By Viva Goldner (Beijing Weekend)
Updated: 2007-08-22 11:34

With the diva onstage singing her heart out to the classics of Argentine tango, who could blame the crowd for getting a bit misty-eyed? Lying beyond the Fifth Ring Road, the Obelisco Caf hosted a large audience of mainly Spanish speakers, who had gathered for a sultry weekday evening of Latin American music.

Argentine singer Adriana Nano took to the stage in the large club and addressed the audience in Spanish, before pausing to ask whether there was anybody who had not understood her.

"Does anybody need me to speak any English?"

Just one or two hands went up, and from the back a voice suggested Chinese. "Chinese I can't speak," Nano replied.

It was not a problem. From the cool cats sitting up front to the suited diplomat types behind, her strong vocals and expansive style had the room captivated.

Her show, titled Buenos Aires Tango Journey, was a showcase of some 13 songs, among them classics like Caminito that had fans singing along. Nano's CD, Buenos Aires Journey, was nominated for Best Tango Album at 2005's Latin Grammy Awards.

There could be no better place in Beijing for Argentinian expats to reminisce about their homeland. The Obelisco Caf is named for El Obelisco, the 67m monument built in 1936 to mark the site in Buenos Aires where the Argentinian flag was first raised, 400 years earlier.

A replica of that obelisk stands at the Beijing site, which is set on 3,200 sq m, and comprises the bar and caf, a grill meat restaurant and a wine cellar with storage for 40,000 bottles.

The elegant eatery serves traditional Argentine fare served with homemade bread and fine wines from the cellar, the range of top-end South American steaks is the biggest draw.

The bar's interior is spacious and modern, with exposed metal beams beneath a cement roof lending an industrial yet sophisticated edge.

The lighting is moody, just right for the intimate performance, with the singer on a small stage in front of a screen, showing streetscapes from Buenos Aires. Tall palms stand in pots to the sides, while shelves display books or model planes. Behind the light wood bar stands a row of replica classic statues.

Those so inclined can look into the glass-doored kitchen, or "working chamber" as it was marked. A cabinet shows lavish cakes, while chefs bake pastries for the guests.

There are booths to the back of the bar which look out onto the large courtyard, and helpful staff will hail you a cab when it's time to say goodnight.

Obelisco's romantic atmosphere makes it a great place to bring a date, or simply somewhere to get away from it all and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Argentina.

The caf can also be booked for conferences, and catering is available for small or large dinner parties.

Obelisco Caf
Location: 1 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 010-84703968