Join Mechanics' Institute for the finale of our 10 month NEA Big Read series inspired by the themes from Interior Chinatown by author Charles Yu. Throughout the year we explored themes of immigrant identities and assimilation, the elusive dreams of Hollywood, and the American Dream. We explored the vibrant community and traditions of Chinatown, forged new collaborations with our local cosponsors, and hosted engaging author events, panel discussions, and film series. We also enjoyed onsite visits to art exhibits and a film festival.
Internationally renowned Celebrity Master Chef Martin Yan brings this all together! The evening opens with a special cooking demonstration by master Chef Yan. He will share his personal Chinese-American immigrant story from his first beginnings in the food industry to his world famous televised cooking show, to his current educational film projects and his advocacy for Chinatowns—in San Francisco and across the country. Don't miss this exciting evening!
Complimentary refreshments will be served including wine, beer, and soft beverages plus treats from ChinaLive and Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company.
Cookbooks by Master Chef Yan will be available for purchase.
Chef Martin Yan is the recipient of the 2022 James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has hosted more than 3,500 cooking shows around the world and is an accomplished chef, a restauranteur, a respected culinary educator, a commentator, and a food and hospitality consultant. His award-winning PBS series Yan Can Cook, airing since 1978, has introduced generations of North American audiences to Chinese and Asian cuisines. He has authored more than 30 culinary books and has made guest appearances on Iron Chef, Top Chef, Master Chef, Hell’s Kitchen, and Check, Please!, among others.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
El proyecto NEA Big Read es una iniciativa del National Endowment for the Arts (el Fondo Nacional para las Artes de Estados Unidos) en cooperación con Arts Midwest.
Cosponsored by China Live San Francisco & Chinese Historical Society
Mechanics Institute Members $10
Chinese Historical Society of America (use PROMO code) $10
Public $15
No refunds day-of event.
Meet the Author(s)
Future Meet the Author(s)
Feb 18 - 11:00 am
Toni in Translation: An International and Interdisciplinary Gathering
This event will delve into how Toni Morrison's works transcend borders through literary works and inspire transformative action in diverse fields.
Feb 19 - 6:00 pm
The Politics of the Plate: How Food Defines Culture, Resilience, and Power
with Anna Voloshyna and Kate Leahy, moderated by Leslie Jonath
