Wuliangye X Michelin
Wuliangye Seminar and Tasting Evening with BC Liquor
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Summer vibes are warm, and the breeze is refreshing. On August 2, 2024, Wuliangye hosted a one-of-a-kind tasting event at Vancouver’s Michelin-starred Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
As the exclusive distributor of Wuliangye in British Columbia, Sinocan Supply Inc. organized this event, inviting 20 store managers and purchasing managers from BC Government liquor stores (BCLiquor). Through an immersive dining experience and in-depth Baijiu knowledge sharing, guests were treated to a perfect fusion of Chinese Baijiu and West Coast Canadian cuisine.
Bringing Baijiu to the Canadian Cuisine—It’s All About Creativity!
In September 2023, the Michelin Guide added Vancouver’s Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar to its list of Michelin-recommended restaurants in the city. This renowned establishment celebrates Canadian ingredients, with a special focus on Vancouver’s coastal seafood. Led by Iron Chef Canada 2019 champion Alex Chen and Canada’s Culinary Champion 2020 Roger Ma, it has become a favorite among local food enthusiasts.
Executive Chef Roger Ma of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar shared his innovative approach to incorporating Wuliangye Baijiu into the menu with the event attendees.
As a restaurant renowned for its mastery in pairing fine food with exceptional drinks, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is dedicated to the art of integrating premium spirits into its dishes. This commitment to culinary excellence is one of the key reasons why it was chosen as the venue for the Wuliangye tasting event. During the event, Executive Chef Roger Ma, a Vancouver native of Chinese descent, shared that the unique aroma and flavor profile of Wuliangye Baijiu inspired his creative dishes. By incorporating Wuliangye into his culinary creations, he hopes to offer diners a fresh and exciting taste experience.
The specially curated dishes for this event were presented primarily as cold appetizers, with the chef aiming to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients using Wuliangye Baijiu. The exquisite layers of taste—from the sweetness of oysters and the savory richness of ham to the plumpness of mussels and the crispness of lettuce, combined with the zesty acidity of lemon and the subtle bitterness of olives—created a symphony of flavors. Each bite was a harmonious blend, leaving diners thoroughly impressed and full of praise for the culinary experience.
The use of high-quality, minimally processed ingredients allowed the rich and full-bodied aroma of Wuliangye to truly shine. Today’s star, Wuliangye, is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese distilling craftsmanship, made from five select grains: sorghum, rice, glutinous rice, wheat, and corn. This pure and aromatic Baijiu is not only delightful on its own, with its mellow and sweet flavors, but also exceptionally versatile in cooking—equally impressive whether enjoyed neat or incorporated into dishes.
Baijiu and Oysters—A Perfect Match!
While savoring the exquisite food and drink, guests were provided an insightful presentation by renowned Canadian mentor on liquor – Charlene Rooke. She delved into the culture of Baijiu, the craftsmanship behind Wuliangye, its historical heritage, tasting techniques, and its journey in Canada. The aim was to enhance the attendees’ understanding of Chinese Baijiu and Wuliangye, further establishing Wuliangye’s image and status as the representative Chinese Baijiu brand in the international city of Vancouver.
“Spicy but not harsh, rich but not heavy. Baijiu and oysters—a perfect match!” exclaimed a young food enthusiast at the tasting event. They were pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly Chinese Baijiu paired with Western cuisine. Wuliangye is no longer just the “dad’s drink” they once thought of; it’s now a stylish choice at the bar, capable of sparking the trendiest culinary fusions with Michelin-starred creations!
The addition of Wuliangye elevated each dish, adding depth, complexity, and a refined subtlety that perfectly complemented the flavors. The harmony between the Baijiu and the cuisine was truly remarkable, with each enhancing the other. Many guests expressed their hope that these innovative pairings would become a permanent feature on the restaurant’s menu, allowing more people to experience this unique taste and appreciate Wuliangye’s excellence as a leading brand in Chinese Baijiu.
Key Phrase: Setting Sail Globally
This event was more than just a feast of fine food and drink; it was a celebration of cross-cultural exchange. Wuliangye successfully shattered the traditional notion that “Chinese Baijiu pairs only with Chinese cuisine,” creating a brilliant fusion with Canadian local flavors. Looking ahead, Wuliangye will continue to explore diverse culinary pairings worldwide, aiming to offer food lovers the ultimate blend of “Baijiu meets cuisine” and to lead new trends in the global dining scene.
As the exclusive distributor of Wuliangye in British Columbia, Sinocan Supply Inc. is fully committed to supporting Wuliangye’s journey towards internationalization. We aim to bring the “harmony and shared beauty” of Wuliangye to Canadian households, allowing them to experience this exceptional Baijiu at their own dining tables. By fostering creativity, we aspire to develop innovative and diverse ways to enjoy Wuliangye, showcasing Chinese Baijiu culture to the world and helping it take its rightful place within the global spirits landscape.