VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

The Houston Museum of Natural Science presents The Cultural Feast Dinner - Ancient Flavors of China,  Tuesday, June 23.

Chinese cuisine was already ancient by the time of the silk route, which contributed to increased trade and diplomatic contact between the East and West. Today, archaeology is helping to answer many questions regarding the origins and early history of Chinese cuisine, including what foods were consumed, why they were consumed, and how they were prepared. Another fascinating area of culinary inquiry is which foods originating in China were exported to the west, along with expensive silks, exotic spices and other luxury products. Many ceremonial aspects of Chinese cuisine can also be traced to China's earliest dynasties, such as Qin and Han, when powerful emperors and leaders commanded vast numbers of warriors and controlled the land's agricultural bounty. 

This Cultural Feast will celebrate the history and longevity of Chinese cuisine, and highlight vestiges of this ancient past appearing in modern menus. Myths and tales contributing to our popular views of this intriguing yet complicated cuisine will also be examined.

Hosted at Qin Dynasty at 5115 Buffalo Speedway. Tickets must be purchased in advance.