All that jazz!
By Hector Mackenzie ( Beijing Weekend)
Updated: 2004-07-22 10:15

Rumour has it that the century-old piano taking pride of place on the stage at Beijing's intriguing new eatery, Chenonceau, cost the jazz-crazy owner 30,000 yuan (US$3,623) to acquire.

It then cost an extra 40,000 yuan (US$4,836) to have the piano professionally tuned. And after all of that, picky pianist Jin Fo spent a week fine-tuning it to his own taste.

This attention to detail helps establish the musical credentials of the Western-style bar restaurant.

Chenonceau mixes live jazz, an international menu and comfortable surroundings.

And while a love of jazz permeates everything from the decor to the piped-music soundtrack (live music is staged most evenings), it's the food that really surprises.
Nestling in the shadow of the Poly Theatre, its menu finds space for everything from a nigh-perfect pizza (36-60 yuan/US$4.34-7.24) to an old city favourite, Moscow roast fish (60 yuan), and sirloin steak (158 yuan/US$19) to a fish-infused Indonesian fried rice dish.

The Chinese chefs there are turning out very palatable Western favourites such as grilled salmon (128 yuan/US$15.45) and French onion and cream of mushroom soup (both 25 yuan/US$3).

An extensive range of Chinese favourites is also catered for.

With Sunday evenings reserved for live jazz, the restaurant reverts to more of a bar atmosphere after dark. There's also live music between Tuesday and Saturday.

Perhaps attempting to appeal to as wide a clientele as possible, the restaurant also finds space for a separate, super-comfortable cigar-smoking area for lovers of one of Cuba's finest exports.

And then next to that is an area dedicated to afternoon tea, a genteel art which seems to be have been enjoying something of a renaissance in modern-day, bustling Beijing.

A private VIP room incorporates a banquet table, fine table wear and Internet access. It appears to be pitched particularly at the business community.

Flat-screen plasma TVs set into the wall plus a selection of DVDs and music CDs for sale make this the sort of place you could while away a very pleasant afternoon (and evening).

And let's not forget the very decent selection of freshly brewed coffees available. The ice cold mocha can be highly to caffeine addicts troubled by the capital's soaring summer temperatures.

Chenonceau
Location: 1F, East Gate Plaza, Dongcheng District (behind Poly Plaza)
Tel: 6418-5157