Join us in recreating an eighteenth century Chinese feast from the legendary gastronomic bible, The Food Lists of the Garden of Contentment.
Described by celebrated food writer Fuchsia Dunlop as ‘China’s Brillat-Savarin’, Yuan Mei (1716-1797) was one of the Four Classic Gastronomes of the Middle Kingdom. After making it to the top of the imperial totem pole, Yuan Mei gave up a career in higher office to lead the good life, writing poetry and eating his way from south to north, dining at some of the best houses in the land.
Yuan Mei was inspired to record his savoury adventures in the Food Lists of the Garden of Contentment, a treasure tome of epicurean delights and culinary history. He prized simplicity of taste and purity of ingredients, and curated the best dishes he came across. We have meticulously chosen a menu of classical dishes from the Food Lists, recreating traditional recipes and preparation methods, some of which have been lost to modern cooks. Come with clean palates and curious minds for an evening of fine food and good company!
Menu
Mains
Red Braised Pork
Eight-Treasure Meatballs
Pear Chicken Stir-fry
Steamed Egg Custard
Yunlin Duck
Home-style Fried Fish
Fragrant Eggplant
Seasonal Greens
Staples
Pan-fried Chive Pie
Steamed Chestnut Cake
Seasonal Fruits: Persimmon, mandarins, kiwifruit
- Date: Saturday October 18th
- Time: 19:00 – 21:30
- Cost: 300 RMB, 250 for members
Host Bio
Imogen Liu is currently editing a book about Dragon Well Manor, in Hangzhou, by founder and author A Dai from whom she first heard about the Food Lists. Ever since then, she has developed a fascination with Yuan Mei and Chinese agrarian and artisanal traditions. She also runs The Philosopher’s Bowl, a fortnightly symposium of philosophical debate in Beijing. In her day job, she works for Penguin Books China, editing their English-language list.
