(That's Beijing)
Updated: 2006-07-10 08:32

Art posters from Montmartre decorate the walls of Cafe de la Poste, the newest hangout for Beijing's French community.

Its simple and friendly menu of meat and potatoes hails from Auvergne in central France. From the bilingual menu, pick out the sweet and savory beef pastry in almond sauce, la pastillade au coulis d'amande (RMB 29), or la salade lyonnaise (RMB 27), consisting of warm chunks of potatoes bathed in a French dressing topped with sausage medallions.

Main courses start at RMB 45 while the tender le tocard steak with a crispy crust and mustard sauce tops out at an affordable RMB 78, which is fortunate as this little joint accepts cash only.

The desserts aren't worth mentioning, but the benefits of the tres casual atmosphere and attentive staff can't be stressed enough. Sit back, relax, and have a smoke with your glass of wine (RMB 25).

Cafe de la Poste
Location: No.32 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District
Opening time: Daily 9:30am-late (closed Mondays). 
Tel: 010-64049356