Members and their guests from Shanghai, Tianjin, and Beijing met at The View 3912 in Beijing. The theme was “NEW”. Taking the elevator to the 39th floor of SOHO A in Dawanglu we were greeted by a hidden gem. This restaurant is tucked away in a commercial and residential building with beautiful views of Beijing including Chang’An Ave, the CBD and Sanlitun.

The evening was full of surprises from the moment of arrival starting with InstaPhoto who had set up an instant photo booth inside the restaurant. Guests nibbled delicious canapés,
sipped Italian Brut Vino Spumante (NV) Monferrato, “dirty” Martinis and Whiskey Highballs whilst laughing at instantly-printed pictures shared via WeChat.

Once seated we opened a hongbao (red envelope) containing the menu of surprises. A cigar box was first from which smoke transcended as soon as it was opened. Inside was a lone cigar made of chocolate and foie gras.

The night progressed. Libations continued as guests were serenaded by a violin player. Wine pairings were excellent. Food phenomenal. Platings were extremely creative and eye-catching. This was manifested in the beef course which was served in the book “Gone with the Wind”. This beautiful piece of low temperature Japanese Wagyu was out of this world and extremely tender. The meat had been hand-carried from Japan by the restaurant’s owner specifically for this event.

The dessert course was yet another surprise. Table cleared, guests were instructed to stand. The chefs unfurled a piece of paper for the dessert “show” to begin. Five chefs went around the table splashing edible paint and placing desserts. Dry ice was thrown. A massive birthday cake for Tianjin member Kay Zhang was the grand finale.

Restaurant owner Lisa Guo shared her inspiration to open a restaurant in Beijing six years ago. Her original idea of a “wine bar” evolved through the vision of Chef Wan Ho who worked in several Michelin 2-star restaurants in France. Lisa was deeply honoured to host the Chaîne for the first time at The View 3912.

To conclude, guests adjourned to The View 4109 for cigars and Delamain Cognac Grande Champagne.

Vive la Chaine!

Preston Thomas
Maître Restaurateur