Little Shop of Hors d'oeuvres: New French Deli at Lama Temple

Beijing's hutongs keep revealing new surprises. Chez Gérard is a Boucherie Francaise tucked away in an alley between the Confucius and Lama Temples. A joint venture by Christophe, the owner of Cafe de la Poste, and his Chinese butcher Steven (ex-Boucherie Michel), the tiny store sells an impressive range of viandes et fromages.

Prime cuts of beef, veal and lamb are available alongside seafood, chicken and saucisson sec (RMB 15/100g). A tall cheese fridge is crammed with everything from Roquefort ( RMB 44.5 / 100g) to Raclette (RMB 34 / 100g), and delivery is available over a 5km radius. Imported staples like Dijon mustard, wine, olives and dried pasta line the shelves, and a basket of freshly baked baguettes (RMB 6-8) turns up after 12:30pm each day.

Up to now, the cheese selection is about on a par with what you'll find in Jenny Lou's or April Gourmet, but owner Christophe claims that in two to three months he'll be bringing in artisanal, unpasteurized European cheeses - at a higher price, naturellment. Christophe also organizes a clandestine group of fellow Beijing curd nerds who convene once a month to scoff cheese and socialize. Dubbed La Fraternité du Fromage, the joining fee is RMB 200 and everyone stumps up for the cheese, which costs up to RMB 4,000 for a single session. Those interested can call Christophe on 137 1758 4141.

Daily 10am-10pm. 40 Jianchang Hutong, Dongcheng District. (010 6415 0118)