AM774 . Bruce in Beijing

Dining while overlooking the Forbidden City's East Gate

2015-09-08 15:11:58

East Gate of Forbidden City from the restaurant

Great dining experience (Randy Lee Svendsen)

Ignace at TRB 'Bites'

Old Beijing scene outside the restaurant

Palace Moat looking towards TRB 'Bites'

Warm breads to accompany dinner (Randy Lee Svendsen)

 


Imagine dining while enjoying a stunning view of the East Gate of the Forbidden City. David Beckham and his wife Victoria certainly appreciated that experience during their visits to Beijing.

Handel Lee, famed for Shanghai's 'Three on the Bund' and the restoration of the former U.S. Legation at Qianmen spotted the potential of the location at Donghuamen several years ago. A two-floor corner building looking directly across the Palace Moat to the East Gate was restored by Handel into a top-end restaurant  Until recently 'The Courtyard' was run by Irish celebrity chef Brian McKenna. The space is now in the hands of one of Beijing's best known restaurateurs, Ignace Lecleir. Ignace is highly regarded for TRB(Temple Restaurant Beijing) and COPPER.  'TRB Bites' offers a more affordable, more casual dining experience within this unique location.Bruce talked with Ignace from the very seats supposedly favoured by the Beckhams! 
 
Despite being in the very centre of Beijing the area is very peaceful with an almost timeless feel to nearby streets and alleys. There is no passing vehicle traffic and in the evenings locals regularly dance in front of the Gate while people fish from the Palace Moat.

Ignace talks of his personal hopes for this new venture and also of experiences gained working within the fast moving Beijing dining scene. This latest project is quite different to what he has created, for example at TRB and he speaks of the challenges to be faced. However, his reputation amongst diners in Beijing is strong and that alone should help with the opening and future growth of 'TRB Bites'.