2009 Jun 12 Loong, Good Fridays
Gary Li is bar manager of the JW Marriott’s slick Loong Bar. Loong is just over one year old, but Li has been around Beijing bars for over a decade, including stints at Block 8 and Centro. We asked this veteran for his nightlife tips and found out where he likes to stop off of an evening.
How did you end up in Beijing?
I was born here.
Where are your favorite places to grab a beer, a glass of wine or wine, and for relaxing?
Being a Beijinger, I find I enjoy beers most when I sit outside and have some yangrou chuan’r (lamb skewers). I enjoy going out to find and experience new bars and clubs, not just for drinks or relaxing, but more importantly to keep myself inspired.
What about for dinner and drinks?
If I go for Chinese food, I like to go for hotpot at Ding Ding Xiang. If I choose Western food I like to have steak at (JW Marriott’s) CRU Steakhouse. Not only does CRU provide the finest meat and fresh seafood, to me the more important point is that they have a wide range of wine, most of which are types I like.
And for a late night, where do you go?
Being a bar manager, I work late almost everyday, but when I do have time, I force myself to go to bars known for different elements, just so that I can keep my mind open. I believe an open mind is what it takes to stand out among your competitors.
What nightlife tips would you offer to readers who are new to Beijing?
Beijing is changing very fast, everyday is different, and that’s what makes it so exciting and awesome. You can find something new everyday, so try to check out new places and then go back to the old ones – you’ll find even the old ones are not the same when you go back again, which means you always have a new experience. Of course, they should also check out our Absolut Parties on Friday and Casino Night on Saturdays at Loong Bar. In Loong Bar, everyday is different.
How would you create the perfect Beijing bar?
Great cocktails made by inspired professional bartenders, beautiful music (sometimes bands, sometimes DJs) and very attentive service.
And who would be your ideal drinking buddy?
All my regulars, who I’ve known since my time in Centro, are my favorite drinking buddies, because we share a passion for good drinks.
If a few friends of yours were in Beijing for one night only, where would you take them?
I would take them to Loong Bar for sure, but if I had to choose somewhere else, I would say Bling – especially if they have some nice dancers from LA!
If Beijing was a drink, it would be …
A Long Island Ice Tea. Very strong but rich in its ingredients and good taste.
Finally, describe Beijing nightlife in three words.
Exciting, diverse, and innovative.
Ding Ding Xiang
1) Daily 11.30am-11pm. 1/F, 14 Dongzhong Jie, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng District. (6417 2546); 2) Daily 11am-10pm. 6/F, Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (6530 5997/7172)
鼎鼎香, 1) 东城区东直门外东中街14号1层; 2) 朝阳区建国路87号新光天地6楼D6006号
CRU Steakhouse
Daily 11.30am-2pm, 6-10pm. 2/F, JW Marriott Hotel, 83 Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang District. (5908 8530)
朝阳区建国路83号JW万豪酒店2层
Centro
Daily 24hrs. 1/F, Shangri-La's Kerry Centre Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6561 8833, ask for Centro)
炫酷, 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心饭店1层
Bling
Wed-Sat 9pm-late. Solana 5-1, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5905 6999) www.all-starclub.com
朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区 5-1
Loong Bar
Daily 5.30pm-2am. 2/F, JW Marriott Hotel, 83 Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang District. (5908 8906)
龙吧, 朝阳区华贸中心建国路83号
Interview by Iain Shaw
Taken from the June 4th - June 17th edition of agenda, out around town now. To find out where to grab a copy, send an email to distribution@agendabeijing.com
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drjoeb
Re: Loong, Good Fridays
Hogwash. I stayed at JW Marriott just not 2 months ago. Yes it's a fine hotel. I decided to go to the Loong bar one night. Here's my experience: Had 3 single malt scotches, friend had 2. All was fine, as how can you screw up pouring a glass of scotch. After drinks I was eating the peanuts, and for some reason I really felt like having a Margarita. I asked the bar tender if she knew how to make one. She replied she did. I finally get my Margarita, sure looked like one: one taste and it was over; the worst Margarita I ever had. Had no Tequila in it. It was made with Vodka. Needless to say the bar tender was clueless, back to Scotch. Also be forewarned, the Loong Bar is Loong on expense. My 5 ~ 6 drinks was over a 100.00 dollars USD. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed, not with the big bill (good Scotch cost money and the place was nice enough) but for a bar tender not to even know a Margarita has Tequila in it and not Vodka is pretty sad.