Al Roker Explores America's Changing Chinatowns On "Family Style"
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- Опубликовано: 23 мар 2022
- Faced with gentrification and a wave of problems amid the pandemic, including a shocking rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, America's Chinatowns face an uncertain future. Al Roker explores the history of these immigrant enclaves and learns how Americanized Chinese cuisine became a staple on tables across the country. "Family Style" visits the Pekin Noodle Parlor, the oldest Chinese-American restaurant in the U.S., Far East Cafe in San Francisco and Nice Day Chinese in New York City.
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#FamilyStyle #Food #AlRoker
We need more of this type of journalism to increase insight and help bridge the gaps in our communities. Thank you.
Amen, I agree!
No we need trump back
@@easternsupr8780 some people just miss the point and want to be trolls.
This is BS
NYState has a pro crime and pro Asian-Hate Governor, District Attorney & Mayor. They are building a mega jail right in Chinatown. How much hate can one community take?
@@easternsupr8780 very well said
My thesis in college was on Chinese American Cuisine and its History. At the same time, it hurts to see the same people I put on my military uniform to protect do not want me here because I am Chinese. There are many Chinese and other Asian ethnic groups in the US military, and we would not think for a second to die for this country. Please do not disappoint us. Be better, America!
Thank you for your service to our great country stay strong and show how hate has no time in your life…
It is really an extremely small amount of people who are hateful and they are just plain hateful people. I can also guarantee that Chinese and really all ethnic groups can be very prejudiced.
@@larrybudsock6507 this is why we need to be not ignorant and be the difference as hate will always bring more hate and is a chain we need to brake at all cost
Yeah. It's been that way before the chinese entered the US military. They complained about dying in war, all while not wanting blk people to join and treating the real different.
❤
I have nothing but respect for Jerry here. He sacrificed himself for his family. God bless him!
Well said by Grace, show your 💗 by shopping 🛍 and eating at your local Chinese places!
As an immigrant, who arrived in America at 5 in the early 60s along with my parents and 4 siblings, this story hits very close to home.
My father picked up the wok upon arrival. There were very few options available back in the day, due to lack of communication skills and the differences in culture. You were either in the laundry or restaurant business!
Eventually, after working 4 years as a cook, he soon opened his own restaurant with the whole family involved.
I recalled coming home after school (grade and high), donning the apron and settling down to roll thousands of egg rolls, wrapping wontons, and my least favorite chore, shelling shrimp 🦐!
Excellent reporting Mr. Roker!!!
Thanks for shedding Light 💡 on the plight of struggling Asian businesses 🥡🥂💖
PS. Dad’s dream fulfilled. The grandkids are Doctors and PhDs.💝
❤
I was 5 in 1963 . As a Caucasian I worked in my late teens for a family-owned authentic Chinese restaurant .
I loved working there , they treated me really well and during our dinner break they would let me eat at the huge dining room table with the whole family .
I remember folding the wontons but I never had to make the egg rolls ; but I certainly remember seeing them making ALL THOSE EGG ROLLS , oh my God .
Nowadays it's hard to find authentic Chinese restaurants if you live in some suburbs ... they are all chain restaurants and many people don't understand the difference .
One time when my grown son was sick and I wanted to buy my son some homemade wonton soup , I was disappointed when I called all the local Chinese restaurants .
As 1 manager explained to me , no we do not make homemade turkey broth by having a turkey cooking in the water .
We don't have a real turkey and we don't even make our own broth ... it is a powder that gets shipped to our location and we add water to it .
@@gardensofthegodswonton soup is a Cantonese cuisine, not all Chinese eat it. Nowadays many Chinese restaurants were owned by non-Cantonese
Thank you Al and TODAY for bringing awareness and culture!
As someone who comes from a family that owned a massive Chinese restaurant establishment in the US and HK, I totally understand his point about these businesses closing once the younger generation is able to become successful in other ways and the hard work of running a restaurant is seen as no longer needed. However, these legacies then just disappear and communities are left with apartment buildings or another Starbucks taking over (and demolishing Chinese architecture). I've thought about commemorating my family's business in some way to preserve that history.
I agree, just do it!
