Beijing hotel opens gourmet burger bar

A funky new sister venue to legendary Los Angeles burger & wine bar 25 Degrees has opened at the Hotel G Beijing - the capital’s latest designer boutique hotel.

Named after the precise temperature difference between a raw and well done hamburger, 25 Degrees introduces a sophisticated new twist on the traditional American burger bar concept – complete with funky music and cool “bordello meets burger bar” décor.

Complementing the fun vibe is an extensive wine list including good-value vintages available by the half-bottle.

Rather than familiar fast-food burgers, diners discover tender and juicy variations of prime ground sirloin steak and fresh free range chicken – grilled according to personal preference with a choice of gourmet cheeses and toppings.

Leading directly off the hotel lobby, the striking venue is playfully designed in the same quirky style as its upscale namesake at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, renowned amongst Tinseltown’s smart set for the ‘best burgers in Los Angeles’.

Plush designer interiors feature a long red, Murano glass-tiled bar, oversized leather winged-chairs, Tom Dixon-designed copper lighting, a silver gypsum ceiling and red floral print on satin wallpaper.

“25 Degrees truly adds to the hip and lively ‘arrival experience’ at Hotel G - some guests may not know what to do first when entering the hotel lobby, check-in or order a cocktail!” said General Manager, Nikolaus Ellrodt. “It has a relaxed but sophisticated vibe where jeans and T-shirts blend with gourmet burgers, an impressive wine and champagne list, and funky music.”

An integral part of the unique experience is choosing from ten unique artisan cheese toppings, from brie, goat cheese and cheddar to emmental, gorgonzola, mozzarella and Point Reyes blue.

Eleven additional topping choices for personalised ‘dream burgers’ include sautéed mushrooms, sauerkraut, jalapeno pepper, fried egg, sun dried tomato, green chili, bacon and Parma ham.

Completing the simple but sophisticated dining experience, a dozen signature dipping sauces including Dijon mustard, garlic aioli, lemon dill, garlic parmesan, tarragon remoulade, chipotle and BBQ, are complemented by unusual Asian variations such as Hainan black pepper, Kung Pao spicy and sesame ginger. These Asian sauces have been jointly created by the chefs in Los Angeles and Beijing, and will launch simultaneously on both sides of the Pacific.

Along with great burgers are, of course, great fries, cooked to crispy perfection and drizzled with truffle oil or seasoned with sea salt and thyme.

The extensive wine list highlights many handpicked New and Old World vintages, plus a range of champagne and sparkling wine, with many available as half-bottles (375ml) and jugs, which are exceptional value and rare in Beijing.

Serving 2–3 glasses rather than 4-5, half-bottles are designed to entice new wine enthusiasts, solo diners or adventurous groups looking to sample several different wines.

In addition to the classic American drinks such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry milkshakes, whipped root beer, classic sodas, beer on tap, house specials are “G’s martini” and “Guinness milkshake”!

Music is hip and funky, from American hits from the 70s and 80s to latest house mixes, along with visiting DJs at weekends.

In true LA style, service is casual, friendly and fun, with waiters in T-shirts and jeans, leather aprons and ‘Doc Martin’s’ style combat boots.

Hotel G is operating 25 Degrees as a franchise of its LA counterpart, which is owned and operated by Tim and Liza Goodell of Domaine Restaurants, noted owners and creators of some of Southern California’s hottest dining destinations.

Apart from 25 Degrees, other landmark restaurants include Dakota, a classic steakhouse with a modern twist; French Californian bistro Troquet, South Coast Plaza’s finest luxury dining destination; and Red Pearl Kitchen in Hollywood, a downtown take on Southeast Asian cuisine and cocktails.

The 25 Degrees concept is also extending to Newport Beach California and Scottsdale Arizona.

Hotel G Beijing

Inspired by the retro chic of the 1960’s, the newly opened Hotel G Beijing is targeting a niche market of design-conscious, sophisticated young professionals, entrepreneurs, celebrities and socialites.

The 110-room hotel in Gong Ti Xi Lu neighbours a host of popular eateries and nightspots.

Hotel G Beijing features three exciting, distinctive dining & entertainment venues which have been designed to attract the capital’s ‘social set’.

The first of an exclusive boutique hotel brand launched by Hong Kong-based real estate private equity management firm Gaw Capital, Hotel G is the flagship for a planned boutique hotel chain across China and Asia.

Gaw Capital is headed by real estate entrepreneur Goodwin Gaw, renowned for the recent US$24 million restoration of the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. His company also owns a portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts in North America and Asia.

For more information and reservations log on to Hotel-G.com.