News broke this week that the contentious plan to build a new 76ers arena in Center City was suddenly abandoned—subsequently dismantling a threat that many saw for Philly’s Chinatown neighborhood. With that in mind and with the impending Lunar New Year holiday, it’s the perfect time for ‘A Night to Support Chinatown.’
“Philly Chinatown faces challenges similar to Chinatowns nationwide, we have seen pressures and displacements that are harming and in some cases destroying and erasing these vital communities across the country,” said activist Grace Young in a statement. “Chinatown is a vital part of Philadelphia’s identity, culture, and history, and we must support its mom-and-pop businesses and the organizations doing important work to ensure its survival.”
According to a release, this event is the culmination of a collaboration between leaders in the Philadelphia restaurant industry, Young, and local organizations. The event celebrates the unique food culture of Philadelphia’s Chinatown and will fundraise for Asian Americans United as they fight to maintain the social, cultural, and economic connections that make Chinatown such a vibrant community.
Taking place on Feb. 3, this inaugural event will be hosted by James Beard Award winner Ellen Yin, founder and owner of the High Street Hospitality Group. Yin teamed up with Dan Tsao of Emei for the occasion, and the duo formed a curated line-up of six chefs from Emei, Vietnam Restaurant, Bubble Fish, Dim Sum Garden, Sang Kee Peking Duck House, and TingTing’s Cafe.
The culinary-clad experience will also feature talks from the aforementioned Grace Young— who also happens to be the recipient of both the James Beard Humanitarian award and the Julia Child Award for her work to save America’s Chinatowns—community activist Debbie Wei, and Di Gao, the Senior Director of Research & Development at the National Trust for Historic Preservation (which placed Philly Chinatown on a list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.) The night will be captured by artist and SONY Artisans of Imagery photographer Zabrina Deng, the release notes.
The evening’s ticket sales and proceeds from a silent auction (curated by Les Dames d’Escoffier) featuring rare items and “exclusive experiences” from the restaurant industry in Philadelphia, including donations from businesses in the RICE Coalition (Restaurant Industry for Chinatown’s Existence), will go directly to help Asian Americans United.
“Food is a powerful tool for connection and some of the best in Philadelphia is in Chinatown,” finished Yin in a statement. “That’s why we have centered this event around celebrating the food that makes Philly’s Chinatown so inspiring to the industry here. It connects us with ourselves and each other for a greater cause.”
‘A Night to Support Chinatown’ will take place on Feb. 3, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at High Street Philadelphia (101 S 9th St.) Tickets ($120-$288) are available via Eventbrite.
