Chinatown Restaurant Week Press Conference

Article by Keen Lee
Photo by Peshean Zhang for Kaimen Company

On Friday, March 8th, Chinatown Restaurant Week’s press briefing was held at the Silk Road Café to celebrate its 2nd year by Julie Huang, Chinatown Restaurant Week Producer, despite the chilly weather, Silk Road Cafe was packed with over 75 people with more people standing outside the cafe. Representatives from the participating restaurants, press, and the offices of elected officials attended the press briefing to show support for Chinatown and Chinatown Restaurant Week.

The cold and snowy weather did not stop Producer Huang and many representatives from holding this significant meeting to give recognition to supporters during the relief of Hurricane Sandy. Chinatown was hit hard by Sandy, but as a community and family, everyone lend each other a helping hand to pick Chinatown back up. As a result, Chinatown was back in business and running like its usual self in no time. Producer Huang and the NY representatives emphasized the importance of how Chinatown plays a critical role in stimulating the economy. Without Chinatown’s small businesses, the economy would not have improved and the employment rate would not have decreased to 7.7% according to Congresswoman Re-Elect Nydia Velázquez.

While growing up in Chinatown, I have had the pleasure to dine out at many Chinatown restaurants. I have tried the famous roast pork buns for breakfast, Bo Ky’s famous duck over rice for lunch, and Asian-flavored ice-cream for dessert in Chinatown, but there are still plenty of restaurants that I have not given a chance to enjoy their menu. After attending Chinatown Restaurant Week’s press briefing, I have learned of the many great choices with great deals to dine at with my friends. As a foodie, I will take the opportunity of tasting all the delicious foods that Chinatown Restaurant Week has to offer. I cannot wait to try them! Yum!

The press briefing had representatives from the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, sponsors: Inca Kola, Lois Jackson DDS and John Chang Esq present, Industry Supporters: James Versocki from the New York State Restaurant Association, Andrew Rigie from the New York City Hospitality Alliance, Bonnie Chan from the Chinese American Restaurant Service Association, Proclamations and letters from Congresswoman Re-Elect Nydia Velázquez, NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, NYC Public Advocate Bill deBlasio, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and NYC Council Citation from Councilmembers Margaret Chin and Robert Jackson.

The press was graced by the presence of representatives from 22 participating restaurants (full list here: www.chinatownrestaurantweek.com) and Haagen-Daaz Chinatown (who also sent over a special Chinatown Restaurant Week branded celebratory chocolate/vanilla ice cream cake for the attendees), new community supporters (including the Civic Center Residents Coalition Jan Lee and Danny Chen and the New York Chinese Business Association John Yu) and other founding community supporters (including www.AsianInNY.com), the presence of Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, NYS EDC and Empire State Kenneth Adams, Linda Sun from the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Karen He from the Office of Speaker Silver, Mary Cooley from the Office of Senator Daniel Squadron, Representatives from the Office of Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Esther Yang from the Office of NYC Comptroller John C. Liu, David Czyzyk from Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer’s Office, Walter Algarin from the Office of NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Councilmember Letitia James, David Adorno and Frances Escano from the Office of Councilmember Robert Jackson, Jenifer Rajkumar, Julie Menin, and Cathy Guerriero.

Keen Lee, Peshean Zhang

Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/AsianInNYFans for more event coverage and reviews.

Avatar photo

About AsianInNY

AsianInNY.com is New York’s leader in Asian networking and a multi-cultural entertainment site. AsianInNY has established itself as the premier social and cultural authority for Asians in New York City. AsianInNY maintains the highest standards in providing reliable online content and producing live offline events. AsianInNY seeks to inspire, educate, and connect our community, using a versatile platform that engages our audience via a multi-layered digital presence that showcases the best of New York City. Our pages are updated daily with a rich cultural mix of news, events, interviews, and more. AsianInNY: Connect with Everything Asian!