CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0: A New Era of Flavor and Experience
CHAR Bar & Grill, the leading Western-style restaurant by IHG Hotels & Resorts, has undergone a bold transformation, evolving into CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0. This reimagined dining destination brings together the timeless art of charcoal grilling and the creativity of modern mixology to create a truly unique and immersive experience for guests.
An Innovative Menu for Sharing
The newly redesigned menu, crafted with the expertise of chef consultant Brian Arruda, moves away from traditional dining categories like appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Instead, it’s designed for sharing, with each dish showcasing the bold, smoky flavors of charcoal grilling. Here are some standout creations:
- Liquid Nitrogen Garden Crudités: A colorful array of fresh seasonal vegetables, some flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen, served with flavorful sauces that highlight their natural goodness.
- Char-Grilled Uni Custard with Trio of Fish Roe: A silky custard infused with sea urchin and lobster bisque, topped with three varieties of fish roe for a rich and luxurious taste, served with crispy fried seaweed for added crunch.
- Sizzling Wagyu Marrow Rice Bowl: Tender Wagyu beef, charcoal-grilled to perfection, served over seasoned rice and enriched with Wagyu bone marrow. Diners can mix the ingredients themselves, creating an interactive and flavorful experience.
Craft Cocktails That Tell a Story
The cocktail menu at CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0, designed in collaboration with mixologist Lio Yao, is divided into four creative themes: Preface, Homage to the Classics, Own the Moment, and Paint the Future. Each drink is crafted to provide a unique experience. Highlights include:
- THE BOOK: A smoky mezcal cocktail with toasted coconut and plum wine, evoking feelings of nostalgia and discovery.
- CHAR-GRONI: A fresh take on the classic Negroni, incorporating Pu’er tea from Yunnan and a hint of cherry wood smoke for added depth.
- PEANUT COLADA: A playful twist on the Piña Colada, blending creamy coconut and rum with the nuttiness of Yunnan-grown peanuts.
The idea revolves across the ‘new 5 senses’ of leisure, presence, originality, ambiance, and social interplay, providing an alluring escape for city diners.
A Dining Experience Like No Other
The restaurant features open kitchens and live demonstrations of charcoal grilling, adding an element of excitement and theater to the dining experience. With warm lighting, carefully curated playlists, and bold design elements, CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 creates an inviting and sophisticated ambiance.
Currently operating in eight locations across Greater China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an, CHAR Bar & Grill plans to bring its 2.0 concept to more cities. Beginning January 2025, the revamped menus and immersive dining experience will be available nationwide, introducing more people to this innovative take on grilling and social dining.
A Message from IHG’s Leadership
Jerome Qiu, Chief Operating Officer of IHG Greater China, describes the transformation as more than just an upgrade:
“CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 isn’t just about changing the menu—it’s about reinventing what dining can be. Modern diners want more than just good food; they want memorable experiences. We’ve blended tradition with innovation to create something truly unforgettable.”
Whether you’re looking for bold new flavors, inventive cocktails, or a dynamic atmosphere, CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 offers a culinary adventure that combines fire, flavor, and creativity, making every visit an experience to remember.