That’s a precious legacy for the ancestors…perhaps they’re steering this venture…I suppose you could be rewarded later in thankfulness from the more evolved..I say do it I’d go.🇺🇸🌴
I think this honored the richness of Chinese American history. And it's the first on ive seen with such geographical diversity. Thanks Al.
I love chefs because I was one before Vietnam. I still cook food and I’m 71 years old and still cooking like my French and German chefs had told me. God has blessed us all and I love Chinese food 🍲. It’s the best anyone could ever ask for in this world!!
My sympathy to the owner in Butte who is still mourning the loss of his Father & Mother!
Love segments like this! I learned something even as an Asian American.
They weren't ostracized, and they were definately paid wages for their work, but they were perceived as too small for certain types of jobs.
They are stronger than they look. It was a misunderstanding.
@@freshstart4423 how was it a misunderstanding? Was the Chinese exclusion act a misunderstanding? They we're ostracized during the gilded age. Yes they were paid but their wages were 30-50% less than whites doing the same job. They not only faced physical abuse from supervisors but also worked the most dangerous jobs.
I suggest you read a history book because American society has a long history of scapegoating Asians. The current Asian hate is another form of that. So, don't make excuses and just say it was a "misunderstanding". Time for Americans to do better and acknowledge their dark past.
@@Moss_piglets Look up the definition of misunderstanding, immigrants from other countries arriving in large quantities, learning English.
They were concerned about fair wages if another person looked physically smaller to do the same job.
@@Moss_piglets You need to stop following anti America propaganda. USA rescues people from slavery and oppression every day, those who use witchcraft and follow false prophets make their own mistakes.
Our Abolishionists took guns and rescued slaves from plantations in the 1600s before the Declaration of Independence while fighting the British and pagan Indians.
Millions of Free black people relocated to Liberia under false pretenses during the Civil War, all these things were going on at the same time.
Google it.
The human traffickers depleted our resources back then same as today but they are still outlaw criminals.
@@Moss_piglets Political parties make people do things they wouldn't normally do, I am registered as a no party voter to circumvent the corruption.
USA has developed strategies to create a variety of honest paying jobs so future generations can get out of sin. Preventing gang recruiting,
Chinese mafias, Philippines mafias, Colombian mafias, Russian mafias, Italian mafias, Ghanaian mafias, Bloods, Crips, Dominicans Don't Play, Sinaloa cartels, Trinitarios to only name a few of the criminal gangs sabotaging our economy.
This was excellent...
What in the world can we do without American Chinese restaurants, or even authentic Chinese food for that matter...oh life would lose it gastronomic meaning...we need to protect and save our precious culture....thank you for this and please let's have more learning about culture.....
Be careful dont believe in racial propaganda. All the workers were immigrants too. The Chinese were stronger than they looked. And they didn't have law enforcement yet so the west was self governed.
There's no such thing as racism.
They didn't know the Bible or the power of the Holy Spirit and used witchcraft, selling potions that didn't work.
Psalms 143:10
Whenever I traveled abroad, I seeks out local street food, , not McDonald's, KFC or Starbucks.
@@worldcitizeng6507 I do the same! Street food is always so good! But do check out some fast food restaurants when you are overseas(especially Asia) oh they are not what you get in North America
@@worldcitizeng6507 you should try the American fast food too cause the franchise fast food in asia taste better well at least you won't get old refried fries that is salty asf lol
Thank you Al Roker for this episode….. interesting and informative.
The Chinese-American experience is one of resilience. You can see that in this story. As well as the central role of food in the culture.
This was a wonderful segment. My wife and I both enjoyed learning about the history of America’s China towns. It was really great to see Lucas Sin highlighted; we actually have the October 2021 issue of Food and Wine!
Al Roker is always a pleasure to watch.
Just why...
It shows the importance of every profession. We all can’t have the same profession so please appreciate and respect everyone because we all have our roles in the world.
Yup, glad to have you as the designated BJ giver
Insightful reporting. Can’t wait for the next generation of chefs to open their franchises. Nice day will be one of the places to visit. Thanks, Al.
Lies again? FAS FUS
Omg YAS more Al rocker place! I’ve been waiting more than a decade for him to do more presentation type shows! Go AL !
