GALA Live

A Symphony of Spice and Sweetness: Alsace Pinot Gris Meets Kep Crab Curry at Baldwin's BistroA recent visit to Baldwin's Bistro, the eponymous restaurant of acclaimed chef Guy Baldwin, offered a tantalising glimpse into his culinary world and a masterclass in food and wine pairing. The occasion centered around Baldwin's upcoming "Crab Fest," featuring six diverse crab preparations, but took a delicious detour with a spotlight on a remarkable Alsatian wine and a dish designed to sing alongside it.The Wine: Domaine Paul Blanck Wineck Schlossberg Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2017The star of the show was a prestigious bottle: Domaine Paul Blanc's Wineck Schlossberg Grand Cru Pinot Gris from the 2017 vintage. Hailing from the steep, cool slopes of Alsace (approximately 400 meters above the Rhine River), this wine exemplified the region's signature tension. Despite its age, it retained impressive freshness. Aromatically, it was a revelation: pronounced notes of ripe apricot and lush tropical fruit promised richness. On the palate, this translated into distinct flavours of dried apricot and persimmon, delivering a definite fruity sweetness and luscious texture. Crucially, this was balanced as a "medium sweet" or "off-dry" wine. Underpinning the sweetness was a vital "powdery acidity" and distinct minerality, providing structure and lift. The finish introduced subtle floral spice notes, adding complexity. This combination of richness, controlled sweetness, vibrant acidity, and mineral backbone makes it, as described, "one of the world's great crab wines."The Dish: Chef Baldwin's Kep Crab CurryResponding to the challenge of pairing with this complex wine, Chef Baldwin presented a visually stunning Kep crab curry. The foundation was fresh, local crab sourced from Kep, renowned for its quality. The dish's depth came from house-made elements: a spice blend referred to as "krong" and a dedicated curry paste. This promised layers of flavour built from "many spices," though the specific blend remained a signature secret. The aromatic profile was immediately captivating and intense.The Pairing: A Harmonious DanceThe moment of truth – combining the Alsace Grand Cru with the Khmer-inspired crab curry – proved inspired. The wine's inherent fruity sweetness and rich texture performed a perfect balancing act. It effectively "removed the heat away" from the spices in the curry, preventing any harshness or clash. Simultaneously, it allowed the "nice crab flavor" to shine through clearly, unburdened by excessive spice. Furthermore, the wine enhanced the "more sweeter elements of the curry," likely harmonizing with coconut milk or inherent sweetness from aromatics, creating a more rounded and integrated flavour experience. The host's reaction – "Wow, what a beautiful combination" – and the observation that "it works very well" underscored the success. The wine's acidity cut through the curry's richness, while its sweetness and fruit complemented both the crab and the spice profile.A Taste of Things to ComeThis exquisite pairing isn't just a one-off demonstration; it serves as a compelling preview for Baldwin's Bistro’s upcoming "Crab Fest." Chef Baldwin confirmed this very Kep crab curry will feature on the event menu, aptly named "Alsatians and Crustaceans," where each of the six crab dishes will be thoughtfully paired with wines from Alsace. The success of this specific pairing – the Domaine Paul Blanc Pinot Gris gracefully taming the heat and elevating the sweet crab and spice elements of the curry – is a powerful testament to the potential of the event. It highlights Chef Baldwin's skill in blending French technique with Khmer ingredients ("French base with some Khmer fusion") and his keen understanding of how to match bold, structured Alsace wines with the delicate richness of crustaceans. For those seeking an exceptional culinary experience, Crab Fest at Baldwin's Bistro promises an exploration of flavour, texture, and harmonious pairing.Chef ‘Guy Baldwin’ is the British chef-owner of ‘Baldwin's Bistro’ in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, known for his innovative fusion cuisine that blends European techniques with Cambodian ingredients. Here’s a detailed overview of his culinary profile and restaurant:👨‍🍳 1. Culinary Philosophy - Baldwin champions ‘East-West fusion’, combining refined European cooking methods with vibrant Cambodian flavours and local ingredients like Kampot pepper, lemongrass, and tamarind . - His dishes emphasize ‘cultural harmony’, as seen in creations like cured Kampot pepper salmon with citrus emulsion (starter) and slow-cooked duck leg confit with lemongrass and tamarind reduction (main) .