Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant

Join award-winning author and social justice documentary filmmaker Curtis Chin for a special book talk at the Manchester China Institute on 29 September 12.30-14.00. Chin will discuss his acclaimed memoir, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, the 2025–26 Great Michigan Read selection. The book shares his story of growing up Asian American in Detroit and working in his family’s restaurant, offering a powerful look at identity, family, and community.

Curtis Chin is a co-founder of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop in New York City, Curtis Chin served as the non-profits’ first Executive Director. He went on to write comedy for network and cable TV before transitioning to social justice documentaries. Chin has screened his films at over 600 venues in twenty countries. He has written for CNN, Bon Appetit, the Detroit Free Press, and the Boston Globe. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Chin has received awards from ABC/Disney Television, New York Foundation for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and more. His memoir, "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant" was published by Little, Brown in Fall 2023. His essay in Bon Appetit was selected for Best Food Writing in America 2023. His latest film for PBS, Warren King: King of Cardboard, premiered in May 2026. He is currently writing his next memoir which Little, Brown will also publish.

The MCI is a listed building and therefore does not have any lifts. Please note that you must use the stairs in order to access the venue and the toilets.

The organisers will be taking photos during this event. If you prefer not to be included in any photos, kindly inform the organisers before the event starts.