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TLC’s Vietnamese twist to French cuisine in ‘Luke Nguyen’s France’
MUMBAI: TLC presents a new series with acclaimed Australian-Vietnamese chef Luke Nguyen in Luke Nguyen’s France. Luke is back to continue his culinary adventures – this time, in France. Join him as he explores the land that has shaped the food of his native country.
Luke Nguyen’s France will premiere on 6 July, 2015 and will air every weekday at 8 pm only on TLC!
Luke’s journey commences in Paris, where he is helped by family and friends as he explores the Parisians’ intense passion for food, decadence and tradition. Then he heads east to witness the imposing medieval architecture of Strasbourg and the unique culinary customs of Alsace. In the dewy mountains of the Franche-Comté, he gets up, close and personal with chefs who have won Michelin stars, tastes dishes made from age-old recipes and uses local produce to create delicious food of his own – with his signature Vietnamese twist. From the very French steak tartare to Luke’s own succulent salt and pepper cuttlefish, it is an adventure of the senses packed with food, fun, and familiar faces.
In Lyon, Luke cooks alongside the country’s top chefs and home-cooks. He travels along France’s famed southern coastline from Nice to Biarritz and experiences the generosity of the locals as they not only open up their homes but also share their treasured family recipes. Luke’s journey will also take him through the iconic Loire Valley and later to Brittany where he enjoys French food heritage at its finest.
On his journeys, Luke will uncover the Gallic influences in Vietnamese cuisine and learn about the art of regional French cooking from locals he meets along the way.
Discover France’s diverse cuisine as Luke whips up tantalising dishes including classic recipes like melted goat’s cheese on sourdough and French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine. Join him as he unearths a whole new side to French food culture and lifestyle, matching culinary prowess with incredible local produce.
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National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
