New Place to Eat at The Bird's Nest - But Perhaps at a Price

 

(2010-06-23 23:31:20)

A 4,500-sq-m restaurant is expected to open at one of Beijing's national treasures, the Bird's Nest Olympic stadium, before the end of this month.

But no decision has yet been made as to whether the stadium's 50-yuan admission fee will be waived or reduced for diners, who are expected to spend at least 50 yuan per head there.

A restaurant staff member said the operators are still in discussion with the stadium as to whether diners will need entry tickets.

He said the restaurant will feature largely Chinese cuisine, with some foreign dishes available.

The restaurant, on the third floor of the stadium, will display Olympic memorabilia, including uniforms and props used at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Games.

The National Stadium Co Ltd said that to maintain a consistent theme, the restaurant's design and decoration work was carried out by the group that worked on the stadium.

The restaurant's dcor, in silver and white, combines Olympic, Bird's Nest, Beijing and traditional Chinese cultural elements. Its net-structured steel roof features a huge number of circle-shaped red crystal chandeliers to match the red inside stadium.

Aside from the display hall, the restaurant will feature two main dining areas.

Menu names would reflect Olympic themes and include such dishes as Five-Ring Assortment and Football Field.

The National Stadium Co Ltd said the restaurant is an important part of the post-Olympic business operation of the Bird's Nest.

Also on the cards are a hotel, cinema and live performances, all aimed at making the Bird's Nest more multifunctional.