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Restaurant at the heart of China Town celebrates 30th Birthday

Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant is one of the most respected Chinese restaurants in the city and celebrated its 30th Birthday in August. Chung Ying was the original ‘super restaurant’ at the heart of China Town. This restaurant was the catalyst from which the rest of China Town sprang up and developed into one of the most popular parts of Birmingham.

Read all about owner James Wong and the history of Chung Ying here.

VIP Party

On Thursday 25th August, a grand party marked the 30th Anniversary. The lucky few (hundred) including regular customers and local businesses, were invited for an evening of thrills from Chinese Lion Dancers, a special performance from singer Ricky Wong, firecrackers and a grandiose banquet.

City Councillor Mike Whitby attended along with the Chinese Ambassador. Presenter Cecilia Chiu from Chinese TV station TVB caught all the action, which you can watch here on YouTube.

Project Tom

In a busy week for the British-Chinese businessman, a charity lunch was held as part of James’ continuing charity work in the name of his parents, father Siu Chung Wong and mother Ying.

“With this being the week of our 30th birthday celebrations, I wanted as many people to come and celebrate this milestone. As well as having fun, one of the aims of the night is to raise awareness and support the forgotten Chinese Elderly.”

In association with the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, James will host a charity lunch every week for a different care home. The money raised will also go towards the Project TOM Charity (in aid of child poverty in China) and local Chinese schools.

Mooncakes

Last week, the Chinese Community celebrated the Moon Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn festival, when the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year.

Modern day Chinese people celebrate the Moon Festival much how we like to celebrate Christmas; a chance for family and friends to get together and eat together. Part of the tradition is to exchange Mooncakes, the young buy it for their elders. These are expensive delights made of lotus paste and egg yolks left whole (so when you cut them, you see a round yolk, which represents the full moon.

Joanne Malin kindly invited James Wong to come on her show on BBC Radio WM to talk about the Moon Festival. We even took along some Mooncakes for her to try. She was astounded by them!

Birmingham Food Festival

Chung Ying took part in the Hidden Gems event on Saturday 15th October. This free event in Victoria Square was to mark the start of the Birmingham Food Festival.

http://birminghamfoodfest.com/blog/2011/10/14/birmingham-food-fest-serves-citys-culinary-charms/