Prepare to loosen your belts a notch! The first Beijing international food festival is to debut next Friday and will continue serving delectable delicacies until late August.

Gourmets from around the world will soon arrive in the capital to sample a lavish spread of culinary creations from some of the globe's best chefs.

The event will also showcase the best local hotels and catering companies to add a dash of Beijing's service industry.

Also, special coupons will be issued to hungry consumers and a variety of activities such as lectures on health and high-level forums on gastronomic culture will be held to tease the taste buds.

(CRI.com July 7, 2004)