Chong Ming, China- The Zhang Residence & Farm

I was so delighted and more honored that I was invited to Kent’s (Pastry Chef from the US Pavilion) family home in Chong Ming about an hour outside of Shanghai.  Kent invited Will Fleichman and I to come and experience the real way of Chinese life outside the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Chong Ming a large island that has recently been connected to the mainland by a huge bridge.  Kent shared with me while he was growing up the only option was by water ferry. I personally don’t know why you would want to leave the quiet sleepy island and head into Shanghai, but to each their own.

The gracious greeting we received by Kent’s family was unexpected and heart warming.  It was a whole family affair, the grandparents came out to say hello, his father had been cooking lunch all day awaiting our arrival, and Kent’s mother, had been running back forth to the store ensuring her two sons and foreign guests had enough beer and yellow wine to keep them lit like a Christmas tree for 48 hours! (well done Mrs. Zhang, mission accomplished!)

The Zhang home roughly sat on 2 acres, consisted of 5 buildings, old and new.  It was apparent their house had been part of the family for several generations, and more to follow.  The latest addition to the Zhang compound consisted of bedrooms for Kent and his younger brother Jon’s family.  It just goes to show how important family values are rooted in the Chinese culture, quite an eye opener to their American guests.

The Zhang’s have been farming their land for several generations now, so that soil is prime for growing.  I was lucky enough to get to have a brief tour or the land, seeing how every single item it utilized throughout their home.  The oranges were picked right from the tree, skin off and eaten.  Bok Choy cut from the ground, washed, and right into the wok.  The Chinese look down upon the farming community, hopefully they will become appreciated and a chef will be able to do what Alice Waters has done for the US agriculture culture.

Zhang family, thank you for such a wonderful experience and hosting me as a guest in your home.