Big Changes at The CourtYard Restaurant?

Celebrity Chef Rey Lim has hung up his apron at Beijing's famous The CourtYard restaurant, leaving just after Chinese New Year to pursue other projects. And here's a tasty rumor - we've hard that maestro chef and Boston native Dan Segall might be getting involved at the near-legendary restaurant beside the Forbidden City.

Established in 1997 by Handel Lee (one of the key figures behind The Legation Quarter complex), the CourtYard was once Beijing’s premier destination restaurant for movie stars, statesmen and other high rollers, winning several awards including being named one of the “50 most exciting restaurants in the world” by Conde Nast Traveler. In recent years the glow has faded somewhat as newer restaurants have taken up the mantle.

So perhaps this is where Dan Segall will come in - if anyone can bring the kitchen up to speed with Beijing's very best, it's him. The CourtYard is just a short hop from Domus, the newly reopened restaurant where Dan recently designed their new "bistro French" menu. Before that, Dan has had successful spells at Louisiana at The Hilton (now One East), before going on to the short-lived RBL, another of Handel Lee's fine dining exploits. Stay tuned for confirmation and more info early next week!