My Humble House (Dongfang Hanshe)
There's nothing humble about this restaurant: The big players have come to town. The Singapore-based Tung Lok group made a low-key entry into the Chinese market, opening their first restaurant in Chengdu, but by the time you arrive, they will have three outlets in Beijing, all serving different cuisine in impressive settings. Perched above Oriental Plaza, the dramatic light-filled atrium sports a slightly sickly bamboo forest on the north side, and a rippling pond to the south, in line withfengshuiprinciples. Staff is relaxed and confident, there is a vast amount of space between tables, and the background music complements the experience without becoming a distraction. The superb fare is a mixture of genuine fusion and Hunan-influenced seafood dishes. The menu changes constantly, but the juicy tenderloin Angus beef with black pepper is not to be missed. Those with a bottomless wallet may choose to order the abalone tuna. Priced at ¥ 3,000 ($375) -- seriously; this is not a typo -- this is one way to show off your wealth to your dining partner. If there are faults, it's the slim range of wine by the glass, and the inexperience of the bartenders, dumbfounded when asked for a dirty martini.
 | | | |
| Cuisine | Fusion | |
| | | |
| Hours | Daily 11am-3pm and 6-10:30pm | |
| | | |
| Address | Dong Chang'an Jie 1 | |
| | | |
| Location | West side of Oriental Plaza, podium level, Dongcheng (City Center) | |
| | | |
| Transportation | Metro: Wangfujing (118, exit A) | |
| | | |
| Phone | 010/8518-8811 | |
| | | |
| Prices | Main courses ¥38-¥375 ($5-$47) with one exception; see abalone reference in review | |
| | | |
| Credit Cards | AE, DC, MC, V | |