Fri, July 03, 2009
If Beijing’s summer’s just not hot enough for you, spice it up a bit at South Beauty, one of Beijing’s largest Sichuan chains. Branches are conveniently located throughout the CBD, with the latest in the newly-opened Gemdale Plaza. Those hungry for a fabulous food-making show should start with a plain Vegetable Salad, mixed thoroughly before your eyes by a waiter with a large salad shaker. If you are ready for an even bigger performance, try the special Beggar’s Chicken (¥198), said to bring good luck to those who eat it. This spicy dish, enough for three diners, is stuffed with rice, beans and peanuts and comes with a large hammer for the ultimate in dining entertainment. For those who just want to enjoy South Beauty’s décor and exceptionally fast, polite and English-speaking service without making the experience too spicy, you can’t go wrong with the smoked Sichuan style duck with steamed buns (¥48). With twenty locations now opened in Beijing, you’re never far away from a high-end and interesting Sichuan meal.
By Inna Levinson
Find it: Floors 2 and 3, Gemdale Plaza, No. 91 Jianguo Road, Tel: 8571-3085/6/7/8
