La Belle Epoque

Introduction

Nestled away in a quiet corner of The MixC, Belle Epoque offers first-class French and brasserie-style fare. Seeking to create a focal point in Shenzhen for the appreciation of the finer things, like cuisine, wine and art, Mai Guangli set out to create her own vision of roaring 20’s Paris in Shenzhen, opening Belle Epoque in 2005.

Hiring renowned American architectural designer Peter Lynch to give form to her dreams, she was rewarded with a dining room as fit for business people as it is for “bon vivants”, complete with three massive wicker florets that blossom over the main floor, crimson-upholstered gold-trimmed booths and a zinc-topped bar that serves- up apertifs for the pre-dinner crowd.

Determined to make her restaurant one of Shenzhen’s very best, in mid- 2009 Ms. Mai hired up-and-coming French chef Frederic Quemin to take the reigns in her kitchen and create a menu the likes of which Shenzhen had never seen. Coming off stints throughout the Middle East, Asia and Australia, Quemin created two new menus, a haute-cuisine menu for dinner and a reasonably priced, brasserie style one for lunch.

Though trained from an early-age in classic French cuisine, Quemin’s experience in both the Near and Far East brought a host of new flavors, recipes and ingredients which he deftly incorporates into new renditions of familiar classics. And while the menu changes every three months, to give an idea of Quemin’s offerings, current dinner starters include Foie Gras prepared with ginger, mango and jasmine. For an entree, the Loin and Leg of Lamb with beetroot, fennel, blueberry and rosemary is a particular standout, as is the C od with watermelon, seaweed, sesame, green curry and coconut. And not to be missed, under any circumstances, are Quemin’s desserts.

For those looking to make lunch special, without breaking the bank, Belle Epoque’s two and three-course bistro lunch, for RMB128 and RMB 148 respectively, may be one of the best deals in town.If you’re looking to get to know the restaurant, afternoons see Belle Epoque thronged with Shenzheners, indulging in English-style high-tea, French-style table-side dessert service or one of their sandwich specials. Free wireless internet ensures that whether for work or play, guests stay connected.

By 7pm, Shenzhen’s happy hour crowd begins to swirl around the bar while house musicians take up their places on the piano and harp. In November 2009, Belle Epoque began to wade into China’s fledgling wine market with the sole China distribution of select organic wines with 120 varieties. Whether for a romantic dinner, a casual lunch between friends or for functions public or private, Belle Epoque provides top-notch fare and a choice, unique setting for your dining pleasure.

Getting There