One of the most positive story reporting I have see for a long time
It is a very insightful documentary. I went to SF for a holiday and started to discover the roots of American Chinese. This is a good continuation. Well done.
Al Roker, Great coverage.
Much respect. This is so well done and more enjoyable knowing Mr Roker is an excellent cook.
Wonderful job, thanks Al!
Loved this vlog. Al Roker made me laugh out loud when he said that he couldn't get altitude. Will definitely try nice day takeout restaurant in Long Island when they open.
The famous Chinatown in Vancouver has been dying a slow death for years. Lack of parking, rampant crime and gentrification are key factors. Whenever a Chinese shop closes down, a millennial moves in and turns it into an oyster bar, aromatherapy lounge, gourmet pizza restaurant, vape shop, etc, etc. In another ten years it will be completely gone. Sad.
Thank you!! So happy to see there are still people embrace other histories, cultures and ethnicities in this country!
Great story wonderful people 🇨🇳
Great documentary of Chinese in America History.
Watching this while eating minced chicken corn soup from a local Chinese restaurant in Tampa, Chicken Yummy. That place and Beijing House have amazing food. Beijing House has fantastic eggplant in garlic sauce and tasty sichuan dishes. If you can, support your local restaurants during these difficult times.
Great segment. Love the Asian culture and FOOD!
Wow I didn’t know the Far East Cafe is the oldest Chinese banquet hall. I should visit sometime. Thanks for sharing.
I loved this! And I am trying to cook Asian food. I go to the Asian Markets and watch Asian food prep on You Tube. YUM!!
That’s really amazing history.
Thank you for this!
Thank you for this segment!!
You know this guy did right when even Chinese people liked the episode.
Informative, enlightening and entertaining - enriches my future visits to Chinatown!
Thank you. I really liked this program. I learned a lot. I also got very hungry. I love roast duck.
Loved this piece. Thank you.
Al is one of the best news reporters I grew up with him in a 1980s I wish we could all get along and live together as one the human race we don't need to lose our cultural Identity or anything but world Peace would be great
Hey, the takeout box keeps the fresh cooked food hot & stays warm longer!
Thank you for this piece! ❤
I enjoyed this so much, and I’d like to try that Mac & Cheese. Al Roker knows how to interview so well. But it was funny when he said, he couldn’t get any altitude from the noodles in the wok.😂
This was such an interesting video!
In America, fortune cookies are thought to be associated with Chinese culture. In China, fortune cookies are associated with American culture.
Ha, very interesting point.
Great video! We need more like this!
I love it! Thank you! 😁
Excellent report
Thank you
Love this episode!
Great episode!
Great segment! Thank you!
Wonderful documentary...thank u ( from 🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago🇹🇹, Caribbean)
In the Caribbean we have 200 years plus of Chinese culture
im chinese and never ate chop suey in my life lol but Im glad this dish helped americans ease in
Mix veg is chop suey
Why did you have to ruin the lives of true Americans by coming to this country and leaving your own like a traitor?
You're not missing much. Stick with real Chinese cuisine.
@@obiwan5781 it literally mean left over vegetables in hoishanese...
@@RaymondHng I gave takeout orange beef another try this week. Disappointingly, the dish belonged to that horrible takeout concept of death by flour/starch, grease and sugar that unfortunately is prevalent in Americanized Chinese cuisine. I was hoping for light flouring, crispiness, and a hint of orange flavor. Ok, that ends my rant on the limitedness and lack of subtlety of takeout Chinese food.
Thank You For Sharing this beautiful video sharing ✌🏻❤️🙏🏻
🌷, Thanks for your reporting
What a wonderful report! I learned a lot including I need to do my part to support local Chinese restaurants. I have always appreciated Al's intelligent approach to interviews. He does his homework so we get history, current facts. He shows such respect and sensitivity toward other people. Just a joy to watch him interview them. You are the best, Mr. Roker.
Mr. Roker, you always put a smile on my face 💯
Way to go Today! I'm happy to see your network covering this segment. Please continue; I'm a new sub!
This was WONDERFUL!
Wonderful segment
Thank you Al for this report, I love learning something new every day, great part of American history.
Wonderful documentary.
