Noted eatery hires farmer as food expert

Huang Guosheng, a farmer who shot to fame after featuring in one episode of A Bite of China, a widely acclaimed TV food documentary series that stirred a culinary craze, has signed a contract with Beijing-based Xi Bei Northwest Dishes to serve as the restaurant's food specialist.

The 59-year-old, who makes and sells yellow steamed buns with his wife in Suide county, Shaanxi province, created an Internet buzz after he was approached by Jia Guolong, the owner of Xi Bei, who revealed his plan to invite Huang to join the restaurant.

Many netizens believe Huang is a victim of "commercial abduction" and condemned Jia's move. Jia admitted it was a publicity stunt but insisted that his intentions were 100 percent good in that he wanted Huang to have a better life.

Huang said he thought it over thoroughly before making a final decision.

"I'm looking forward to promoting food from the northwestern Chinese countryside and I am enjoying the change in my life," Huang said.

According to the contract, Huang will train chefs at Xi Bei's outlets to make yellow steamed buns, which will be sold from August at a price of 3 yuan (48 cents) each.