🍽️ 2. Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights - Diplomatic Showcase: Prepared a prestigious two-course menu for ambassadors at the British Embassy, featuring dishes symbolising cross-cultural dialogue . - Khmer Lobster: Fresh lobster in curried beurre blanc foam, served with coconut rice ($28), highlighting local seafood . - Duck Leg Confit: A customer favourite, praised for its tenderness and flavor, served with celeriac purée and roasted vegetables ($14) . - Innovative Desserts: Chocolate cigars with raspberry for celebrations and experimental creations like ‘Crab Brûlée’ (a savoury-sweet crab custard with caramelised sugar) .🎉 3. Notable Events & Collaborations - **Embassy Luncheon (Oct 2024)**: Hosted 12 ambassadors, using food as a tool for diplomacy . - Crab Fest Degustation (May 2025): A multi-course crab-themed dinner paired with Alsace wines, featuring dishes like crab tartare and Kampot crab curry . - Exclusive Private Dinners: Curated high-end experiences (e.g., Wagyu beef, Penfolds Grange wine, and Alaskan king crab) for events like Frank Baroudi’s birthday .⭐ 4. Restaurant Ambience & Service - Location: Street 240, Phnom Penh; modest exterior but cozy interior with art by Belgian artist Christian Develter . - Service: Attentive staff, noted for personalised touches like complimentary warm bread and adjusting music/lighting . - Pricing: Mid-to-high range (e.g., $12++ for a 3-course lunch special; $3.50–$35 for mains).🏆 5. Recognition & Clientele - Praised for “exceptional execution” in expat forums (4.5/5 ratings for food/service) . - Attracts diplomats, expats, and gourmands seeking refined yet culturally rooted dining experiences .Chef Baldwin’s work exemplifies how gastronomy bridges cultures, turning meals into narratives of connection. His bistro remains a culinary landmark in Phnom Penh, celebrated for both everyday excellence and avant-garde events. For reservations or updates, visit Baldwin's Bistro Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/baldwinsrestaurant/) .Details about ‘Domaine Paul Blanck Schlossberg Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2017** are limited, but the following key insights can be pieced together from related context about the producer, vineyard, and vintage:* Producer & Vineyard - Domaine Paul Blanck is a historic estate in Alsace's Kientzheim, practicing organic farming since the 1980s . Their Schlossberg Grand Cru vineyard—Alsace's first designated Grand Cru (1975)—features steep granite slopes, imparting minerality and structure to wines . - Pinot Gris from Schlossberg typically expresses stone fruit, spice, and vibrant acidity due to granite soils with mica .* 2017 Vintage in Alsace - 2017 was a "goldilocks" vintage: warm summer with adequate spring rains, yielding concentrated yet balanced wines. Frost reduced yields, intensifying flavors . - For Pinot Gris, this vintage often shows riper fruit profiles (e.g., baked apple, ginger) with moderate residual sugar (∼10–15 g/L) to balance acidity .* Wine Profile Tasting notes for the 2017 Schlossberg Pinot Gris - **Aroma/Flavor**: Yellow apple, stone fruit (peach/apricot), gingerbread spice, and bitter almond . - Structure: Rich texture, medium sweetness (likely - Style: Fuller-bodied but poised, reflecting … This is a public episode. 