Behind the Scenes: The Emotions and Experiences of a Michelin Star Chef
When you sit down at a restaurant, you expect to be wowed by the colors, aromas, and flavors of the dishes presented to you. But what you may not realize is that behind every excellent dish is a chef’s emotions and experiences that cannot be put into words. This is especially true for Jason Liu, the mastermind behind the 1 Michelin Star restaurant LING LONG.
At the young age of 14, Liu began his culinary journey by learning how to cook. He then honed his skills at a Western restaurant before opening his own establishment, Bistro 3, in Beijing. But it wasn’t until he embarked on a year-long journey exploring the roots of Chinese cuisine that he truly found his calling. With this newfound knowledge, Liu opened LING LONG, a fine dining restaurant that takes a “re-fine dining” approach to contemporary Chinese cuisine.
LING LONG’s menu is a fusion of traditional Chinese and Western elements, using fresh and local ingredients to create dishes that pay homage to tradition while also offering a unique and comforting dining experience. This approach has garnered the restaurant recognition beyond the culinary world. In 2023, LING LONG Beijing was named one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, and this year, its Shanghai outpost made its debut on the list. Both restaurants have also been awarded one Michelin star, with Liu himself winning the Beijing Michelin Young Chef Award.
But Liu’s talents don’t stop in the kitchen. He is also making waves in the fashion industry, having walked the runway for Hermès’ SS24 Menswear show in Shanghai and collaborating with Nike on a limited-edition shoe for LING LONG.
Jason Liu’s Essentials: From the Kitchen to the Runway
As a chef and fashion icon, Liu’s daily essentials are a unique blend of practicality and style. Here are a few of his must-haves:
WŪSTHOF Kitchen Knife
Liu’s trusty set of knives has been with him for six years, ever since he purchased them in Germany while attending a design meeting for LING LONG Beijing. Made with African ebony handles and German steel blades, these knives are a staple in Liu’s kitchen.
Nike C1TY
As an “urban athlete,” Liu loves the Nike C1TY shoe, especially in the limited-edition “Yes Chef” colorway exclusive to LING LONG. Not only is it stylish, but it also provides the comfort and support he needs for his busy lifestyle.
Watch, Glasses & Pen
For Liu, these items hold special meaning. His Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch was purchased in 2022, the same year he won the “Young Chef Award” and LING LONG Beijing was awarded a Michelin star. And as he gets older, Liu has also added anti-blue-light glasses to his daily essentials. And of course, a pen is a must-have for any chef, whether it’s for jotting down recipes or signing autographs for fans.
