Rustic French Fare and Elegant Desserts on Offer at Liangmaqiao's Bistro 108
Deep in Beijing's sleepy embassy district there's a little strip of burgeoning businesses that surprisingly pop to life in the evening – among them a café, both Chinese and Japanese barbecue joints and, best of all, a low-key bistro serving some of the best French fare in town.
As the wine flows and the stereo blares, the lively French Embassy patrons and other curious customers give the Bistro 108 patio and interior a lively buzz that's all too tempting during these warm summer evenings, amounting to an appeal akin to the once thriving, but recently declining, nearby Xiaoyun Lu (you probably spent at least one night a week at Home Plate there circa 2012).
But even in its heyday, Xiaoyun Lu never had anything on par with Bistro 108's offerings. Among the best are the filet de boeuf sauce au poivre (made with juicy Australian beef and only RMB 138; pictured at top), the wine braised beef bourguignon (RMB 88), the mouthwatering fish tartare (RMB 98), and the crisp confit duck leg (RMB 88).
Even the our appetizer was impressive – a homemade pork pate (RMB 68) that made for a firm and hefty spread on its accompanying fresh and warm baguette.
Delicious as all that was (along with the quite crisp bottle of house white, RMB 88), Bistro 108's biggest asset of all may very well be its desserts. The creme brulee had a delectably crunchy caramelized upper layer that contrasted well its smoothly gooey custard, while the chocolate lava cake bursts with a gooey, melting center. We'd also love to come back and try the thin crust apple pie (RMB 58), which looks more than a little distinctive.
The staff (including a chef from Lyon and a Parisian manager) are attentive and will graciously recommend wine and dish pairings and share details about the dishes, all without a whiff of pretension. Such homely touches make Bistro 108 an inviting and elegant yet also relaxed eatery in an emerging neighborhood.
Bistro 108
Daily 11.30am-10.00pm. 104, 1/F, Caochang Plaza (across from the American Embassy), 19 Tianze Lu, Chaoyang District (5710 8106)
朝阳区天泽路19号草场商业广场一层104室 (美国大使馆对面)
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Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
Twitter: @MulKyle
Photos: Dianping, courtesy of Bistro 108
