For the very first time the Bailliage held an event at the Sofitel Xining, the first international brand hotel in the capital of Qinghai Province in north-west China - the gateway to Tibet!

The hotel offers French sophistication and elegance in a modern Chinese setting, thus it was the perfect location for our ‘Magnificent Qinghai’ dinner.

Flown in especially from Shenyang, French Chef Allegre paired with a great team of Chefs from Tibet, a Muslim Master Chef together with the hotel’s Executive Chef King Wang, to deliver a colourful dining experience.

For the small party of members and distinguished guests the evening started with a local touch. This was the signature Tibetan Sampa served with Muslim salted tea followed by a cocktail blending local flavours with Ningxia Kanaan Riesling and Wild Pony red. Videos together with an introduction to Qinghai gave members information about this magical place.

The incredible culinary journey started with a foie gras terrine and jelly served with white wine vinegar pickled vegetables paired with a Bouchard Chardonnay.

Next, a fresh citrus flavoured cold lobster soup with vegetables was paired with Ningxia Kanaan Riesling.

Trademark of Qinghai, the main course consisted of roasted lamb rack, breaded Qinghai mushrooms, black truffles, vegetables, artichokes heart with thyme broth sauce. The second main was a Tibetan Specialty “Xiang Zhai” - braised Yak meat with rice served with the unique Ningxia Jiabeilan.

White chocolate mousse with Qinghai raspberry and honey-coated nuts accompanied by a Tibetan cream liqueur brought the event to a successful conclusion and received great praise from all members.

Through a menu which reflected many hundred years of history the Sofitel Xining and Chef Allegre were proud to have hosted such an incredible occasion. We are now looking forward to creating more culinary journeys in the near future.

Dominik Widmer
Bailli