An afternoon with Bei and Beistyle
The Beistyle 2010 Spring Collection Fashion Show was held in the cozy environment of the Courtyard Restaurant on March 7. Perched on the moat and overlooking the Forbidden City, the Courtyard Restaurant is a perfect place to witness how the East blends itself so elegantly with the West.
Chen Bei, founder of the brand Beistyle and hostess of the fashion show welcomed her guests, saying “the goal of inviting you all here today is to give you all-round enjoyment.” Indeed, my three-hour experience in the Courtyard was fully enriched by the restaurant’s cozy environment, the delicate cuisine, the exquisite designs and the designer’s irresistible personal charm.
As the old Chinese saying goes “Good things never come easy.” I had some difficulty in finding the Courtyard Restaurant at the start, because it was too “low-profile” (it has no visible signboard, and surrounded by a small forest of bamboo), but it was definitely worth the trouble. Immediately after stepping in the door, I felt myself completely refreshed by its interior design—artistic and westernized. But what really makes it unique is the visual feast available inside—by sitting in the window seats, you can have a close watch of the Forbidden City, so spectacular and oriental, providing a strong contrast to the restaurant’s occidental design.
Before the start of the show, Bei treated her guests with a real treat—authentic western cuisine. As far as I’m concerned, the Honey Glazed Eel and Black Truffle Puree really hit the spot. Juniper Scented Breast of Duck and Roast Fillet of Atlantic Salmon were both so delicate and delicious that my curiosity almost drove me to rush into the kitchen and see who this magical chef was. Nougatine Pate, rich with flavors of cranberry and sesame muesli was my favorite that day. I felt my tongue was about to melt with the silky ice cream.
