Satisfy Your Wine Cravings at Agricultural Exhibition Center's Bacchus Bistro & Bar
Like a dark theatre deliberately devoid of distractions to allow the talent on stage to shine, Bacchus Bistro & Bar's (which is named after Bacchus, the fun-loving Roman god of wine and ecstasy) has a deep dark ambiance that invites you to focus all your attention on their elegant European wares. The Agricultural Exhibition Centre neighboring restaurant only has a half dozen tables and its walls are midnight dark, while much of the rest of the decor is equally understated.
The bar is the only exception, and like a moth to the flame, its glowing golden lighting will lure you in, drawing you closer to enjoy not only with their well balanced and reasonably priced negroni and Manhattan (both RMB 90), but also their wide range of wines. From reasonably priced, and highly drinkable entry levels like Australian Yalumba Viognier (RMB 298), to mid-range Muga Rioja Blanco (RMB 368) to far higher-end French Les Pagodes de Cos Saint Estephe (RMB 1199), the wine roster here makes Bacchus a strong new entry in Beijing’s small but steadily improving wine bar scene (see Tchin Tchin and Pino for other prime recent examples).
The colorful food also pops on your plate, in stark contrast to the minimalist backdrop of the dining area. Highlights include crispy, feather-light pizzas that are reasonably priced at RMB 70-90 and are served in narrow, elongated ovals as opposed to typical perfectly rounded pies. Our salami topped pizza (RMB 80) was salty and flavourful without being overly hefty, amounting to a fine summer dish.
We also enjoyed our hunks of genuine Iberico ham (RMB 118 for a small plateful, RMB 188 for a large), carved from a leg imported from Spain, with their iconic rich flavor. Best of all, however, was a hearty roast chicken leg (a reasonable RMB 77) with scorched skin that snaps and crackles across your palate, and juicy tender meat: a perfect, delicious contrast in textures and flavors.
The menu also features seafood salads (RMB 50-65), a handful of cold cuts and sausage platters (RMB 65-80), karaage chicken (RMB 67), wagyu hamburger steak (RMB 218), scampi (RMB 137) and more. With these satisfying European dishes, the stylish ambiance and, above all, the range of reds and whites from around the world, this Agricultural Exhibition Centre newbie makes a very nice change of pace for foodies who are craving an elegant new spot in the ever more beer and burger-centric Beijing.
Bacchus Bistro & Wine
Tue-Sun, 5pm-1am. 12 Dong Sanhuan Beilu (South of Main Gate of the Agricultural Exhibition Center) Chaoyang District (158 1055 4065).
朝阳区东三环北路12号农业展览馆正门南部
READ: The Nina Crew Brings Cozy Down-to-Earth Wine Bar Pinó to the Hutongs
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Photos: Courtesy of Bacchus Bistro and Wine
