved inside, it has a petite candle lighting up the fruit and sticks of meat and delicacies are speared in the pineapple."  Full story

Dinez avec Moi: Katia goes to Sahara

"What a great idea! Moroccan and Middle Eastern food, complete with a beautiful girl who wears a sexy costume and belly dances around the tables,"Katia said, eyes flashing. "The only problem is that I do not wish to show off so much skin because in China I keep putting a little bit of extra poids." Full story

Dinez avec Moi: Katia goes to Alameda

"You know, everyone says the Alameda is one of the very best places to eat, and I disagree. I think it is just average," Katia said. "Beijing is not the backwaters anymore. If you are going to say you are the best then when you offer prime rib or tenderloin it must be the best quality, not some tiny strip of meat that happens to be beef." Full story

Dinez avec Moi: Katia goes to Morel's

"As I am French, of course I like to eat French food over most other types of cuisine," Katia said, arching her dainty shoulders in the classic Gallic shrug. "But I must reveal that I am now quite the fan of a small Belgian place called Morel's. I have learned about some classical Belgian dishes by tasting them at this restaurant......" Full story

Dinez avec Moi: Katia goes to LAN

"You either hate it or you love it," Katia said, flicking her glossy auburn hair behind her ear, "It's a new Philip Starck place and it's crowded with all the celebs and nouveau riche in Beijing." The pretty Frenchwoman was talking about Lan, a restaurant club in the Central Business District that her girlfriends had dragged her to a few nights ago. Full story


Dinez avec Moi: Katia goes to Les Millesimes

"I had had a very awful week negotiating with my landlord," she said softly in her Parisian accented English, "but when I walked through those doors I knew I could relax; I felt as if I were back chez moi." She toured all 17 private rooms, each uniquely decorated and named after a classic wine cellar. Full story

 

(China.org.cn May-July, 2008)