The Schoolhouse

The Schoolhouse Restaurant Review:

The Schoolhouse used to be an elementary school. After it was closed for lack of students, American entrepreneur Jim Spear stepped in and made it into a funky restaurant. Customers have the choice of dining in a converted classroom next to the blackboards or up on the terrace for lush views of the countryside and for what is the big draw here, the Great Wall of China. The waitstaff may remind one of school teachers (it’s best if you finish your vegetables), but it’s a good place for children --- there are chocolate-y desserts that call for seconds and crayons for drawing. (Art made by customers is showcased in the front menu covers.) The restaurant is also big on breakfast. The kitchen sources fresh vegetables from the local village --- salads are crunchy and sweetened with sauces made from seasonal fruits. Also on offer are meats, battered fish and fresh pastas: all hearty but not mind-blowing. The modest drinks menu lists no local wines but guests are allowed to BYOB. On Saturday evenings, the menu skews more towards fine dining, and the restaurant also hosts monthly events such as noodle-making classes.