October 2007

Chinatown New York: Portraits, Recipes, and Memories

Author: Volkwein, Ann

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 006118859X

ISBN13: 9780061188596

Trim: 8 x 10

Pages: 224

Illustrations: approx. 300 color photos throughout

Release Date: 10/3/2007

Price: $34.95 / $43.95 Can.
Territory: W

SYNOPSIS

Driven by beautiful photography, capturing the color, majesty, and vitality of a community rich with tradition, Chinatown New York celebrates the history, jubilant festivals, exotic foods, and spirited residents of this wonderful neighborhood. Ann Volkwein, author of The Arthur Avenue Cookbook, traces the origins of this fascinating place through the history and personal stories of people who have lived there for generations. Community leaders, restaurant managers, herbal doctors, and shopkeepers all tell their compelling stories. From the tradition of Chinese tea and the culture of dim sum to the healing effects of Chinese medicine, the book introduces the important cultural details that make Chinatown a treasured part of the city—and features gorgeous photos of the famous New Year’s Parade and such Chinatown landmarks as the influential Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the richly colorful Mahayana Temple.

Of course, Volkwein pays special attention to the restaurants of Chinatown, tracing the history of Chinatown dining, from old-style coffeehouses and bakeries to banquet halls, and the varied regional cuisines. And the book is peppered with mouthwatering recipes—including Longevity Noodles, Steamed Bass with Ginger and Scallions, Shanghainese Pork Shoulder in Brown Sauce, Spinach and Vegetable Dim Sum, and Shredded Duck Dumplings—so that readers can create a little bit of Chinatown in their own homes. (If only!)

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ann Volkwein is a food and lifestyle writer and editor in New York City and Austin, TX. She holds a BA in anthropology from Barnard College and a certificate from the Institute for Culinary Education in New York. Volkwein has worked as managing editor, national features for AOL CityGuide and as a culinary producer for the Food Network. She is a contributing editor for Explorers Journal. Her previous books include New York’s 50 Best Places to Have Brunch, The Healthy Table (co-authored with Luiz Ratto), and The Arthur Avenue Cookbook: Recipes and Memories from the Real Little Italy.