(cityweekend)
Updated: 2006-09-06 10:05

After glossing up Jakarta, Shanghai and Bangkok, Face is finally touching up the capital's complexion.

Greeted by a large drum (no touching!) and gold-studded red doors,I could've stepped into a Forbidden City courtyard. No doubt the Empress Dowager would've enjoyed puffing away on the opium bed to Mediterranean lounge music.

If you dig potables rather than poppies, cocktails are RMB55-60 and bottled wines RMB200+. Beware the 10% service charge, but there's free pool and they make a mean mojito and their Japonesie is a delightful infusion of kiwi in sake. Antiques and stone sculptures make this a bar of many faces-literally. Singaporean owner Haidhi roamed China, Indonesia, Thailand and India for furnishings, including a Buddha head and an impressive plaque commemorating a mother's 70th birthday.

Southeast Asian influences abound - there are chili-laced Bloody Mary's, red curry popcorn (we asked for four refills!) and so-so samosas (RMB 53, appetizers are RMB 25-98). You can also opt for Indian food down the hall and Thai fare up the stairs. China is all about face (mianzi), and this one will have many hankering at its door.

Face Bar
Perfect For: pamper pusses who like to drink
Address: 26 Dongcaoyuan,Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang