Friday, April 16, 2010

OUR BLOG HAS MOVED!

Please check out our new address for our blog:



Monday, March 29, 2010




$10 BUCKS LOBSTER SPECIAL


Three Oceans restaurant; formerly known as East Ocean restaurant is a few doors down from CICF. For their Grand Opening Celebration, they have been advertising $10 lobster. The news of the $10 lobster special has traveled far and wide. The Foodie Meet Up Groups have already taken advantage of this delicious and good deal.

The restaurant scene here is more of a formal sit down rather than a to go joint. It's perfect for family dinners.

Seafood dishes here are their specialty. Among their food selection are the shrimp with walnuts and mayonnaise, fried squid and grilled pork chops. All dishes were excellent and more than affordable.

Catch the deal while you can!

THREE OCEAN RESTAURANT
53 BAYARD STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10013

Wednesday, March 24, 2010



After a two-month hiatus, the Five Points Variety Hour will return on a day and new venue starting TOMORROW!

Shows will be on Thursdays at
Asia Roma (a block away from Silk Road) in Chinatown from 7-9. I think the change of space will be awesome. Asia Roma has a full bar and good food! I'm not talking about bar food, but steaks, pasta, and all the good stuff. YUM! Food, drinks and entertainment is what I'm all about!

So glad the open mic has found a new home!

Check out the site for more details:
www.fivepointsvarietyhour.com.

ASIA ROMA
40 Mulberry Street
212-385-1133

AIJSEN NOODLE

Aijsen Noodle "AKA the Noodle Girl" is a chain that has been very popular in Asia. They have one location in Chinatown next to Chinatown Fair.

It's a great place to get some fast Japanese food for a reasonable price. I recommend their grilled crab yakatori and chicken teryiaki ramen. I find their broth for their noodles particularly tasty!

They also have sushi available! YUM!

14 MOTT STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10013
212-267-9680

Monday, March 22, 2010

CLOSED STORE FRONTS IN CHINATOWN




Doing business in a bad economy is bad! I've been seeing closed gates on some of my favorite places.

Kung Fu Bing which opened about a year ago already has a closed gate with a "For Rent" sign. They had forecasted opening multiple stores throughout Manhattan. I'm already missing their mint bubble tea and breakfast sandwiches.

Komba which has been one of my favorite places to eat and chit chat with my friends is also closed and is for rent. I feel nostalgic for their club sandwiches and Portuguese rice!

The Mulberry Hotel is the new posh place being constructed across from Columbus Park. It now has a "for sale" sign in it's window. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

The gates of Green Tea House have been down for at least a week . They have awesome tea and sell our ice cream! It would be a shame if they were closed for good! No sign has been posted yet, so stay tuned....


Wednesday, March 10, 2010



BP LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENT

The Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer had his Lunar New Year Event at the YMCA Beacon Theater in Chinatown.

Honorees inclueded Julie Azuma, David Chen, and May Chen.


CON EDISON

So about a week and a half ago after all of this snow, Con Edison blows out half of our power. My Dad calls me on my off day because there is a CRISIS! You can't run a business without power.

Luckily they blew out the the electrical that wasn't crucial to our business. We were able to run extension chords throughout our store to help solve the problem temporarily.

Eventually they came and gave us back power. Some of our machinery had been permanently blown out and needed to be replaced. Apparently, Con Edison doesn't have to pay us back for this and is not crediting us any money toward our electric bill. This is terrible!

Right now they are still running lines through our basement to the middle of the street until the problem is fixed. I included some picture above. Everyday I trip over that mound when I go to work. As I look out the window, I see all the delivery people struggle and all the old women trip.

It's hard to make a living as a small business in NY. The stores are run by real people who have real expenses and families. Most businesses in Chinatown would need to struggle to make back this money in an event like this.

Con Edison is a publicly traded company. I think when these things happen, they should take in to account how this affects the people in our community. I hope they finish repairs soon.

