Mon, July 30, 2012
We love it when we get to rave about a place, and rave we will about Penghao Theater’s new space and menu at Penghao Theater Café.
The theater, on a small hutong just off Nanluoguxiang, now has two large outdoor decks with stunning views of the surrounding area, funky indoor non-smoking and smoking rooms, and a menu filled with solid selections for very reasonable prices. Oh yes, and they have Wi-Fi.
We tried the falafel sandwich (RMB35), and it’s one of the best we’ve had in Beijing, dripping with tahini and stuffed with lettuce, falafel, tomatoes, onions and pickles. A smiling waiter brought us a well-made cappuccino (RMB25), and while we drank it we sampled a delicious Greek salad (RMB35) with hunks of feta cheese and slices of roasted eggplant.
We considered ordering a Duvel (RMB35) to sip on while enjoying the weather and the view but decided against afternoon drinking and instead had a piece of the Mama Ima cake (RMB30), a nougat base made with a range of nuts and topped with chocolate. We don’t usually like sweets, but this had us thinking about buying out the current supply and hoarding it at home.
Penghao is now our new favorite place to hang in the Gulou area, and we’re looking forward to checking out the many events they have in the works, from plays to movie nights to flea markets—all convenient excuses for us to have another slice of that Mama Ima cake.
Our rating: 4/5 stars
DETAILS
What: Penghao Theater Café
Where: 35 Dongmianhua Hutong, 东棉花胡同35号
Tel: 6400-6472
