The new China National Stadium is a must-see for tourists coming to Beijing. When you do see the Bird's Nest, a stop by the new TGI Friday's Catic Hotel branch (星期五餐厅奥运村凯迪克店) is sure to put a stop to any hunger pangs. The American chain eatery reopened last month after renovations, and is located just 100 meters or so from the National Stadium.

Beijing's five TGI Friday's are promoting a new menu with the theme, American Road Trip. Movie lovers must have seen car chase scenes on American inter-state highways, the most notable of which is the No 66 Highway. The new menu features characteristic foods of the eight states through which the No 66 inter-state highway runs. That would include Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and California.

Friday's has maintained the same prices even as produce has become more expensive. Moreover, six new main courses and an appetizer start from only 58 yuan per course. People who order the new dishes will get a coupon for Kansas deep-fried mushroom, and have a chance to get a half helping of charcoal roasted pork ribs. The deal is valid until December 17.

Seafood lovers will enjoy California Shrimp Martini, in which 10 butterfly-shaped prawns go with diced tomato, green olives, cocktail sauce and fresh lemon juice. Arizona Cape cod shrimp Louie salad is a lettuce freshly cut into four parts, with shelled shrimps in the middle, dressed with vinegar, cucumber, blue cheese, ground bacon and diced red chili.

Friday's also serves Mojito, a popular drink in New York, with original and apple flavors.

There are two floors to TGI Friday's Catic Hotel branch. Different from other branches, the restaurant adopts a new concept that creates an atmosphere of 1970-90s America. A disc wall has classic posters from 1970-90s. Decoration on the walls evolves around themes of sports, entertainment, and technology, with a popular and modern hue. Graffiti walls strengthen the American feel. There is a row of TVs for customers to watch sports programs.

New menu highlights:

Arizona Cape code shrimp Louie salad, Texas dragon fire chicken, Missouri chicken Parmesan, New Mexico tortilla tilapia, California shrimp martini, and Illinois mushroom steak

11am-11pm. 18 Beichen Donglu, Chaoyang District. Near east entrance of Grand Skylight Catic Hotel. 8497-0650. 北京市朝阳区北辰东路18号 凯迪克格兰云天大酒店

(China Daily 11/07/2007 page8)