Beyond the virtual

Benlai Cookhouse has access to the freshest meats and products sourced at home and abroad. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

The restaurant has access to the freshest meats and products that the website has searched out from around the country and even overseas, as it is designated to offer an "off-line experience" created with ingredients sold on Benlai.com.

He says potatoes are just one example of how he makes the most out of his ingredients. Big or small, stored or fresh, different potatoes should be cooked in different ways to keep and enhance their particular flavors. They can be baked, boiled, fried, mashed, or scalloped－and the possibilities and combinations mean he can create a different array of flavors, even with the same potatoes.

The Ritan-area restaurant opened in late 2013, in about 170 square meters that were carefully designed to his requirements. It looks cozy with homelike furnishings and decoration.

A long open kitchen faces the public area, offering diners a full view of what's going on in the kitchen; they can ask the working chefs any questions they have.

There is also a bar－nine seats - just in front of the kitchen, which are usually occupied by regular customers.