Pekochan is city's best-kept secret

If the name looks familiar, it could be its resemblance to the famous Japanese food maker, Pekochan, whose many products can be found in Japan as well as local Beijing 7-Eleven outlets. However, with no relation to Pekochan, the Pekotan bakery in Central Place looks like it has what it takes to be soon supplying quality food to Beijingers at large.

At first glance, the ready-to-eat items inside the glass counter appear gourmet and expensive enough -much like the ready-made food belonging to high-end supermarkets like Ol or the BHG Marketplace in Shin Kong Place.

However, after examining the prices and quality of each of their sections (ready-made food, bakery, and desserts), one realizes why this is Central Place's best-kept secret.

Fresh slices of roast beef (20 yuan for 100g), fresh baked cake (15 yuan for chocolate, 20 yuan for cheesecake), and even bagels (4 yuan for plain) can be had at friendly prices.

The star products of Pekotan are probably the baked goods.

Croissants, baguettes, whole grain bread - you name it. All are baked fresh, daily, and to the minute.

Like clockwork, they have their daily bakery schedule up and follow it religiously. (FYI, croissants are baked and ready by 7:00 and 12:30 and baguettes 7:00, 10:00, 12:30.)

Pekotan has been operating for almost three years now. The Japanese-run bakery owned by Okada Shin Ichi gets daily deliveries from sister venues Le Caf Igosso and Igosso fine dining.

Beijingers familiar with the Igosso name often equate it to quality Japanese-style western dishes and quirky fusion Japanese items, not unlike Jazz Ya.

Additionally, Pekotan has a selection of 20 plus wines in each category (Bordeaux, Spanish Reds, Italian, and more), produce, dairy, and dried foods. While most of these items can be had a Jenny Lou's prices, the Pekotan Bento Box that is available everyday from 11:30 a.m. onwards is a great deal.

For 28 yuan, you can get a side of rice with a choice of three side dishes of anything you see, with the exception of the salmon dishes and lasagna. (If you want to order them separately they are 20 yuan for the lasagna, 28 yuan for cooked salmon, 38 yuan for 100g of smoked salmon.)

The Teriyaki Chicken and Ratatouille goes well with white rice. However, cold dishes like the Roast Beef slices are better off taken home and made into a sandwich than eaten with a knife and fork inside.

With so many tasty choices such as tomato with mozzarella basil salad, quiche, salads, and broccoli, you could come here for lunch everyday of the week and try different items.

If you don't have enough time to get in line with the other expats during their busy lunch hour, you can grab any of their ready-made sandwiches. Plus, they even have Blueberry and Cream Cheese bagels (15 yuan) and Rum Raison and Cream Cheese bagels (15 yuan).

Speaking of great bakery deals, get there a little before 9p.m. to grab all the remaining bakery stuffs (as well as raw veggies and uncooked meat) at half price.

Finally, the indoor seating area is convenient and the overall layout is comfortable. However, the stools were a little bit rocky - be sure to wiggle them to make sure they are sturdy before sitting on them and feeling unnecessarily dizzy.

Although Pekotan only delivers to those lucky residents of Central Park (except during lunch hour), they do offer delivery for items purchased that add up to at least 500 yuan.

(China Daily 02/26/2010 page28)