Moving through the maze of stained patio umbrellas propped up around Xingsheng Lu, we spot the barren logo of C Lounge – another KTV-inspired cocktail lounge with an out-of-place menu. Japanese salmon sashimi salad (RMB39), sauteed foie gras with grapefruit (RMB48) and garlic bread (RMB18) are obscurely grouped together on one page listed “salads.” Even the owner seems baffled about what type of cuisine he serves, guessing it must be German. So much for targeting a niche market.
The outdoor seating area is underwhelming, mimicking every other on the street. One single shisha pipe lays arbitrarily in a corner of the terrace, likely for decoration or to get people in the door. Tired of our own repetitive musings, we move deeper into the establishment to check out C Lounge’s air-conditioned interior.
The mood instantly changes. A stunning stage backed by cobalt constellations and three widescreen televisions feels a better fit for one of Guangzhou’s upscale clubs. The weekly schedule, however, brings C Lounge back to earth. A Chinese soloist is set to perform each Wednesday, followed by a keyboardist and vocalist on Fridays and light Western pop on Saturday nights after 9. With well-controlled speakers, this is a bar suited to chatting – not yelling – with friends. Dancers should probably party elsewhere.
Inspired once more to take a seat, we order a glass of chardonnay (RMB48), a towering Stella (RMB50), served flat, and a mocktail – mostly because it swanks the name Pussyfoot (RMB48). Made with freshly squeezed grapefruit, the beverage starts sour on the palate but ends in a refreshing kick. The fried oyster with balsamic (RMB38) is presented beautifully, with a thin layer of crispy breadcrumbs bathed in light vinaigrette over romaine – a startling feat considering the range of dishes on its menu. To complement a glass of wine, the fruit and cheese platter (RMB68) performs up to par with imported blue cheese, Brie and sharp cheddar. As an added bonus, the fruit is carved into one of those snaking figurines generally reserved for KTV parlors. Overall, though, quality well exceeds our expectations.
Lost in the shuffle, C Lounge is rounding out its third month in business, though we saw only one other patron when we visited. Just remember it as the place with live music three nights a week – and every type of cuisine under the sun.
Price: RMB100
Who’s going: Shiny-shoed computer programmers, low-key creative types
Good for: Mocktails, live keyboard, soloists and folk
// For address, see listing.
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