The food of a city reflects the mindset of its people. The people of Beijing value inclusivity, forthrightness, and pragmatism. They also possess a deep sense of pride in their history, which is reflected in their local cuisine. With a keen awareness of their cultural heritage, Beijingers have found innovative ways to revive and modernize age-old food practices. Cooks have turned to the past for inspiration, using traditional ingredients, cooking techniques, and even cues from the visual arts to create something entirely new. A Palace Tea Stepping into the Forbidden…