Bird's Nest bland menu denies sweet taste of victory

It was always going to be spectacular. The combination of a booming economy, desire to please all visitors and zillions spent on facilities ensured that the Beijing Olympics would be a feast to remember. And in this promised land of culinary delights, the food was one thing that was bound to satisfy all tastes.

I've had a love affair with Chinese food dating back many years so arriving in its birthplace all these years later was indeed a happy turn of events.

My first Olympic ticket was for athletics at the Bird's Nest one night. I'd sussed out my plan: beat the crowds by getting there two hours early and then cruise around the place, buy a few souvenirs and then tuck into one of the sumptuous meals Beijing 2008 had laid on for this once-in-a-lifetime event.