Not me sitting at a table filled with food and trying to conduct and interview professionally. I would have lost my job that day, but gone home with a full stomach.
Yeah, I would've tucked in with both hands lol.
hahaha silly asian boygirl
I wish could we visit those restaurants "America China town" soon! love those yummy foods : ) Keep up, Stay safe.Enjoy!
It makes me want to visit Butte.
Joyce... Me too!
thank you, Al😎😎😎
The Peking Duck popcorn sounds soooo delicious!
I grew up in Butte and lived on a diet of Banquet Chicken Pot pies (10cents), every payday I feasted at the Peking. This show brought back the memories.
Chinese food is my favorite! It’s hard to find a good restaurant. We live in Florida and haven’t been able to find a good one. When traveling, we often find great restaurants. We found wonderful Chinese food in Paris and in Germany too! I want to try these restaurants!
Most of the Chinese restaurants in Paris are Vietnamese or Cambodia because of the French colonies
@@worldcitizeng6507 TRUE!
San Gabriel valley So Cal is where you will find authentic Chinese food.
Have you tried Colonial Ave in Orlando? Beijing House in Tampa is great for Sichuan, but honestly the options are limited in Tampa for good Chinese. There are more options for good Vietnamese here.
This is great! Thank you so much Mr. Roker for bringing the awareness of how Asian Americans are surviving in America.
Great story Al and company…and I’m in Hong Kong!
Great story
we need more reporting like this
Insightful...
Ive been in china town new york , unbelievable, one of my favorite dish is order demsum so yummy different varieties to choose to eat, i feel i'm on Beijing china not in newyork, ♥️🇳🇴
Lucas is the best! they should do a documentary on him... watch his videos
The food looks amazing
Not only is Peking of Butte the oldest Chinese restaurant in America, also home to Evel Knievel.
Awesome! Can’t wait for the 1st Jamaicatown, Nigeriatown, Ethiopiatown, Ghanatown, etc! More ethnic foods, experiences inclusiveness are needed!
Same and I can’t wait to try those foods!
Excellent, extraordinary + informative piece by Al; love that he asks open ended question - sign of a good journalist.
Much respects to the all Chinese restaurant owners whom didn't play "the victim card" with the Asian Hate; if anything they
seemed to understate the difficulties that were forced upon them.
Kathy Lee is absolutely correct - we must stand up for ourselves; love that her dad spoke in Cantonese.
Kudos to Lucas for trying to help Mom + Pop Eateries.
I love Al Roker.
My parents use to frequent 17 Mott Street in NYC We had many family occasions there. We sort of grew up there.
Excellent
Keep it alive. I love it! 🥲❤️
Al Roker is a great one, thanks for doing this piece.
Brilliant
AS A EURASIAN CANADIAN I LOVE COOKING THESE FOODS AND THIS IS ONE GREAT VIDEO!!
Nice job Al.
this is amazing. jerry seems like a sweet guy. would love to visit one day.
😸😋 yummy ! Thanks!
Sorely miss Al + Ann Curry together; them seemed to genuinely liked + respected each other.
BRAVO--------------
Great to see Lucas Sin, one of my fav young chefs.
❤️❤️❤️Chinese food and cultural
like the program! good host
I'd like to hear about the history of Chinese American in South Philadelphia
There some history in Wikipedia under "Chinatown, Philadelphia"
Ok, all of the food looks amazing... Once I get my taste back... CHINESE FOOD!
Only immoral people catch Covid-19
I ate dinner on the first street last week. So good!
Amazing
Duck fat popcorn sounds nasty, lacking nutrition.
Polyphenols are an essential nutrient found in olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil or peanut OILS only.
Nutrition training should be required to own a restaurant.
@@freshstart4423 If it’s nasty, nobody would buy it and they would be forced to discontinue the product. Perhaps everybody should undergo nutritional training so they can all make their own informed decisions about what they choose to consume. Duck fat is a natural byproduct of all the Peking duck they were selling. How is it different from buttered popcorn, where the butter comes from a cow instead of a duck? Artificial butter is a whole other story though…
Here in Fiji... Chopsuey is part of everyday lunch and dinner meals in restaurants... followed closely by Chow Mein, Fried Rice and Long Soup.
Al forever!