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As Moscow prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II on May 9, Red Square becomes more than a backdrop. Amid shifting geopolitics and competing narratives, what does solemn remembrance say about where we are, and where we are headed?In this documentary, Meet Me in Moscow, Xinhua's Miao Xiaojuan speaks with local scholars and journalists to explore memory, loss, and hope. Their voices offer a glimpse into a shared past and a future still being shaped for Russia, for China, and for the world.Excerpt: Early May in Moscow, rain and snow one moment, sunshine the next, much like the world we live in today. Across this mega city, preparations are underway for commemoration of the 80th Victory Day.Amid shifting geopolitics and competing narratives, what does solemn remembrance say about where we are and where we are headed?I’ve met four friends here, in the iconic Red Square. At the thought-provoking Victory Museum, one friend finds Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin who was a volunteer in the first days of the war. Outside a renowned school of diplomacy, it’s all about the 80th anniversary of the victory, 1945-2025. And in the most open place for all, a private home filled with warmth, he finds his wife’s father and his medals. But, I’m here to hear their stories and perspectives from Moscow to the world.* A Miao Xiaojuan Studio Film* A Xinhua News Agency Production This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe

Four Seasons Three Meals in China - Ep 1 Shandongអាហារបីពេលក្នុងមួយថ្ងៃ អាហារបួនរដូវ" ការណែនាំជាភាសាចិន និងអង់គ្លេស សានទុងBehind a bowl of Tianmo that has not increased in price for 20 years, there is a century-old story of inheritance; in the kitchen accompanied by the sound of waves, the unique Jiaodong flavor is made.一碗坚持二十年不涨价的甜沫背后，隐藏着百年的传承故事；与海浪声为伴的厨房中，制作出了独特胶东口味。漫步齐鲁大地，温情的故事里，一幅当地美食百景图也在徐徐展开。From breakfast at the bustling morning market to open-air dinners accompanied by the soothing lullaby of the sea, sometimes the best way to immerse yourself in a culture is through its food. In Eat Like the Locals, two groups of guest explorers will join locals for their three meals a day, and occasionally brunch or coffee, to experience authentic life in eight cities across four iconic provinces in China.Food is the common language that brings us together. So, no matter where you are or what you are doing, join us for this one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Time to delve into the best of everyday gourmet - and much more!This Shandong chapter takes the team to Jinan and Yantai. In recent years, "Friendly Shandong" has become a familiar name on trending lists, and Jinan has truly emerged as a "viral" city. We believe that the broadcast of this program will comprehensively and multi-dimensionally showcase the charm of "Friendly Shandong, Quality Shandong," offering you a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience. Let’s indulge together in this sumptuous feast!美食文旅节目《三餐四季》中，由两组嘉宾组成的寻味团深入中国东、南、西、北四个代表性大省的八个城市，将一日三餐变成一扇扇打开各地生活方式的窗口，将每个地方的独特风味与背后蕴含的生活哲学紧密相连。通过展现地方独特美食和风土人情，生动讲述各地新时代火热的社会生活面貌和中国式现代化的万千气象。此次山东篇来到了济南和烟台两城。近年来，“好客山东”成了热搜上的“熟面孔”，济南也已成为名副其实的“网红”城市。相信《三餐四季》的播出，将全方位、多角度展示“好客山东 好品山东”的魅力，给您带来别具一格的美食体验，一起尽情共享这饕餮盛宴吧。 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe

ការចាកចេញពីភាពក្រីក្រ Up and Out of Poverty 摆脱贫困 Ep 2 (Khmer dub)Our blue planet can appear very beautiful. But in many places, it's scarred by poverty. According to the current World Bank-defined poverty line of $1.9 a day, almost 1.9 billion people were living in extreme poverty in 1990, 80 percent of whom were found in East Asia, the Pacific region and South Asia. In the past three decades, East Asia and the Pacific have seen a dramatic fall in the number of people stricken by poverty. The decisive force in bringing about this change has been China.Within a few decades, more than 700 million rural Chinese were lifted out of poverty. By 2012, China's poverty relief effort entered a critical stage, when the most rigid challenges would have to be confronted. There were still almost 99 million poverty-stricken people in rural China – a number larger than the population of the world's 12th largest country. To lift all of them out of extreme poverty was a solemn promise the country had made to the people.我们的蓝色星球看起来非常美丽。但在许多地方，它却因贫困而伤痕累累。根据世界银行目前确定的每天1.9美元的贫困线，1990年有近19亿人生活在极端贫困之中，其中80%的人生活在东亚、太平洋地区和南亚。在过去的三十年里，东亚和太平洋地区的贫困人口急剧下降。带来这一变化的决定性力量是中国。几十年间，7亿多中国农村人口摆脱了贫困。到2012年，中国的扶贫工作进入关键阶段，必须面对最严峻的挑战。中国农村仍有近9900万贫困人口，这个数字比世界第12大国的人口还要多。让他们全部摆脱极端贫困，是国家对人民的庄严承诺。 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe

