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The charms of authentic French village life, in Tsuen Wan | For three days in end of May, Tsuen Wan radiated with the tastes, aromas, and sounds of rural street-life in France. Nestled in the heart of NINA MALL were more than a dozen colourful market stalls, selling authentic fresh French produce, manned by knowledgeable members of Hong Kong’s thriving French epicurean community.

A collaboration by Chinachem Group, owners of the mall, and French May Arts Festival, one of Asia’s largest annual cultural events, this taste-based festivity concluded the gastronomic ‘French GourMay' in style.

Over the weekend, thousands of visitors strolled through the market, admiring, sampling and buying produce not normally found in Tsuen Wan West.  Carefully selected French wines and champagnes were enjoyed by many, and there were endless gourmet delicacies and treats  made in France to savour.  The sounds of France filled NINA MALL, and not just the popping of corks and the Gallic chit chat of the merchants; a local ‘a cappella’ quintet accompanied visitors with French songs.

On the opening of French Traditional Gourmet Market, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Alexandre Giorgini accompanied by Chinachem Group Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Donald Choi, highlighted the similarities between Chinese cooking’s place at the top of Eastern cuisine and France’s similar position in the West.  Describing his country’s love of fine entertaining, Mr Giorgini pointed out to the crowd, that at the market itself there were a wonderful showcase of three key ingredients to a perfect French meal; natural ingredients, a good bottle of wine, and the ‘pièce de résistance’, beautiful flowers.

This inaugural partnership between Chinachem Group and French May Arts Festival and French GourMay Food & Wine Festival reflects the desires of both organisations to nurture and celebrate Hong Kong’s remarkable diversity.  And the hosting of French Traditional Gourmet Market in Tsuen Wan is another example of Chinachem Group’s approach to provide cultural attractions to the communities.