The Wizard of Oz: Gabriel Polias on Aussie Brews at Tangla
Food and Beverage Director Gabriel Polias has big plans for Tangla Beijing’s restaurant and entertainment venues. He tells Agenda what to expect.
Where are you from originally? How does your background influence what you bring to your work?
My parents were born in Greece, but I am originally from Sydney, Australia and have been in Beijing for nine months now. Generally speaking, Australians are forward thinkers and we like to plan ahead. In relation to Tangla Beijing, I was part of the pre-opening team so these characteristics ensured that F&B was ready in time for opening day! Also, we like to drink beer so I’ve created some cool beer promotions.
Where else have you worked, and what brought you to Beijing?
I had been working for Marriott International for nine years, but most recently I was at the Radisson Xing Guo in Shanghai for two years. I took on this role in Beijing because the Tangla Beijing is the new five star flagship property for the HNA Group. The challenge for me was to help launch a new brand and at the same time, open a luxury hotel in the heart of Beijing. These chances don’t come along very often so I am fortunate to be part of this milestone for the HNA Group.
What is unique about the Tangla Beijing property?
The Tangla Beijing is all about peace, harmony and rejuvenation, which we express through a focus on the finer details of our hotel. From the incense aroma menu in the room to the flower that is hand-delivered to all guests who order In Room Dining, we have tried to ensure that guests feel relaxed. Our motto is “Tangla Beijing – where your spirit is at ease.”
What can we expect from Tangla Beijing’s F&B venues?
Well, we have nine outlets in the hotel. We have our buffet restaurant, Café d’Or, our Chinese restaurant, Tang Place, a Japanese restaurant (Taiko) and our Australian bar and restaurant, The Astral. All outlets have unique features, from our Grand Sunday brunch in Café d’Or to our Australian delicacies in the Astral such as emu, crocodile and kangaroo. For breakfast we offer our “Energy Breakfast” concept, which allows the guests to see what the main ingredients in all the dishes consist of. We color code all food labels to indicate whether that particular dish is high in calcium, protein, fiber and calories. It’s a great way to start the day. With our wedding packages, we offer the honeymoon for free for all our price levels. I don’t know of another hotel that offers that.
What was the inspiration behind focusing on Australian cuisine in The Astral Restaurant? Why Australian?
If you look around Beijing, there are no restaurants that focus solely on providing Australian dishes and using Australian produce. On our menu, the main ingredient of the dish is imported from Australia. As I mentioned we also offer more unique cuts of meat such as Australia’s indigenous animals. At this point in time, we are the only venue in town to offer emu, kangaroo and crocodile all on the same menu.
If this is not what you’re after then of course we offer Aussie classics such as fish and chips, lamingtons and good Angus steaks and seafood. As I am Australian, I wanted to add a touch of my heritage to Tangla Beijing. I look forward to throwing real Australian BBQs on our patio come summertime.
Are animals such as emu, crocodile and kangaroo sustainable to eat? Is crocodile meat farmed?
Of course they are. I’ve been asked this question before, and I feel it’s my duty to educate the Chinese people about these ingredients. Back home we don’t eat this type of produce everyday but we do eat it on certain occasions. It also depends on what part of Australia you are from. If you’re from Darwin, then crocodile burgers are popular, but in Sydney, not so much. Kangaroo is eaten all over the country and yes, the crocodile meat we use is farmed in northern Australia, sent directly to China, and definitely keeps well during the travelling process.
Which Australian beers are you offering for your Australian beer specials?
We are currently offering five Aussie beers – Pure Blonde, Cascade Premium, Crown Lager, James Boag and the infamous Victoria Bitter (VB).
As a promotion in The Astral, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night I’m offering a free flow special on all Australian beer for just 100 RMB. I think this is great value – coupled with the fact that you can enjoy all these beers while listening to our live band, Peppermint, 6 nights a week. The band starts after dinner in our bar area. I really think that the west of Beijing now has someplace cool to hang out.
What makes Astral’s “Longest Island Iced Tea” longer than the others?
We serve it in a fishbowl. We offer five fishbowl creations in The Astral and I think it’s a fun way to share a drink with your partner or friends. You can also choose from The Big Apple, Red Bomb, Australian Summer or The Ultimate White Sangria.
What are some of your favorite things about Beijing? Any favorite Beijing activities or haunts?
I personally love Beijing and what the city has to offer. Dare I say that Beijing has more to offer than Shanghai. On the rare occasions that my wife and I get to head out, we like to visit places with atmosphere. For some fellow Australian companionship I like to visit the Den first and then head over to Hatsune so I can satisfy my love of Japanese food. I’m also known to visit the Saddle Cantina during the warmer months and just recently I’ve stumbled on Apothecary. The food there is quite unique and different from what I’m used to.
Apothecary Tue-Sun 6pm-late. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang District. (5208 6040) 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那里花园3层
The Den Daily 24hrs. 4 Gongti Donglu (next to City Hotel’s main entrance), Chaoyang District. (6592 6290) 朝阳区工体东路4号城市宾馆正门旁边
Saddle Cantina Daily 11am-late. West wing, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu (south of 3.3 Shopping Center), Chaoyang District. (5208 6005) 朝阳区三里屯北路81号北京那里花园内西侧二层小楼
