text Martina Olivieri
photo cover Andrea Di Lorenzo
The creative cuisine of Xin Ge Liu
Face to face with the chef who created Il Gusto di Xinge, a new unmissable gourmet address in Florence
You were born in a city in Hebei, about 300 km from Beijing. What made you come to Florence?
Even as a child I had a great passion for painting and fashion. After graduating from high school, my curiosity about the world was insatiable, and the film Under the Tuscan sun prompted me to leave my hometown and travel to Florence.
A diploma from Polimoda and a great love for cooking. How does your creative mind inspire your culinary creations?
I spent my childhood at my grandmother’s house, and often helped her in the kitchen and learnt many traditional Chinese recipes. The programme at Polimoda broadened my horizon. Fashion and food are closely intertwined for me, and in the creation of dishes I look for inspiration just like in the design of a dress: I locate images, draw on memories and consult historical material.
Is Florence a good choice to stand out internationally?
It is a glittering stage. The city boasts an international atmosphere and I am thrilled that our restaurant has become an integral part of it, adding a touch of colour and brightness.
Your restaurant has a very recognisable design. Where did you find inspiration for it?
Il Gusto di Xinge is a warm place imbued with creativity, like a chest of dreams, and dreams radiate warmth. This is why we opted for a cosy ambience that embraces every guest.
Which dishes on the menu do you recommend we try?
Red Palace Dream: lychee-shaped balls celebrating friendship and family; Dim Sum Emotion: a dish in which the self is hidden like a precious treasure to be revealed; Red Fish Shumai: inspired by the traditional recipe of Master Lou, chef of Dim Sum in Hong Kong. They are all dishes designed to be shared, to be interpreted and explored.