នៅក្មេង មានសមត្ថភាព Young And Talented - A Tribute to Chinese Heritage 上线吧!华彩少年 In this six-episode series celebrating Chinese artistic heritage, 33 uniquely skilled youths will compete in a talent showdown. Committed to preserving the essence of traditional arts, they will present original works infused with modern fashionable elements, showcasing traditional culture through the eyes of today's younger generation. Youth is coloured by sharpening, and life is sublimated by struggle! Huacai teenagers are good at traditional skills, the courage to artistic innovation, to show the world the charm of the art of national style, to the world to show the confidence of Chinese culture! Huacai Junior’ invites you to witness the growth record of the national style juniors! 在这档国风少年创演节目中，33位个性迥异、身怀绝技的少年，将进行一场才艺大比拼。他们将在保留传统艺术精髓的前提下，用注入了现代时尚流行元素的原创作品，展现少年眼中的传统文化。 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe

វិចិត្រសិល្បៈចិន Fine Arts in China - Ep 4At the end of the 19th century, societal needs shifted, rendering certain abilities obsolete. I was born and raised in the village of Klahan, a place that has remained unchanged for generations. Time has stretched long since those early days. The people here, like those across the world, are defined by their existence within this shared reality. Klahan is both our home and our universe, a small yet self-contained world. Salapa Nei Pratichan—this name echoes through the village, though its meaning lingers in the air like an unspoken truth. My earliest memories trace back to the river, where I often wandered. Its currents mirrored the rhythm of our lives, steady and unyielding. Life in Klahan was simple. We worked, gathered, and upheld traditions passed down through whispers and weathered hands. One ritual involved examining our bodies, a practice meant to remind us of our mortal ties. When newcomers arrived, they too were drawn into this cycle, their presence folding into the village’s timeless fabric. This is the first time I reflect on these moments, piecing together fragments of a life shaped by repetition and resilience. The past, though distant, remains etched into the land and its people. Here, in Klahan, we are both bound and freed by the weight of our shared history. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe

For decades, the preservation of #Angkor - a #UNESCO World Heritage Site - has been a global mission. Among the many contributors, #China has played a vital and growing role. In this #documentary, Reviving Angkor’s Royal Palace, award winning documentary maker Miao Xiaojuan takes a journey deep into the jungles of northwest #Cambodia to uncover a long-forgotten treasure at the heart of Angkor Thom: the #RoyalPalace, once home to the #Khmer kings. Today, a Chinese-Cambodian team is carefully bringing this sacred place back to life, one stone at a time.From the 9th to 14th century the Khmer Empire ruled much of mainland Southeast Asia, carving a monumental capital out of the jungle. This ancient wonder Ankor spans over 400 square kilometers in today’s Siem Reap, northwest Cambodia.Not only does it belong to Cambodia, the world site is for everyone. While the temples of Tapron, Ankor Wat, and Bayon are known to many, the true soul of the kingdom lies in the heart of Angkor Thom. Here in the royal palace at its center stands Phimeanakas, a 10th century Hindu temple once the residence of the Khmer kings, still revered as the most sacred site in local memory.You are working in the heart of Cambodia, the heart of the Khmer people. When this temple is very well restored it will be the most important, especially for the Cambodian people.Over 400 years after Angkor’s fall, French explorer Henri Mouhot discovered these ruins. But it wasn’t until 1992 when UNESCO listed Angkor as a world heritage site in