Char at Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido

Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido has several exciting changes coming up – but we’re most excited for the opening of its new steakhouse restaurant, Char. Perhaps you’re familiar with Shanghai’s Char, on the Bund. Well, we can confirm that the two establishments are indeed related – and Beijing’s branch is opening shortly.

We got a special look behind the scenes, and then we sat down with Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido’s Executive Chef Stephane Laurens to talk cuisine and the challenges of managing food services for a large hotel.

—How long have you been with Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido?

For two months. Before that, I was working in Brasserie FLO for two years. It's been three years since I came to Beijing.

—What have you learned during your time working with hotels?

Working in a restaurant and working in a hotel are very different. In a hotel, you have more people. But why not try? It’s a challenge. It’s very interesting.

—What changes will your leadership bring to the food at Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido?

First I’m starting with new suppliers, because for cooking you need to have very good products. I hope I can bring in a new supplier with a really high quality.

—Do you have a personal philosophy when it comes to cooking?

To be simple, all while being original. The most difficult thing for a chef to do is to make something simple. I think that when you cook something like beef or seafood, you really have to focus on doing it well, then present it in a beautiful, simple way. You have to work with tastes as well. All the condiments – salt, pepper, fresh herbs – you have to make sure they have the proper flavor.

—What can we expect when dining at Char?

There will be interesting layout – a design that incorporates private rooms and a dining room. But most importantly, we want to deliver a great experience to our family and friends at the tables by impressing them with our creations. Dining in Char Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido should be sensory overload – from all the top-quality meats, seafood and fine wines.

Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路6号 (6437 3388)