Tang Li

ALTHOUGH the curtain has been drawn on the 2008 Beijing Olympics, sports fever still prevails throughout China. The newest place to continue the trend in Shenzhen is Champs Bar & Grill.

Designed in the style of a typical American neighborhood sports bar, the recently opened Champs, located conveniently on the second floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in Luohu, provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere and quality American food.

Transformed from the hotel¡¯s former bar, Henry J. Bean¡¯s, the Champs theme revolves around popular sports such as basketball, football, tennis, golf, F1 and, to a lesser extent, baseball and American football. On the walls is a rich collection of sports memorabilia, mostly photos and posters depicting different sports. Some photos and posters are quite valuable as they bear the genuine signatures of sports stars. Supporting the warm and comfortable atmosphere are also a pool billiard table, a dart board and some prominently placed LCD TV screens broadcasting sports channels.

In addition to the relaxed setting, Champs has placed great emphasis on the food, which is authentic American cuisine as well as some South American dishes. The a-la-carte menu is value for money with top quality and oversized portions.

Recommended starter is the Champs combo platter (88 yuan, or US$12.5), which includes onion rings, potato skins and chicken wings. The genuine Mexican-style chicken quesadilla (88 yuan) is also a good choice as it is not easily found elsewhere.

For the soup, try the New England clam chowder (58 yuan for a cup or 78 yuan for a loaf container). Rich in content and delicious in taste, the special flavor lingers on.

The Champs chopped and tossed salad (68 yuan) is a must for all tables. A mixture of greens, chicken, mushrooms, ham and feta cheese, it¡¯s a treat for the eyes and taste buds.

The main course can be selected from a wide variety of dishes. Recommended are the rib and chicken combo (188 yuan), baby back ribs (118 yuan for a half slab or 188 yuan for a full slab), classic hamburger (88 yuan), crunchy chicken cheddar wrap (68 yuan), and a classic all beef hot dog (68 yuan).

Choose something to wash it all down from a grand selection of beverages. Highlights are local and imported beers, especially some draft beers from Germany and Belgium as well as some oversized cocktails.

Time: 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. for the kitchen; 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. for the bar

Add: 2/F, Shangri-La Hotel, 1002 Jianshe Road, Luohu District, east of Shenzhen Railway Station (罗湖区建设路1002号，火车站东侧香格里拉酒店二楼)

Tel: 8233-0888 ext. 8270, 8396-1387

Metro: Shenzhen Railway Station, Exit E (深圳火车站E出口)