Xiu and Lan (Beijing)
Apr 17, 2011, 4:49 am
#16
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
My friends and I ended up hitting Xiu last night and it was quite good (fyi, my guanxi there is still strong enough to jump the line, so feel free to PM me if you're in town and fancy dropping by). I'd like to retract my negative statements about the new/old band. While they aren't in the same league as JTz (R Lounge band) and their members aren't as physically attractive as Maximum (Xiu's last band), they managed to pack that place (maybe 2,000 people) in spite of the fact that the outdoor patio --one of Xiu's main draws-- is still operating in winter mode (tented).
As much as I appreciate that fact that Xiu's detractors are bothered by the significant presence of old white guys hanging out with hot Chinese girls, it isn't especially difficult to ignore that set. Furthermore, networking opportunities abound.
From a business standpoint, their management is best in class; tell me one hotel bar (anywhere in the world) that is more successful. I initially doubted the wisdom of them sending Maximum home, but things seem to have worked out okay (new blood is good for the bottom line).
As much as I appreciate that fact that Xiu's detractors are bothered by the significant presence of old white guys hanging out with hot Chinese girls, it isn't especially difficult to ignore that set. Furthermore, networking opportunities abound.
From a business standpoint, their management is best in class; tell me one hotel bar (anywhere in the world) that is more successful. I initially doubted the wisdom of them sending Maximum home, but things seem to have worked out okay (new blood is good for the bottom line).
Apr 17, 2011, 9:41 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Beijing
Programs: SK EBG, BAEC Gold
Posts: 933
Slightly off-topic question. I headed over to the Eastside (Gongti area) last night from my cocoon in Haidian for the first time this year. I was a bit perplexed though that at 2.30am as I headed home it was almost as difficult to get a taxi as when it rains in Beijing, with groups of people waiting at every corner - and inbetween - along the main roads. Is this standard these days, or just an anomaly?
Apr 17, 2011, 9:59 am
#18
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Join Date: Dec 2000
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Slightly off-topic question. I headed over to the Eastside (Gongti area) last night from my cocoon in Haidian for the first time this year. I was a bit perplexed though that at 2.30am as I headed home it was almost as difficult to get a taxi as when it rains in Beijing, with groups of people waiting at every corner - and inbetween - along the main roads. Is this standard these days, or just an anomaly?
Apr 17, 2011, 10:20 am
#19
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
Apr 17, 2011, 10:40 am
#20
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Only time limited comparisons are relevant; in this respect, Xiu is far superior to the Sky Bar. Lest you not believe, come to Beijing and observe.
Apr 17, 2011, 8:22 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
