Alba, located in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, is not only known for its white truffles but also for its rich autumnal produce such as hazelnuts and fine wines. Although white truffles are no longer exclusive to Alba, the annual ritual of tasting the freshly unearthed aroma before winter sets in is a global gourmet event. However, due to climate change, it seems that the peak of white truffle season is slowly moving from the end of October to November. It is almost unthinkable that even in January of the following year, one can still witness the allure of white truffles, which is generally unheard of in the past.

China's thousands of years of history have nurtured a diverse and beautiful cultural treasure. With the refinement of Chinese cuisine, the catering industry is stillexploring how to present Chinese aesthetic, which cannot be achieved fortnight and for some people, it is a lifelong endeavour. This year's newly-awarded Michelin one-star Sichuan cuisine restaurant in Guangzhou – Yong – is a pioneer in this regard. In its first year of operation, Yong has not only developed its own style but also created a memorable dining space where Chinese culture is perfectly interpreted through the art of food.

After three years of anticipation, The Chairman and 102 House once again joined forces in Shanghai at the end of this August, marking their third collaboration. The first time was at The Chairman in Hong Kong, the second at Den in Tokyo, and this time at 102 House Shanghai with the theme of Huangpu River-inspired Cantonese Flair.

This year, I came across a short documentary on YouTube called "Evolution of the Snow Country", where a crisp, monochrome, ink-painting-like world created by winter snow that blankets Niigata looks the most impressive when the train passes through those tunnels.