The Woman Who Ate CHINATOWN: A San Francisco Odyssey

by Shirley Fong-Torres

For two decades Shirley Fong-Torres has guided 20,000 visitors a year through San Francisco s Chinatown. This book shows why so many keep coming back for more. It s Chinese-American history with a bottomless appetite for quirky anecdotes, respected traditions and exquisite dumplings. "I love Shirley Fong-Torres. Her effervescence and passion make her irresistible. If she writes a book I ll buy it, if she hosts a tour, I ll take it, if she recommends a restaurant I ll eat there." Gene Burns, KGO, San Francisco

"Shirley Fong-Torres knows San Francisco s Chinatown better than anyone She s downloaded a chunk of what she knows in this book, filled with great information and a touching account of her family history." Michael Bauer, San Francisco Chronicle

"I thought I knew San Francisco Chinatown, that is, until I met Shirley." Martin Yan, YAN CAN COOK

"Shirley Fong-Torres has a contagious love of life, people, place and food I am rapt by her stories, energized by her passion and touched by her spirit." Joey Altman, BAY CAF

"This is Shirley Fong-Torres, a very bossy woman. But if you want to do business in San Francisco Chinatown you have to deal with her. She knows everybody and everything." Comedian Martin Clune

204 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2008

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because I had the privilege of meeting Shirley and joining a couple of her Wok Wiz tours when I was a freelance travel writer. I well remember the experience of the I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown tour, besides all the yummy noshing there was much information on the culture, history and food information.

This book renewed those memories and made me want to head back to the city for another Chinatown walkabout. If one wants to further explore the area on there own this would be an essential companion for seeking out everything from temples to fortune cookie factories. After all the discussion of food a real bonus is the recipes Shirley shares.

The book captures Fong-Torres gregarious personality, family history, plus cultural and cuisine knowledge. Although Shirley died in 2011 her legacy lives on through her Wok Wiz company now led by her daughter Tina Dong Pavao.

[Steve Portigal · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a mix of memoir, history, guide book, and recipes. I skimmed most of it. We had a really memorable experience on one of her tours many years ago, and it was fun to reconnect through this book. RIP Shirley.

[Helene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very personable and casual tour/food book about all the wonders of San Francisco's Chinatown, with small sections about Oakland's Chinatown and Clement Street. History was weaved throughout the book, so it was interesting to me to read about Chinatown's past. However, the parts that interested me the most were the descriptions of the restaurants and shops; I would love to attend one of Fong-Torres' Wok Wiz tours when I have enough money. It would be nice to be able to see her tours in action.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

We met Shirley when she herself led a San Francisco Chinatown walking tour while she was finishing this book. Lots of great background here to the story of her life she told us then. Her brother Ben writes for Rolling Stone.