A Steak & Eggs Christmas Story

Apologies to all you non-Christmas types … but ‘tis the season for festive goodwill, in the sentimental, snow-capped world of me, at least. In Beijing for the holidays, I was figuring out where to have my turkey dinner with all the trimmings, but at every turn was thwarted by prices that would make Ebenezer Scrooge thwack a dusty ledger over Tiny Tim’s malnourished head. With more than a whiff of festive price fixing, RMB 280 was the going rate for turkey ‘n spuds at Blue Frog, The Stumble Inn, Flamme and The Filling Station. Enough to rob anyone of their festive cheer. Bah. KFC it is, and was.

A few days later, trudging, hands in pockets, past Ritan Park, thinking of better times and humming Galway Bay, I saw it. Hark! A kindly vision of Christmas, smiling down from on high. It was Paul (a photo of), crowning the top of the Paul’s Steak and Eggs sign on Xiushui Nanjie like a bespectacled star. Approaching it's otherworldly sheen I was met by a humble, touching scene (well, it was more like a poster) peppered in festive clipart circa Microsoft Office 95.

Roast turkey / honey glazed ham / Norway salmon, with all trimmings and pumpkin / apple pie / chocolate mocha cake … 100 RMB. (Kids under 8 69 RMB).December 24 & 5 and Jan 1

Oh, how cruel! My quest is complete but I am too late. As I turned to walk away, a kindly lady beckoned me inside. I recounted my search for an affordable Christmas Dinner, and she listened, nodding. “Well, we have some turkey leftovers; I can make you a turkey and bacon sandwich if you’d like.” Hark again! Despite the sun battling through the polluted sky like a single watt bulb behind a bed sheet, I felt the warmth of Christmas magic all over.

And boy, what a sandwich. Moist turkey (with skin), crispy bacon, salad in fresh-baked, toasted white bread. I’ve always had a soft spot for Paul’s - it's a bit of a Beijing throwback, but burgers and breakfasts are good quality and fairly priced. This, however, was more than I ever could wish for. Thanks Paul and co, for staying true to the spirit of Christmas. Peace on earth, and good food, good prices for all men.