Category Archives: Publication

Why Helsinki’s restaurant scene is at its hottest right now

by Qin Xie | Leave a comment

Published on Yahoo Lifestyle UK & Ireland on 12th November 2013:

At the beginning of October this year, Helsinki’s Chez Dominique closed indefinitely. For Helsinki, and Finland, it was a big shake up.

The two Michelin-starred Chez Dominique was Finland’s highest awarded restaurant, having been featured on the World’s 50 Best restaurant list alongside numerous other accolades.

But after 15 years at the helm of what’s arguably Finland’s best restaurant, chef/patron Hans Välimäki has decided he would take a hiatus to concentrate on his other restaurants.

So it was lights out for Chez Dominique; Finland’s culinary scene seemingly dimmed a little too.

Thankfully, the curtains weren’t drawn for long.

Read more at Yahoo!

Five historic wineries in Languedoc-Roussillon

by Qin Xie | Leave a comment

Published on Yahoo Lifestyle UK & Ireland on 6th November 2013:

Chateau Pennautier, Pennautier

The Languedoc-Roussillon might be full of avant-garde winemakers but it’s also filled with historic sites with vineyards that can be traced as far back as the 12th Century to the Cistercian movement. These days they are often family owned estates where wine is just a small part of the property.

But if you like history and culture with your glass of wine, here are five stops you must not miss:

Read more at Yahoo!

Four modern wineries in Languedoc-Roussillon (and where to find their wines in the UK)

by Qin Xie | Leave a comment

Published on Yahoo Lifestyle UK & Ireland on 1st November 2013:

Château de l?Hospitalet, Narbonne

Earlier this year I wrote about the innovations in the Languedoc-Roussillon and how it was a wine region to watch out for if you’re looking for great wines at great prices. But what if you wanted to visit the region to really get into the heart of it?

Here are four suggestions for wineries that are open to visitors and, more importantly, produces some really great wines.

Read more at Yahoo!

Why I’m shunning processed foods (and why it’s impossible)

by Qin Xie | Leave a comment

Published on Yahoo Lifestyle UK & Ireland on 24th October 2013:

Burger by Qin Xie

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’ve been eating recently – not about the nuances in flavours and the trade-off between deliciousness and calorie count but rather, about what’s really on my plate.

And honestly, for someone who spends so much time writing about food, I couldn’t tell you.

Here’s why.

Read more at Yahoo!