Seven chefs celebrate Northern Song scholar with flavors

The fifth edition of the Star Chef's Discovery Journey opened in November under the theme "Meet Dongpo Again", celebrating Chinese culinary culture and the legacy of Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) scholar Su Dongpo.

Co-organized by MGM and Green Bazaar, this year's journey traveled through Sichuan's Meizhou, Zhejiang's Hangzhou, and Hainan's Danzhou, with special dinners held at Bellagio by MGM Shanghai and MGM Reserve Zhuhai in Guangdong.

Zhou Feng, president of China Hospitality at MGM Resorts International, said, "Cuisine goes beyond taste — it embodies culture, philosophy, and human warmth. Through food, art and heritage flow naturally."

Seven chefs collaborated on a special menu for the diners. Li Tao, executive chef of Chinese cuisine at Bellagio by MGM Shanghai, created Three-Flavored Dongpo Pork, blending the bold spices of Meizhou, Hangzhou's delicate smoked bamboo shoots, and Danzhou's slightly tangy citrus.

Li Lisheng, executive chef of Chinese cuisine at MGM Reserve Zhuhai, presented an oyster- and-beef pairing, featuring Danzhou oysters wrapped in beef, balancing fresh and rich flavors to reflect Su's calm refinement.

The special menu highlights how Chinese cuisine can serve as a bridge between tradition, culture, and culinary artistry, offering diners a taste of history and philosophy in every course.