Linden Centre Accepting Reservations for “Adventures in a Chinese Kitchen” Tour

“Have you eaten yet?” In China, this is one of the most common and respected greetings. Jeanee and Brian Linden, owners of the Linden Centre in Yunnan Province, China, and Linden Gallery in Ellison Bay invite guests to share in a 12-day Chinese epicurean adventure tour. The tour takes place from November 3-14, 2009.

The tour will guide guests through several cities in Yunnan and will sample the cuisine of three ethnic minorities. The food from Yunnan province enchants travelers with spices reminiscent of India and Sichuan, fresh fish and vegetables similar to Vietnam and Hong Kong, and soups and hot pot echoing the historic connection between the region and the Mongolian steppes.

Guests will also be welcomed into the restored Linden Centre, an expansive and luxurious courtyard home in the ancient village of Xizhou. The Lindens consider the Centre to be home base – a true “Shangri-La” where travelers can enjoy an immersion into authentic China.

The program will be enhanced with the expertise of trip mentor Janice Thomas, owner of Savory Spoon Cooking School in Ellison Bay. Thomas and her husband recently completed restoration of an 1879 historic schoolhouse after two years of careful preservation, yet modernization, of the school to fit their needs. Thomas is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and Women Chefs of America, and she has led culinary and cultural tours in Mexico, France and Italy.

At the Linden Centre, guests will enjoy the cooking of Mr. Yang, formerly the head chef at the Kunming Hotel and teacher at Yunnan’s culinary school. Mr. Yang has spent over 30 years as a chef and will share many of his secrets with diners on the tour.

The cost of the tour, including airfare, local transportation, hotels, guides, and all meals is $4,900.

For more information about the “Adventures in a Chinese Kitchen” culinary tour, visit the Linden Gallery at 12001 Mink River Road in Ellison Bay or visit the Linden Centre website at http://www.linden-centre.com.