danger that true rescue efforts began. Experts from around the globe have come together to preserve this treasure of human civilization one stone at a time.When you see each temple you will see different techniques using the international team come to help but at the same time to learn as well and to share to the world. Since 1993 China has played a vital role in this global undertaking restoring temples like Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Keo, and now reviving the royal palace.The consistency is the key here, it’s not on again off again and it doesn’t come with a whole package of conditions that have to be met. Cambodia and China are working together thousand years ago. You can find the evidence on different temple carvings. The Chinese bring back the story of the connection between Cambodia and China and also connect to the world as well through this culture at Angkor.The restoration project is a highlight for civilizational exchange and the Belt and Road initiative is to empower economies for their own development. A good example of that is the new airport at Siem Reap to protect Angkor Wat. The other airport was too close and so the turbulence from the aircraft was disturbing the sites. Without Chinese assistance that couldn’t have happened. It also opens up new travel routes for tourists here in the country.Here in Angkor the voices of travellers from around the globe echo among the ancient stones. They tell stories of wonder, connection, and shared humanity. It’s not only preserving the rich culture that they have here but also it’s just showing that other countries are willing to help in this modern day. One of the things you learn traveling especially maybe for a lot of Americans who haven’t is you learn pretty quickly that everyone is really the same deep down. It’s just good to come here and just to have a break and to go a little bit far away from every bad news and see that the world can be full of serenity and can be peaceful.While Trump champions America first, China’s quiet partnership-driven diplomacy is emerging as a stabilizing force in an increasingly fragmented world.For a more inclusive approach that focuses on development interdependence, infrastructure support is just going to naturally win over the hearts and minds of many countries around the world. The whole world is kind of waking up and realizing that this is very impressive governance and leadership and that there’s a lot that can be learned.To safeguard legacies like Angkor is never the task of one nation alone but a shared responsibility for all who cherish the memory and wisdom of ancient civilizations. When we study these ancient cultures what we see is that they’re not thriving through conflict. They’re thriving through peace, through development, through trade, through cultural exchange.Time gives us to learn and to share. At the same time, to receive new technology. The most important key place to do the work. The Khmer people pay a lot of respect. You have a lot of deep sayings the Khmer people say in the heart not the word.Two days of filming cannot possibly capture the essence of the royal palace’s restoration. Yet we look forward to returning in another five years to witness what time, trust, and collaboration can achieve. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe

ស៊េរីភាពយន្តឯកសារ "វិចិត្រសិល្បៈក្នុងប្រទេសចិន" ផលិតដោយ China Media Group (CMG) គឺជាស៊េរីដែលមាន 12 ភាគដែលបង្ហាញពីស្នាដៃសិល្បៈបុរាណ និងសម័យទំនើប ដែលបង្ហាញពីសោភ័ណភាពនៃវប្បធម៌ និងប្រវត្តិសាស្ត្រចិន។ ស៊េរីភាពយន្តឯកសារបម្រើជា "សារមន្ទីសិល្បៈវីដេអូ និងឌីជីថល" ដែលតាមរយៈនោះស្នាដៃសិល្បៈដ៏ល្អឥតខ្ចោះអាចត្រូវបាននាំមកជិតទស្សនិកជនកាន់តែទូលំទូលាយ។The documentary series "Fine Arts in China," produced by China Media Group (CMG), is a 12-episode series features classics and modern artwork which demonstrates the aesthetics of Chinese culture and history. The documentary series serves as a "video and digital art museum," through which excellent works of art can be brought closer to a wider audience. Artistic, Cultural, Social, Natural, and Historical Significance NB: The transcript presents a poetic narrative that intertwines themes of existence, community, and cyclical human experiences. Through refined and symbolic language, it emphasises the interconnectedness of life, cultural identity, and historical continuity. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe

