Success Oriented: Jacquline Li of Orient Kitchen
Born and raised in Beijing, Jacqueline Li’s passion for art occupied most of her young life through college. It wasn’t until studying in Switzerland that Li entertained the idea of going into business. Since then, she’s been all over the world, bringing her enthusiasm and passion to all things creative and culinary, including her newest venture, The Orient Kitchen. Agenda took some time to talk to her about her current position and plans for the future.
Tell us a bit about your background: where are you from, and what made you decide to work in marketing communications?
I am a Beijinger. I studied Chinese wash painting for nine years from when I was only six. Eventually, I transitioned from wash painting to oil painting and planned to attended fine art college. In the end I finished with my bachelor degree in art and design, but instead of continuing to study art I went to Switzerland for my MBA in international hospitality and tourism. It was a big change for my life, but I feel my role in marketing communications fits my background perfectly.
How did you get your job with The Orient Kitchen?
I was introduced by one of my friends, and then the GM and I became very good friends too. Although I had worked in the hospitality industry for a few years, all my experience was all in large, top class international hotels. I really didn’t know too much about Chinese chain restaurant operations. I wanted to give it a try, and my previous working experience in the food and beverage field was an advantage.
What are some of your favorite dishes or drinks at The Orient Kitchen? Why? Spinach in mustard sesame sauce (14 RMB) and Shanghai style marinated dough with mushrooms (18 RMB) are definitely two of my favorite dishes at The Orient Kitchen, simply because they are light and delicate.
Which dish at The Orient Kitchen do you think is the best remedy for cold weather?
The house (“Xiao cheng”) spicy beef brisket hot pot is certainly the best to have during the wintertime (58 RMB).
Other than The Orient Kitchen, what are some of your other favorite restaurants around the city to eat and escape the Beijing cold?
I like Element Fresh (新元素) a lot because of its cozy, warm and relaxed atmosphere. Since I really like chili and spicy food, Liu Yi Shou Chongqing hot pot (刘一手重庆火锅) is one of my favorite restaurants.
If you could only use three adjectives to describe the atmosphere and food at The Orient Kitchen, what would they be?
Atmosphere: pleasing, lively, and cross-cultural. Food: fresh, authentic, and hearty.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is creating a winning annual promotion plan and implementing it. Also continuing to be innovative and original is simply cool, isn’t it?
What is your fondest memory from working at The Orient Kitchen?
Working together with Beijing Kids magazine on the kids’ event “Santa on Ice 2009” was such a cheerful experience, and I was so happy to know that all the families and children had a great time and enjoyed the food and activities in The Orient Kitchen.
Do you have any special plans for the upcoming Spring Festival?
Besides spending time with my family I think I will be focusing on business at our restaurant. To better combine the meaning of Spring Festival and Valentine’s Day, I’ve got a great idea already – something with red paper, but it’s still a secret!previous working experience in the food and beverage field was an advantage.
For tourists and expats spending their first Spring Festival in China, what are some things you suggest they do?
1. Trying Chinese hot pot is a must – if they can enjoy it with some Chinese friends, it will be so much fun. 2. Ice-skating at Shichahai (什刹海). 3. Learning how to make Chinese jiaozi (饺子).
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? Oh, let me see … that would be tofu, I think. I am a Tibetan Buddhist, so I would prefer vegetarian food – either tofu, or other bean products. It’s simple and natural, low fat and brimming with nutrition.
What are some of The Orient Kitchen’s best dishes for a picky eater or vegetarian? For picky eater I would strongly recommend our signature dish, the Hainan chicken rice set (45 RMB). For vegetarian customers we have a wide range of options, like stir-fried organic kale with ginger sauce (25 RMB), steamed eggplants with preserved vegetable (25RMB), and Korean marinated cabbage fried rice (33RMB).
What are your plans for five or ten years from now, both personally
and professionally? I am very ambitious in my own career – next year I am going to start my own PR firm to concentrate on organizing
luxury brands’ PR events and conferences. Personally, I would love to build up my own family. I believe in fate – or in Chinese we call it yuan fen (缘份). In ten years I hope that I can be a successful businesswoman and have two kids together with my loved one. I know I have a beautiful dream, and it will come true, I have no doubt.
Element Fresh Mon-Fri 9am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-11pm. 1) Shop 833, Bldg 8, The Village at Sanlitun, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6417 1318); 2) A2-112, Qianmen Avenue, Chongwen District. (6702 0364) 新元素1)朝阳区三里屯路19号The Village南区8号楼833单元; 2)崇文区前门大街a2-111
Liu Yi Shou Chongqing Hot Pot Daily 10am-10pm. 4-15 Anhuili Erqu, Yayuncun, Chaoyang District. (6495 5351) 刘一手重庆火锅,朝阳区亚运村安慧里二区4-15号
