excellent for what it is

I'm not gonna debate the authenticity of the place or compare them to those guys next door. none of my business! That said, I went there yesterday for dinner and was pleasantly impressed by the food, the staff and the prices.

We arrived there a bit late, past 9:00 pm for a late dinner when there were maybe 3 other tables on the floor. we were promptly greeted, seated and given menus.

I liked the extensive selection of wines and who could argue with the prices? They might not be the best ones in the world but a good 10 bottles under 150RMB with some of them under 100 even. Winner! The menu was clear (albeit a few spelling mistakes) and well organized... exactly what i like!

We ordered a Melanzane, smoked goat cheese with mushroom sauce, fondue, pizza and cannelloni along with a bottle of wine.. total came to about 340 which is more than reasonable in my book.

The Melanzane was standard, nothing to write home about. The smoked goat cheese not to my taste. The fondue rocked, especially at a wallet-friendly 38rmb. The Cannelloni lacked a bit of salt but otherwise alright and the pizza had one of the better crusts I've tasted in Beijing.

Left very satisfied and looking forward to my next visit.. It might not be fine dining but it's great value and very much non-pretentious... me likey..