(Beijing weekend)
Updated: 2007-07-02 09:56

Thai seafood salad is a popular dish at Art Sphere.

Artistic types looking to linger over a meal or cup of coffee with a book in hand would be at home at Art Sphere. The restaurant at Asian Games Village is also a library and bookstore. Its owners are artists and publishers, who intended this to be a place where art-loving people can sit down for an undisturbed conversation.

The fact Art Sphere is in the same yard of Yanhuang Art Museum is a plus. The ambience is lovely, with plenty of trees and plants in the yard. The restaurant has a good outdoor section with tables and umbrellas, making it an enjoyable spot for warm evenings and cool afternoons.

There are three small sections with books at the restaurant. Most books are art-themed, featuring painting, calligraphy, and design. There is a special section of English books, most other books are in Chinese. All have plenty of pictures and drawings.

All the books can be both bought and read. Some examples are, Complete Collection of the World's Top 50 Artists, which comes in 50 books, one about each artist, and Complete works of Chinese Famous Paintings and Calligraphy, consisting of modern and ancient Chinese artists. But other books on Chinese folk art make for easier reading and browsing.

The food is a fusion of world cuisines. There are Italian, French, Spanish, Australian, American and Russian classic dishes. A small section of the menu also lists a few Thai, Japanese and Chinese choices. The dishes are beautifully presented, light and healthy.

Apart from round tables and chairs at the entrance, other parts of the restaurant are furnished with square tables and comfortable sofas. It is quiet, spacious and relaxing to sit back on one of those, browse a book of art, or have a private conversation with a friend.

There is a special BBQ menu for the outdoor area. The restaurant has an extensive drinks menu, which features cocktails, wine, liquor and beer, as well as coffee, tea and snacks.

Average spending is 100 yuan. Menu is in both Chinese and English. Parking is easy inside the yard.

Recommended dishes are French-style baked whole trout, Australian lamb chops,Zuercher veal, beef rib-eye steak, and Italian Pizza.

Opening time:9:30 am - midnight.
Adress:Inside the yard of Yanhuang Art Museum, 9 Huizhong Lu, Asian Games Village, Chaoyang District.
Tel: 010-6497-9331.