Scitech More's Reopening on Dec 2: A New Culinary Paradise

Beijing, a city buzzing with shopping hubs, harbors a nostalgic treasure for many locals – Scitech Shopping Mall. Founded in 1992, this mall was Beijing's first Sino-foreign cooperative venture – a total game changer. It was here that people first encountered escalators, cash registers, and a whole world of imported goods.

Now, this iconic spot is getting a facelift and will soon resurface as Scitech More, with its grand reopening slated for Dec 2. This isn't just a regular renovation though; it's a complete transformation from a retail-centric shop to a multipurpose mall. Imagine a bustling hotspot where dining takes up half the territory, supermarkets claim a quarter, and retail merchandise merely occupies around 10 to 15 percent. That's the vision for the rejuvenated Scitech More.

For those curious about the foodie focus, Scitech More's General Manager, Monica, provides some clarity. She explains: "Our location on Jianwai Street is distinctive – we're enveloped by office buildings with scarce commercial space nearby. Moreover, it's a popular spot for diplomatic departments and expats. Our grand strategy is to create a culinary paradise that resonates with the lifestyle of this community. Scitech More is on track to become the preferred spot for Jianguomenwai office workers in search of dining and social experiences."

Embracing the trendy "caffeine by daylight, cocktails by moonlight" lifestyle, Scitech More is set to become a popular haunt for caffeine enthusiasts and night owls alike. It will house renowned brands such as Starbucks, Joy Tea, and Grid Coffee to cater to the public's daily beverage cravings, while whiskey connoisseurs can find their haven at Mr. Alba once the sun sets.

As Scitech More nears maximum occupancy, with 96 percent of its space already filled, gourmands can look forward to a culinary journey. BON BOEUF, a French steakhouse managed by the renowned Black Pearl restaurant group, is poised to welcome guests. Laojitang, a four-time Michelin Star award recipient, will delight lovers of Shanghai-style food and wine. Not to be outdone, Blossom Vegetarian, a Michelin-starred spot, is readying a new and improved outlet on the mall's ground floor. Lastly, Casa Lola, an innovative South American fusion restaurant steered by Michelin chef Agustin Balbi, is a must-visit.

As the anticipation builds, Scitech More has planned a series of exciting events leading up to the grand reopening, one of which is a Michelin-themed food market, set to whet appetites from Nov 17 to 19. Visitors can expect an array of culinary delights such as crispy fried treats, eggs infused with ginger juice and walnuts, and red wine-braised oxtail tips.

Monica, representing Scitech More, explains the ethos behind this activity: "The Michelin-themed food market is all about accessibility. We want to debunk the myth that Michelin equates to unaffordability. We've collaborated with 17 nearby Michelin-caliber restaurants to offer gourmet takeaway at reasonable prices. Our goal is to ensure that when patrons hear 'Michelin' they think 'exceptional culinary experience' rather than 'expensive.'"

Scitech More
No. 22, Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang district
朝阳区建国门外大街22号
 

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Images: Courtesy of Scitech More