An a for bistrot b

An elegant but casual new hotel restaurant is getting plenty of buzz in Beijing, Mike Peters reports.

Springtime in China is a season of awaking willows, sweet plum blossoms and bright, welcome sunshine. On the Beijing dining scene this year, it's the season when executive chef Jarrod Verbiak has come into his own at a new capital hot spot, Bistrot B.

As the luxury Rosewood Hotel entered its fifth month of a gradual soft opening, Verbiak was preparing dinner for the prestigious Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international association of gastronomy now established in more than 80 countries. A week later, Verbiak was on stage with his team to collect accolades at the Beijinger magazine's restaurant awards, including best new hotel restaurant and outstanding French (casual dining).