CON EDISON

OLD SHANGHAI DELUXE

The Old Shanghai Deluxe now occupies the space that used to be Mr. Tang's. The food here is almost the same as the New Yeah Shanghai Deluxe which recently closed. Half the restaurant group stayed in the old 65 Bayard Street location under a new name and the other half went to start this venture.

I like this place because there is a lot of seating and has a prime location. The big glass windows let you look onto the busy street as you eat. The wait staff is also dressed up in traditional Chinese attire which is a nice touch.

I was surprised to see that this place is often packed during lunch and dinner. Mr Tang's had struggled a long time in this economy. This new restaurant was a good touch to Chinatown because it is moderately priced and looks more fancy.

Glad to see a new business striving!

OLD SHANGHAI DELUXE
50 MOTT STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10013
212-566-4884
FUNERAL FLOWERS

I used to depend on my family to take care of sending flowers for funerals. That was a grown up thing. Going to the florists that line Mulberry street was foreign to me. Not knowing Chinese, I would not know how to order flowers and how to explain who to send them to.

Good piece of information to know: if you are sending flowers to a funeral anywhere in Chinatown or Flushing, the people at these florists will help you find them. These florists are interlinked with the funeral homes and have their names. They realize the importance of getting their arrangements there. Don't be intimidated by going if you're not Chinese or if you're Chinese is poor. If you can just write the name of the person and the funeral home, they will help you get it there.

I guess it's part of being a grown up; experiencing loss and learning how to do these things...

I write about this today because my friend passed away. He never had the chance to try my ice cream and I feel sad that he won't be able to now ... Perhaps this is my simple way of saying he was way too young. It pains me today to have to send flowers to him. My condolences go out to his friends and family.

FUNERAL FLOWERS
Florists along Mulberry Street, across from Columbus Park

Tuesday, March 09, 2010


CHINATOWN SUPPORTS ACS

Friends in Chinatown come together to attend the American Cancer Society (ACS) Asian Initiatives Fundraising Soiree.

In this picture: Darren Wan (Owner Red Egg), Rosemary Yu (ACS Benefit Committee, Daughter of CCBA President), Christina Seid (ACS Benefit Committee, CICF), Yanna Luo (Owner Peony Red)

Sunday, February 28, 2010

OLD SICHUAN CUSIINE INC

My long time neighbor, Shanghai Deluxe recently went out of business. It was a great place for soup dumplings and pan fried noodles. Many celebrities have been seen eating there.

Now, Shanghai Deluxe has closed and Old Sichuan Cuisine Inc. stands in its place. Word is that the restaurant group had split in half, each getting a new set up of partners. Some stayed and formed Old Sichuan, while the others rushed to take over what used to be Mr. Tangs.

The menu here is relatively similar. The dumplings and the ma po to fu here are definitely a must. The food is so yummy and inexpensive that I almost always over order.

It's also cool that they do offer lunch specials for $5.95. They have an option of 30 different items, that come with the choice of soup or vegetable roll with rice. That's a bargain and very convenient if you work in the area. The pepper steak here is delish, though every now and then I crave General Tso's Chicken.

After eating lunch, pop into to CICF for some ice cream and to say "hello"!

OLD SICHUAN
65 BAYARD STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10013
212-227-9888

Wednesday, February 24, 2010





The Notorious MSG marches in the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade 2010

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Christina Seid on the SingTao Float


Reporter Jacky Wong and Christina Seid


The Drummers


Lion Dancing

PICTURES FROM THE 2010 LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE
Christina Seid and Pauline Chen (Director CPC 124)



In this picture: Rosemary Yu (daughter of Justin Yu) and Christina Seid (wearing Peony Red)




CHINESE AMERICAN PLANNING COUNCIL 45th ANNIVERSARY

This year, the Chinese American Planning Council (CPC) is celebrating their 45th Anniversary! We rung in the Year of the Tiger by having a dinner at Jing Fong.

