2007 Nov 26 The Calm After the Storm: Luga's and Saddle
Kris, the kingmaker behind Rickshaw, Cox, and Saddle gave a solid vote of no confidence in the Tongli Studio area a few weeks ago, begging off the Saddle space because of the high rent. A brand-new, brain-bashingly innovative new establishment has sprung up in its place.
New owner: A former collaborator and barman for the Rickshaw boys, the diminutive and irrepressible Luga has taken flak for what some consider underhanded dealings with his old bosses.
What’s changed: See above. A patron swashed a “mural” on the walls. Luga bought a new flatscreen. Food is the same. Site is the same. Drinks are the same. Prices are the same.
Why you care: Luga, taking a note from Harry Truman, is pursuing a policy of containment – he has checked the infective spread of the Pure Girls, ending speculation that a fifth establishment would take over the space.
Luga says [paraphrased]: “I worked hard for this brand. I brought customers in. I consider that I do have some ownership of the brand. But Kris is pretty mad. Boom!”
Kris says: "What the [expletive]? You were negotiating with the landlord at the same time I was? You are going to steal our menu? You poached my people? … A lot of people have been asking me what we have in store for the new Saddle … We have a space located which is absolutely AWESOME and just a Taco throw from the old place. The new one is a two floor space with a 200sqm balcony.”
Verdict: A few weeks after the fireworks and despite a proposed boycott by the Rickshaw regulars, Luga’s usually has a handful of people on any given night (although business can hardly be said to be rocketing). A formal comparative survey commissioned by the august offices of that’s Beijing (with a sample size of one managing editor) has revealed that Rickshaw burritos lacked the structural integrity of Luga’s.
Luga’s Place. Daily 10am-late. Sanlitun Houjie (opposite Tongli Studio), Chaoyang District (6416 5154) 朝阳区三里屯后街同里对面
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