Meet Shannon Van Sant, Pinotage's Chi Fan for Charity Host
Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Chi Fan for Charity is the Beijing-bred annual charity event that brings diners and restaurants together for an evening of altruistic eating. This year, the bash takes place across town on November 2, with dinners offered by more than 50 of Beijing’s top restaurants. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to two selected charities.
At every participating restaurant, each table of ten is hosted by one engaging member of the community. This year, journalist and filmmaker Shannon Van Sant will be hosting the table at Pinotage. Read on for why she chose Pinotage and what she ate with African military generals on their hunt for a Ugandan rebel leader.
Tickets for Ms. Van Sant's table were snapped up quickly. But want to grab a seat at another of the great options for the evening? Tickets (RMB 500-1,000, varies by venue) for Chi Fan for Charity are available for purchase here. (The Beijinger’s Dining Editor Cat Nelson will host the magazine’s table at The CUT at the Fairmont Beijing Hotel. Managing Editor Steven Schwankert will host a separate table at Café Sambal.)
Would you please introduce yourself in a few sentences?
I am an investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker. My work has taken me to the deserts of South Sudan, copper mines of Zambia, jungles on the border of China, and Korean safehouses in Bangkok, as well as to many other places. China has been a base for my travels and adventures for several years.
Why did you choose to host a Chi Fan for Charity table and why Pinotage?
Through my work, I attempt to connect with people and then use those connections to tell stories that make a positive difference in the world. Philanthropic endeavors and events such as Chi Fan for Charity serve the same purpose: connecting people and friends with a goal of impacting the larger community in a positive way.
My work and travels have inspired a real passion for sub-Saharan Africa. Pinotage is the first South African restaurant in Beijing, and in my opinion, it is the best restaurant in the city. I have been very impressed by owner Amber Deetlefs' passion for food, service and making the restaurant a real success. I think diners at Pinotage can feel that dedication to excellence and South African cuisine.
What are you looking forward to most about the evening?
I am looking forward to the fantastic food and wine and, most of all, to enjoying the company of some my closest friends.
What’s your dream table of diners? Who would be the best company?
Kim Jong-un, Li Keqiang, Winston Churchill, Peter Jennings, Jay-Z, Gustavo Dudamel, Bob Denard (he is worth googling if you haven’t heard of him), Meryl Streep, Errol Morris, and Malala Yousafzai.
What’s your most memorable memory of a night dining out?
Previous Chifan for Charity events have been some of the most memorable evenings in China.
Outside of China, I think the most memorable dinner I have had was with African military generals and U.S. soldiers on the border of Uganda and South Sudan. They were beginning the hunt for Joseph Kony, who was a Ugandan rebel leader. Our meal consisted of grilled goat meat and bottles of beer.
What's the number one dish from a Beijing restaurant that you crave?
The butternut squash risotto from Pinotage.
Photos courtesy of Kristen Lum and Shannon Van Sant
Email: catnelson@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @haimei_baole
Instagram: @haimei_baole
Weibo: @cat_nelson
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