Epicureans treated to best of China at Taste of JW in Shanghai
JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts took foodies on a gastronomic journey — the Taste of JW — in Shanghai in early December, showcasing the tradition and innovation of Chinese cuisines.
With the theme of “Taste the Moment”, the culinary campaign, which was held in Singapore and Seoul earlier this year, offered experiences including chef master classes, workshops and an immersive dinner featuring chefs from JW Marriott properties.
The event showcased the prowess of the widely acclaimed chefs and the delicacies at JW Marriott, Bruce Ryde, Asia-Pacific vice-president for luxury brands and brand marketing at the international hospitality group, said during the event in Shanghai.
The Shanghai leg started at the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Tomorrow Square on Dec 7, with a grand dinner crafted by five star chefs from China — Cao Jinming, Chinese executive chef; Ji Cheng from Shanghai; Shuai Qiang from Chengdu, Sichuan province; Lu Yongwei from Beijing and Huang Wei from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
The gala night was highlighted with a dance amid a backdrop of ink and wash painting animation, a performance of (a traditional Chinese musical instrument), face-changing stunts from the Sichuan Opera, shadow puppetry and acrobatics.
The artistic performances, inspired by the chefs’ experiences or qualities, were connected to the five courses prepared by the master culinary artists and told stories about growth, innovation, authenticity, tradition and passion, organizers said.
In the following two days, workshops and master classes were offered at the open-air terrace of the K11 Art Mall Shanghai, covering various topics including photography, a healthy lifestyle and wine and coffee tasting.
In the photography session, renowned photographer He Wen’an shared his expertise in taking pictures of food, as well as skills in editing the pictures with software. In the lifestyle session, a dietitian and food writer showed participants how to make simple yet nutritious dishes.
Staff members of Summergate, a partner of JW Marriott, gave lectures on wine types, origins and production in the wine session and how to match food with different delicacies of red, white and sweet wines.
The booming Chinese fine dining market has fostered a great number of foodies who pursue authenticity and gastronomic creativity, JW Marriott’s Bruce Ryde said.
The Taste the Moment festival was aimed at presenting them with the subtlety and innovation of Chinese cuisines and also showcased JW Marriott chefs’ passion for and love of cooking to all, he added.
Only those staff members who are passionate about their work can create real luxury, he noted.