Red Tree: French Food Makes Its Mark in Shuangjing

With white, elegant tables, comfortable sofas and shiny chandeliers, Red Tree is the perfect place either to have an intimate meal with a partner or to drink a glass of wine with friends. The restaurant combines an airy, nouveau-French style with a varied menu that includes omelettes, sandwiches, salads, pasta and fish or meat main courses.

I was in the mood for a down-home French specialty, so I went for the classic quiche (RMB 48). The tiny, golden brown pie filled with ham, bacon and parmesan cheese was pleasantly pungent and, despite its modest dimensions, filled me up quite quickly – a satisfying if brief experience. I wish I’d had enough space to try one of the omelettes too, but the prospect of tasting several French desserts created by a Cordon Bleu chef absorbed my attention towards the end of the meal.

The lemon tart meringue (RMB 32) was a visual feast of colors and shapes, involving sliced fruit, little pink meringues and caramelized lemon peels. I was smiling long before I even tasted the crunchy tartlet with its fresh lemon cream. Sometimes appearances – especially overly done-up ones – can be deceiving, but here this is not the case. Drop your guard and enjoy food which is as much a joy for the eyes as a pleasure for the palate.

Also try: Le Petit Gourmand, Café de la Poste

Red Tree Daily 8am-2am. 37 Baiziwan Lu (opposite Jingliang Dasha), Pingod, Chaoyang District (133 5295 1003) 朝阳区平果社区百子湾路37号（北京京粮大厦对面）

By Subway: 900m north of Shuangjing station (Line 10)

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Photo: Annachiara Biondi