Initiated as a grass roots community effort in 1965 in response to the growing number of Asian immigrants in New York City following the liberalization of the immigration law, the Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc. (CPC) has since become one of the largest providers of social services for Asian Americans in the United States. In pursuing this mission, CPC has developed, and continues to administer, a wide range of services for Chinese-American children, youth, adults, and senior citizens.

Honorees this year included John Liu and Justin Yu.

For more information on CPC visit www.cpc-ny.org/

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Huanan Bomb on the drums



Cynthia Lin (Performer and Songwriter) comes out to celebrate with us!


HK Fever and Christina Seid


NOTORIOUS MSG CHINESE NEW YEAR EVE

This Chinese New Year Eve, we celebrated with good friends, listening to awesome music. Proceeds went to a great cause.

German TV and ImaginAsian were just some of the press that was covering the event. The Notorious MSG played lots of new songs from their new album. It was rocking!

After party was at Whiskey Tavern. That's how we celebrate in Chinatown! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Saturday, February 20, 2010




VALENTINE'S DAY AT PEKING DUCK HOUSE

Everyone knows that I love Chinatown. It only seemed appropriate to my boyfriend that we celebrate Valentine's Day in the community I love.

Peking Duck House (PKD) has always been one of my favorite restaurants. I often don't have time for a real sit down dinner. When I do, PKD is at the top of my list. I love to watch them carve the duck in front of you. It's a bit of a show to me. I also appreciate how the plating of their food is so beautiful.

Though the prices are higher than the average Chinatown restaurant, they are still lower than other restaurants of it's caliber in the city. The food is some of the most delicious that I have ever tasted. The price paid is well worth it.

The place is usually packed so I recommend making reservations. It's a great date place!

The midtown crowd will also be pleased to know that they have opened a second location on 53rd Street btw 2nd and 3rd avenues!

PEKING DUCK HOUSE
28 MOTT STREET
(212) 227-1810

















THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN CHINATOWN


Wednesday, February 17, 2010
















THE NYPD ASIAN JADE SOCIETY

The NYPD Asian Jade Society (NYPD AJS) celebrated it's 30th Anniversary at Jing Fong this year.

All past Presidents of the society were honored and scholarships were awarded throughout the evening.

The overall misson of the NYPD AJS is to enrich the relationship between Asian communities and the NYPD, both inside and outside of the force itself.
To learn more about the NYPD AJS, visit www.nypdajs.org

Tuesday, February 16, 2010



























































THE FLOWER MARKET

During the Lunar New Year, The Flower Market is a big event in Chinatown.

Vendors sell flowers for the New Year. Almost all the flowers will be some shade of red for the Chinese believe the color is lucky.

The Market also has booths with different types of artists. You can find traditional painters and Chinese paper cutting here.

Hope that you'll attend next year! Happy Year of the Tiger to all!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN CHINATOWN

This Lunar New Year falls on February 14th, but events will be going on throughout the month. Come and celebrate the Year of the Tiger in Chinatown!

February 11th and 18th- The MOCA Lunar New Year Film Series.

February 12th & 13th-Flower Festival in Sarah D. Roosevelt Park (Canal & Chrysite Streets)

February 13th-Notorious MSG Concert Fundraiser-www.notriousmsg.com

February 14th-Firecrackers in Columbus Park

February 21st-Annual Lunar New Year Parade


Tuesday, February 09, 2010

CICF ON WB 11 TONI ON

In this picture: Seth (owner of Blue Onion Tours), Christina (CICF) and Toni (WB 11 Host)

Friday, February 05, 2010




LUNAR NEW YEAR FAMILY FESTIVAL

This weekend the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) and the Children's Museum of the Arts (CMA) have partnered to put on a Lunar New Year Family Festival.

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with us through art, performance, and workshops.