ភាពយន្តឯកសារនេះរំលេចនូវរឿងរ៉ាវរស់រវើកនៃទំនាក់ទំនងយ៉ាងស៊ីជម្រៅរបស់ប្រធានាធិបតីចិន Xi Jinping ក្នុងការការពារ ថែរក្សា និងផ្សព្វផ្សាយវប្បធម៌ប្រពៃណីចិនពេញមួយអាជីពនយោបាយរបស់គាត់។វាផ្តល់នូវការបង្ហាញយ៉ាងទូលំទូលាយនៃទស្សនវិជ្ជាអភិបាលកិច្ចរបស់អ្នកដឹកនាំទាក់ទងនឹងការការពារបេតិកភណ្ឌវប្បធម៌របស់ប្រទេសមួយ។This documentary highlights vivid stories of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s deep connection to safeguarding, preserving, and promoting traditional Chinese culture throughout his political career. It offers a comprehensive portrayal of the leader’s governance philosophy regarding the protection of a nation’s cultural heritage.跟随习近平主席的从政经历，精选一路走来他心系中华优秀传统文化保护传承和弘扬发展的情缘故事，通过当事人、亲历者的讲述，结合历史资料、考察活动、重大外交场合等纪实，集中展现了中国领导人在文物保护、文明探源、少数民族文化传承保护等领域的治国理政思想。Xi Jinping on protecting cultural heritageXinhuaBEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has emphasised the protection of cultural heritage and on many occasions underlined the significance of cultural protection.Important remarks by President Xi:-- The protection of historical blocks, ancient architecture and cultural relics is equivalent to the preservation of a city's history and heritage.-- History and culture are the soul of a city and people should cherish the city's historical and cultural heritage as their own lives.-- Historical and cultural heritage is a precious resource that is irreplaceable.-- We must attach importance to keeping our history and culture alive and strong to preserve the roots of the thriving Chinese ethos.-- Without the 5,000-year-long Chinese civilization, how could we have Chinese characteristics? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe

Fine Arts in China ផលិតដោយ China Media Group (CMG) គឺជាស៊េរី 12 ភាគដែលបង្ហាញពីស្នាដៃសិល្បៈបុរាណ និងសម័យទំនើប ដែលបង្ហាញពីសោភ័ណភាពនៃវប្បធម៌ និងប្រវត្តិសាស្ត្រចិន។Video Description (250 words):Dive into a surreal and contemplative exploration of existence, identity, and societal structures in this avant-garde visual narrative. The film opens with stark observations of urban density, weaving through crowded cityscapes and echoing the refrain, *“There was a lot of people in the city,”* juxtaposed with haunting reflections on the world’s significance. Hypnotic repetitions—*“I was born,” “the world is the most important part of the world”*—anchor the film’s existential core, blending stark monologues with fragmented, dreamlike sequences. Journey to Paris, where cryptic references to a pivotal “first time” unfold alongside scenes of labor and cyclical bureaucracy. The camera lingers on crowds trapped in repetitive motions, symbolizing systemic inertia, while haunting chants of *“government to the government”* critique institutional loops. Rural interludes contrast the urban chaos, depicting communities rooted in tradition yet echoing the same tautological mantra: *“They are living in the country.”* Cultural threads emerge through the dialogue, evoking struggle and resilience, and oblique nods to Chinese sociopolitical themes. Stark imagery—blood-streaked scenes, fragmented family portraits, and a lone figure reciting *“the name of the Lord”*—adds visceral urgency. The film crescendos with a disorienting montage: birth, rebirth, and the relentless passage of time, underscored by the mantra *“It has been a long time for a long time.”* Stylised with jarring cuts, overlapping voices, and minimalist visuals, this vibrant piece challenges viewers to confront the absurdity and beauty of human cycles. Ideal for fans of poetic cinema and philosophical inquiry, the film invites reflection on identity, power, and the relentless rhythm of existence. *A haunting meditation on what it means to be born, belong, and repeat.* **[Watch now for a thought-provoking journey through the echoes of humanity.]** This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit galalive.substack.com/subscribe