The Orchard Oasis

In the three years I have spent in Beijing, I have never made the trip out to Shunyi until today.

I have heard great things about The Orchard but was always reluctant to go without being accompanied by someone who knew how to get me there (after hearing how difficult it is to find).

Granted the cab ride from my place in the Chaoyang Park area to The Orchard was a hefty 64RMB (+5 RMB toll fee), but when you pull up into a canopy of apple trees and step into the charming courtyard oasis, I instantly fell in love and you really do feel right at home.

It’s a magical place. The Sunday Brunch Buffet is absolutely worth the RMB 180 considering the quality and wide assortment of delicious “European Comfort Food” dishes to choose from.  There is a delightful selection of fresh, home-baked breads (I’m a sucker for fresh bread), fresh, organic salads, whole salmon, 2 soups, over 10 different entree dishes (meats and veggies), and 5 different dessert baked goods.

Orchard Brunch Breakdown:

• Winners: Puff Pastry Turnover (shrimp, mushroom and spinach), Pineapple-Avocado Salad, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, Grilled Veggies (eggplant, onions, peppers, zucchini), Oyster Mushrooms, Whole Salmon, Cheesy Bread and Olive aoli, Vegetable Quiche, Beer-Braised Beef.
• Fresh Bread and Salad Selection were the buffet highlights
• Meat entree dishes (lamb and chicken) were both quite dry and tough
• Desserts were only mediocre (we found ourselves going back for appetizers and banana bread instead of their cakes)
• Selection of refreshments: Apple Juice, OJ, Iced Tea (was a bit disappointed they did not serve fresh apple juice with their massive orchard of apple trees just outside)

If it weren’t for the difficult location and inaccessibility, I would be the Orchard’s #1 fan. Location aside, I really did fall in love with this place and would still say that The Orchard experience is still worth the long trip out to the boonies.

Review of The Orchard: Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Shunyi – Located right behind the Beijing Riviera and Quanfa Gardens  崔各庄乡何各庄村  Tel: 139-1121-1965, 6433-6270

Best Part:

• My new favorite Sunday Brunch Spot, perfect for a cozy, peaceful Sunday afternoon, where you can enjoy good food and just sit and relax for hours.
• The ambiance is incredibly warm and welcoming with its charming décor and friendly service
• The Orchard’s very own unique garden and three hot houses grow the restaurant’s organic herbs, vegetables, and fruit (the salads are delightful).
• They venue also contains a quaint little gift shop that sells furniture, jars of homemade jams and cooking sauces, dried herbs, clothing, jewelry, handmade soaps, and accessories.

Comments:

• I highly recommend coming with a driver as its a nightmare to find and also to leave (the restaurant only provides black taxis who will charge RMB 100 to get you back into town)
• Its advised to make a reservation 3-4 days in advance (My choice seating would be in their center courtyard space with plenty of natural sunlight throughout the day).