World-class establishment

Reviewed by cboidy on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 17:27
cboidy's picture cboidy
cboidy
Joined: Apr 21, 2016
Posts: 6
Review of TRB Hutong
5

I was talking with my neighbor about fine dining in Beijing and he was like "Lol fine dining here sucks"

But he's wrong, because TRB does not suck. TRB deserves to be on the world's radar. That it was snubbed in the first Beijing Michelin guide astounds me.

The ambience, the service, the food, the wine pairings, the presentation, the furnishings, the decor, the location, literally everything about this place was outstanding.

Moreover, despite the price point, despite it being "fine dining", it is not stuffy. And I think that deserves a LOT of credit, because if I'm shelling out thousands of kuai on a dinner for two, I want to enjoy it. TRB delivers flawlessly. I'm not sure how to describe it exactly, but to give you a couple of reference points-

- Dinner by Hester Blumenthal in London? A bit stuffy.

- Alinea in Chicago? Not stuffy.

- TRB? Not stuffy.

We ate our food, we chatted, we laughed, we might've had too much wine - we were relaxed the whole time, and we were able to truly appreciate the stellar meal prepared for us that evening. I have nothing to complain about, not at all. It was every bit up there with the best of the best that I've tried, whether on a "top x" list or just in general.

I'm excited to go back.

Comments

cboidy's picture cboidy Submitted by Guest on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 20:03

In my case I just happened to be procrastinating on some housework and thought I'd write a couple reviews of places I liked. I suppose if I write one on The Georg now you're going to show up and call it fake too? Come on man.

Best regards,

Christopher

tomarnstein's picture tomarnstein Submitted by Guest on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 10:46

I wouldn't worry too much about Max - they're the self-appointed review moderator with all of the knee-jerk reaction but none of the authority. God forbid he/she/it writes a review and adds to the conversation.

Completely agree with you about TRB, especially the unstuffiness - their staff (inside and outside of the kitchen) are incredible at what they do and have a knack for putting you at ease... and plying you with wine.

Managing Editor, the Beijinger

wjh's picture wjh Submitted by Guest on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 01:04

@cboidy, thanks for getting around to posting your thoughtful reviews. I saw Alinea on Chef's Table and was astounded—yes, astounded, I say. Despite its lofty inentions it seems thoroughly for the people.

@Max Renn, please: 1) see the colloquial definition for insanity, 2) find a new hobby.

@Giovanni Martini, I find your use of the English language unoriginal and uninspired. When I start reading your thoughts, all I want to do is stop. It's as if your tired soul gets in the way of all the letters.

Validate your mobile phone number to post comments.