Susan's Brings Simple but Authentic Italian Food to Shuangjing
Tucked in the back of Shuangjing's Dongbo Street, just past mainstays The Brick and Lily's American Diner, is a new café and restaurant that has humble but unique aspirations for the neighborhood: Susan's Bar.
Wisely – given the ongoing effects that the coronavirus is wreaking on Beijing's F&B scene – proprietor and manager Susan Su has rented a preexisting bar space, coopting it by day to create a succinct menu of hearty Italian favorites.Owner Su fell in love with Italian food after a recent trip
The food is by far the main draw and was inspired by a recent trip Su took to Italy, where she devoured as much foccacia, lasagna, caprese salad, and pasta that the country's notoriously proud cuocos could throw at her. All of these items are reproduced here in mouthwateringly authentic variations using 100 percent Italian-imported ingredients. Likewise, Su commissioned an Italian chef to oversee the menu and recipes.
At RMB 58, you can't go wrong with the focaccia sandwiches, using excellent in-house made bread
The housemade focaccia sandwiches (RMB 58) – stuffed with either grilled chicken, roast beef, salami, or smoked salmon – are a particular standout. The bread's edges are rendered brown and crunchy from the baking pan while the middle remains airy and light. Pickles, tomato, and rocket, as well as a slathering of olive oil, pesto, and a slab of melted gouda cheese make each mouthful worth savoring.
The lasagna is layered with fresh pasta and a beautifully seasoned tomato sauce
The lasagna (RMB 68) is equally as filling, thanks to layer upon layer of fresh pasta, bolognese, cheese sauce, and a piquant tomato sauce, all topped off with basil pesto and grated parmesan.
The drinks menu is rounded out with a range of Laiba cocktails
You're unlikely to find better value for money Italian food in Beijing
Overall, Susan's staff are warm and inviting, and what the design may lack in rustic Italian charm, it more than makes up for with a solid menu encompassing some of the best value-for-money Italian food throughout Beijing. With any luck, neighborhood restrictions will ease up soon and diners will be able to break in the front-facing terrace in proper aperitivo fashion.
Susan's Bar
Tue-Sun, midday-7pm. 1/F, 0104, Courtyard 3, 9 Dongbo Street, Chaoyang District (185 1195 1747)
朝阳区东柏街9号院3号楼0104底商
This article is paid for by Susan's Bar.
Photos: Uni You
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