Bleu Marine Celebrates 25 Years of Hospitality on Jul 18
In the metropolis of Beijing, brimming with eateries, one particular establishment has captured my heart and keeps drawing me back: Bleu Marine. This restaurant exudes a homey vibe, turning it into a sanctuary where I can unwind and engage in heartfelt conversations with owners Celine and Torben – all while relishing their homemade liquors.
Bleu Marine, one of Beijing's oldest Western establishments, is steeped in nostalgia. Maintained by the same owners for nearly a quarter of a century, the restaurant's 25th anniversary is on the horizon, and the Jul 18 occasion promises to be memorable.
The longevity of the staff members at Bleu Marine is impressive, and the owners still vividly remember when one of their staff members first joined the team. “He was merely a kid when he first walked through the doors of Bleu Marine, and I've observed his journey through marriage and parenthood over the years," Celine recalls fondly.
Reflecting on their past, Celine and Torben weren't always sure that Bleu Marine would become one of Beijing's long-standing eateries. During their darkest hours, business was struggling. But the support of loyal readers of the Beijinger, drawn by the tales of Celine and Torben, proved to be their beacon of hope. As Torben put it, "It marked the first time in a significant while that we witnessed genuine customers coming into our establishment."
They have weathered some of the toughest storms in the past, and there's no denying that things are gradually getting better. During our recent conversation, I sensed an air of optimism as they reunited with old customers they hadn't seen in a long time. "Things are looking up, and we have to acknowledge that," they said.
It's a rarity to find a place like Bleu Marine in this fast-paced world where everything is constantly changing. Celine remembers a heartwarming incident when an old customer visited after years and was overwhelmed with emotions upon seeing that everything at Bleu Marine remained unchanged.
Bleu Marine is more than just a restaurant, it's a home away from home. You can always count on finding your favorite classic steak here, surrounded by the warm, rustic decor and the good old tunes of Michael Learns to Rock playing in the background. But it's the hospitality of Celine and Torben, their warmth and their welcoming gestures, that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time to visit an old friend.
As an expat himself, Torben is aware of the profound impact a simple act of recognition can have on someone's life. He shares: “In my effort to make each of our guests feel valued and remembered, I strive to recall every customer of Bleu Marine and their stories. Imagine the joy and surprise one might feel after journeying for hours to revisit Bleu Marine, to be greeted with a familiar smile and a recognition of their past visit. The significance of such a moment cannot be understated."
Note: Bleu Marine is celebrating a major milestone. On Jul 18, they will be commemorating their 25th anniversary, and to mark this occasion they are offering a whopping 25 percent discount on everything. If you're looking to relive fond memories of dining at this establishment, or simply want to savor their delectable steak, don't miss out on this special event. Drop by and say hello to the owners, Torben and Celine, who are always eager to make their guests feel welcome!
Bleu Marine 蓝色人鱼
SOHO Phase I East, 22 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区光华路22号光华路SOHO一期东侧
Hours: 11am-2pm, 5-10.30pm
Phone: 010-85958299
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Images: Courtesy of Celine and Torben
