Kempinski sends out signals with feast in Shanghai

The 19-course-dinner concept was a challenge, but the chefs passed with flying colors. Now the manager of the Kempinski hotel chain hope they can see the broader plan through to fruition and gain a market edge in China and beyond by aggressively pivoting to food and beverage in 2014.

Three master chefs had two hours to oversee an elaborate banquet at the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai recently, the highlight of three days of dining and workshops under the Regional Gourmet Summit 2013 banner.

The flagship property in Shanghai's financial district of Lujiuzui was officially re-branded on May 15, when the chain took over its management.