CICF will be at the MOCA Sunday at 3:45 for cake decorating workshops for children. We will be making "Tiger Cakes"! What a cool and delicious way to celebrate!

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAMILY FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 6 & 7
Visit their websites for a full listing of events/scheduled workshops:
www.cmany.org
www.moca-nyc.org

Tuesday, February 02, 2010



















OPEN MIC MOVES

The Five Points Variety Hour has been at the Silk Road Mocha for as long as I can remember. It has given us all something to look forward to on Friday nights. The performance space has been a great venue for up and coming performers and for groups of friends to hang out.

Now they are down to their last two shows at the Silk Road and will have to move. You can keep up to date with what the latest news is by visiting their website at http://www.fivepointsvarietyhour.com/

Monday, February 01, 2010

NOTORIOUS MSG BENEFIT CONCERT

The bad boys of Chinatown have good hearts. The Notorious MSG, a Chinatown based band is holding a benefit concert. All proceeds from the concert will be going to Chinatown Youth Initiatives (CYI). www.cyinyc.org

It will be on February 13th which is Chinese New Year Eve. How cool and appropriate is that?

Rock out to some awesome music to start off the New Year while helping the Chinatown Community!

CHINESE NEW YEAR BENEFIT CONCERT
FEBRUARY 13th
Doors open at 7, MSG @ 8:30
Santos Party House
96 Lafayette Street (Btw Walker and White)
$12, All ages, (buy online @ www.ticketweb.com


Christina Seid and Pedro Andrade (Host from LXTV) film at CICF

Friday, January 29, 2010


































































LISA BEAUTY CORP

Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year is right around the corner...

With these two big holiday, us girls have to get glammed up! A good excuse to go shopping!

Lisa Beauty Corp is a cosmetic botique on Elizabeth street. They carry big name products; especially from companies that work well on Asian skin. Shisedo and Qiora are big sellers here.

I love how the gift sets come with beautiful bags that you can reuse! A girl can never have too many handbags!

In light of all the recent vacant store fronts, I have been more conscious of continuing to shop in our community. Small businesses are the heart of Chinatown and provide jobs for many.

LISA BEAUTY CORP
6 ELIZABETH STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10013

Wednesday, January 20, 2010




































FAMOUS SICHUAN

I was so excited to find another hot pot place in Chinatown. This winter has been so cold; leaving me to crave something with hot soup...

Hot pots are fun to do with family and friends. It's a social experience where you are cooking the food together at the table. It's good bonding time with the people you care for. And the best part is at the end, you come out with great soup and cooked food!

This restaurant also offers excellent Sichuan food that is already prepared if you're not a hot pot person.

Their fish dishes here are beautiful. They are served whole and many of their options are steamed. The sesame prawns are also delish!

Lastly, if you're on the run and need some grub for lunch, they offer specials. For $5.50, you get a soup, and appetizer and a main dish. Who can beat that price?


FAMOUS SICHUAN
10 PELL STREET
212-233-3888



Sunday, January 17, 2010



























































YI MEI GOURMET FOOD INC

I eat out a lot. Probably too much. Most of the time, I feel like the food is over flavored and salted. At the end of the day, I just want some home cooking. Even with a busy schedule, eating healthy and wholesome food is important.

At Yi Mei Gourmet, the food tastes like you had cooked at home. They have lots of fish and veggies to choose from. You can pick 3 things over rice and get a soup for less than $5. OMG that rocks!

NYers are a big fan of being what I call "foo fah". They like big fancy names with big fancy prices for their food. This is why we are in a recession...

For the prices that the restaurants in Chinatown charge for their food, you sometimes wonder if it would cost you more to cook yourself. The food in our community is fresh, delicious and economical. What more could you ask for?


Today, I ordered crab, bok choi, and fish over rice. DELISH! This is my new favorite joint!


YI MEI GOURMET FOOD INC
51 DIVISON STREET
212-925-1921