Taste the Best of China

On April 24, 2017, The Confucius Institute, a unit of Global Affairs at UC Davis hosted a very special luncheon event called "Taste the Best of China".

Eight Celebrity Chefs from China traveling to promote their cooking, came to UC Davis to prepare a 13 course lunch at the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science. Fifteen Chefs were originally invited, but China only allowed eight visas because they prize their Celebrity Chefs so highly and wanted to keep the rest at home safe in China. The event was designed to showcase the regional talents of these Celebrity Chefs while they visited California.

There were a few very special guests in attendance including Cecilia Chiang - the Grande Dame of Chinese Cooking in America, Lina Fat - Director of Food, Fat City Inc, David SooHoo - Chef and Manager Venice Island, his wife Elaine Corn - Contributing Food & Lifestyle Reporter/Cookbook Author, Margaret Wong - Founder and President of the California Center/Golden California Inc, and Sue Yung Li, who produced the documentary TV series called''A Taste of China'' in the mid 80's.

Before the event began, we were able to walk though the kitchen to see the Chefs and their crew prepping the dishes. Here are some video highlights.

As everyone was seated, the Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Michelle Yeh - Director, Confucius Institute , Global Affairs at UC Davis and Distinguished Professor, Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, took to the microphone to welcome everyone and made introductions to the speakers. First to speak was UC Davis Interim Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor Ken Burtis. The second speaker was UC Davis Vice Provost and Associate Chancellor, Global Affairs and Professor of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Program Joanna Regulska. The final speaker was Margaret Wong - Founder and President – California Center/Golden California, Inc.

After the speakers finished at the podium, there was a brief awards ceremony for the chefs and a few of the participants of the event.

Now it was time to eat. The staff served the beautifully prepared dishes family style. The guests dined with delight enjoying every new dish served.

The Confucius Institute's "Taste the Best of China" was a wonderful and delicious success. The guests were all very pleased with the food and presentation.

I echo what Interim Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor Ken Burtis said in the toast to the Chefs "How lucky we are...to have friends from afar!"

The sharing of good food and drink between cultures is always the best ambassador.