Honoring Cecilia

Above & Beyond Chinatown

San Francisco, CA 19 September, 2015

Cecilia Chiang, whom Darrell Corti calls "The Grand Dame of Chinese cooking in America", was honored by the Chinese Historical Society of America during their annual fund raiser named "Above & Beyond Chinatown." The event was held at the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum in San Francisco.

Darrell Corti and I arrived about an hour before the start of the festivities. Our early arrival gave us the chance to look around as the staff and presenters were setting up. The food and drink presenters were stationed in the main museum hall and on the second floor courtyard, from which many of the architectural highlights of the building can be seen.

During the set up I was able to interview Sue Lee, Executive Director of The Chinese Historical Society of America. She gave us some wonderful background on the afternoon's event and some very interesting history of the building.

Phillip P. Choy, a Past Chinese Historical Society of America President and retired architect gave us a further history lesson about the CHSA and it's connection to Chinatown history as well as Chinese American history.

Sue Lee gave us her introduction to the Above & Beyond event and its honoring of Cecilia Chiang.

The Above & Beyond Chinatown event went into full swing shortly after guests arrived. The guests spent the early moments of the event sampling all of the very delightful food and wine offerings.

The guest of honor arrived and was greeted by many as she made her way into the event.

Cecilia was seated at the head of the room as Master of Ceremonies, Liam Mayclem, Host of CBS 5's "Eye on the Bay" & KCBS "Foodie Chap" began the Above & Beyond Chinatown program.

The highlight of the evening unfolded as Cecilia Chiang took the microphone and graced the audience with a wonderful address.

It was the honoree who actually gifted everyone in the room with the honor to meet her and hear this living legend speak. Our best wishes to Cecilia Chiang and the CHSA for continue prosperity and good health.