A taste of the stars at Beijing’s celebrity restaurants

During the Olympics it was impossible to miss the hordes of athletes and a-listers invading our favorite restaurants and watering holes (USA basketball team at The Beach, Norwegian royalty at LAN, Michael Phelps … everywhere). Seeing how much these celebrities enjoyed our preferred establishments, we thought we’d turn the tables and try out theirs. The question: Do celebrity restaurants embody their stars?

Our first stop was to Shan Zhai (6595-1199), China’s first and only organic restaurant owned by Zhang Ziyi. While the goddess of the silver screen is known for her piercing gaze in Memoirs of a Geisha, Shan Zhai left us with a less-than-striking impression. The initial hint that Shan Zhai was not as classy as its owner was its proximity to the less-than-reputable Bus Bar. While the Japanese fare was tasty and varied, the grungy stairwell and the ill-thought out interior décor left something to be desired. Verdict: Calorie counts and yummy organic dishes equal Hollywood darling, while strange wooden spheres hanging from the ceiling and a mismatched color scheme suggest a much-needed Hollywood makeover.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from Shan Zhai’s visual hodgepodge is the minimalist Qu Nar (6508-1597). Serving classic Zhejiang fare from China’s arguably most well-known contemporary artist Ai Wei Wei, Qu Nar is nothing if not sleek and stylish. White walls and concrete floors fittingly evoke a 798 feel, which the chic clientele only complement. Verdict: Whether it’s life reflecting art or vice versa, Qu Nar is a fitting extension of Ai Wei Wei’s public persona.

Of course, it’s impossible to discuss celebrities in Beijing without mentioning our favorite actor/stuntman/singer … barista? Seeing as Jackie Chan will soon have his own museum in Shanghai, is it really a surprise that he’s already the purveyor of a humble cup of coffee? Jackie Chan’s Café (135-0129-2604) is the place to get your caffeine fix in the university district and Jackie Chan paraphernalia. In line with the Dragon Master’s bighearted image, a portion of revenue aids charity schools. Verdict: pictures of the grinning kung fu master all over the walls are a bit cheesy, but that’s kind of how we feel about the man himself.

While it’s improbable that eating at our celeb’s establishments will give you the looks of Zhang Ziyi, the aesthetics of Ai Wei Wei, or the ass-kicking awesomeness of Mr. Chan himself, they’re worth checking out if you’re seeking some star-studded snacks.

Emma Starks