Venture(US:VEMLY) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-17 05:22Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the entrepreneurial journey of a French chef and his Chinese wife in Xi'an, where they blend French culinary techniques with Chinese ingredients to create a unique dining experience that fosters cultural exchange [1][3]. Group 1: Entrepreneurial Background - The couple, Cedric Houze and Gao Zhenxing, opened a French restaurant in the historical area of Xi'an, aiming to combine French culinary artistry with local Chinese ingredients [1][3]. - Their relationship began ten years ago through a shared love for animals, leading them to travel together across various regions in China before settling in Xi'an [3]. Group 2: Culinary Fusion - The restaurant features dishes that creatively incorporate local ingredients, such as using apples from Luochuan and Sichuan peppercorns in traditional French recipes [6]. - The chef emphasizes that respecting culinary traditions does not mean being rigid; using Chinese ingredients to create authentic French dishes is a valuable way to promote cultural exchange [6]. Group 3: Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement - The restaurant has become a cultural hub in Xi'an, attracting both Chinese students learning French and French expatriates, facilitating conversations about their respective cultures [6]. - The couple also provides part-time opportunities for Chinese students studying French, allowing them to practice language skills and engage with French culinary traditions [6]. Group 4: Personal Insights and Future Aspirations - The chef expresses a deep appreciation for the vastness of China and its diverse culture, which he explores through travel and culinary discovery [7]. - He shares a personal connection to Xi'an through a line of Tang poetry, symbolizing his love for the city and hope for future cultural integration [7].