Chinese Food for Christmas (vegan) Annual Dinner

For over a decade, i have offered this Chinese Food for Christmas feast, continuing the century plus long tradition of Jewish people eating Chinese food for this day. However, i am the only Jewish chef that i know of who is not only obsessed with eating Chinese food but also obsessed with cooking Chinese food!

In New York City, where i was born and raised, Chinatown and the lower east side are literally right next to each other. In the 19th century, Cantonese and Eastern European Jewish immigrants were moving into these neighborhoods in very large numbers and were the 2 large, non Christian groups in the city. Chinatown was one area that Jews never saw "no Jews allowed, here", in the city. So an interesting bond between these cultures and neighborhoods took place with Chinese food and mah jong in particular being adopted into the Jewish community in New York City. Interestinly, in Toronto, Chinatown was also next to the Jewish community (Kensington Market neighborhood) and a similar bond also took place.

a hearty winter evening Menu is still being develped which will include:

Tempeh char siu bao (with homemade tempeh)

Hot and Sour Soup

Orange Tofu

Black Pepper Tempeh

many many side dishes

dessert will include our renowned ice cream cones and black sesame ice cream

Host or Publisher Philip Gelb