Hats Off for Westin Financial Street: A Month of Fine Dining Awaits

The "culinary event of the year" got underway at the Westin Financial Street last night (Sep 8), with chef Didier Corlou kicking off the 2011 installment of the hotel's successful "Hats Off" event.

Top chefs Didier Corlou (Sep 8-9), Stephane Tremblay (Sep 15-16) and Julien Bompard (Sep 29-30) are each doing two consecutive nights of fine dining over the course of the month. Chef Corlou got things off to a good start - besides offering up some fantastic food, he cautioned Beijing to "remember her history" and not move too fast in the headlong rush towards change, but praised Chinese food as being much more "innovative" and "imaginative" than that of Vietnam, where he plies his trade at Le Verticale.

Stephane Tremblay is in charge next week, marshalling six foreign chefs (including those who are full-time at the Westin's restaurants) who will be doing a course each for diners. Expect flavors representing everything from Malaysian and Hong Kong to Italian and French cuisines. Julien Bompard closes the event out on September 29-30.

Each dinner costs RMB 800, but the hotel is also offering an RMB 2,000 package for three dinners or an RMB 3,600 deal for all six events (all prices include welcome cocktails and wines). The cocktails begin flowing at 6pm every night of the series. This event is growing in stature every year, so if you're into fine dining, call 6629 7803 or email f&b.beijing@westin.com to reserve a spot.