Singapore’s famous symbol, the Merlion, was introduced to Cupertino when Merlion Restaurant had its grand opening on Stevens Creek Boulevard. The fabled animal, with the head of a lion and the tail of a mermaid, signifies a bygone era when Prince Sumatra discovered the island, mistook its roaming tigers for lions and claimed to have seen magical mermaids swimming nearby. Former Singaporean William Chang, inventor of the endoscope, spent two years planning the restaurant, and the result is a beautiful site with giant carved marble Merlion animals, surrounded by coin ponds for good luck, a welcoming wall mural scene of the transition from old world to modern cosmopolitan Singapore, carved teakwood walls, and an open kitchen where diners can view Singaporean chefs Henry Lau and Raymond Yin prepare the special fare of Southeast Asia.
A festive reception was held on the lucky opening date of 7-7-7 (July 7, 2007) with city officials, including Cupertino Mayor Kris Wang, Vice Mayor Patrick Kwock, Fred and Annie Chan and the Singapore Consul General, joining William and Tina Chang in the ribbon cutting. Among the throng of happy diners were Gilbert Wong, Eric Chan, Rose Tsai, Don and Rose Tang, John and Muriel Kao, Frank Jang, John Luk and Kam Lau.
At Milpitas’ Great Mall’s busiest corner is the Mayflower Restaurant, with people streaming in to enjoy its dim sum. David Hung welcomes the throngs of diners with impeccable service and a wide variety of Cantonese dishes. Medical technology specialist and Stryker Company’s Chief Technology Officer William Chang also lent his owner’s hand in making this a popular stopping point for Great Mall patrons. He and wife Tina share their knowledge of Singaporean cuisine in their Prima Taste Restaurant in San Jose Berryessa district. Asked why a man already successful and busy with his medical technology business would want to open three restaurants, Chang answered, “My wife and I have always loved good food and appreciate special regional cuisine presented in an attractive and welcoming atmosphere. I work to achieve that combination in all my restaurants.”
SUMMER WEDDING NEWS
The wedding of Dr. Jeffrey and Sarah Kwong was in the heart of parents Ken and Bonnie Kwong for over a year prior to the June 23 happening, and it was a happy occasion for grandparents John and Frances Low of Alameda, who were celebrating their own anniversary at the same time. San Francisco’s St. Mary’s Cathedral was a beautiful backdrop for the Kwong wedding, and the Grand Ballroom of the San Francisco Hilton Hotel rocked with dance music for the 600 guests.
The San Francisco Asian Art Museum was the joyous scene of the marriage of Dr. Julia Wong and Roger Kuo, surrounded by family, friends and her parents, Dr. Adolphus and Tammy Wong. Brother Dr. Andrew Wong welcomed the guests and father Adolphus serenaded the couple in his own inimitable style of singing personalized words to familiar tunes.
SUMMER FUN
Run to see Colma, the locally produced, $15,000 film directed by San Franciscan Richard Wong. The photography, story line and acting showed ten times the value of their money spent, and all concerned should be congratulated for showing that it isn’t just big budget extravaganzas that can be good movie fare. Movie goers Valerie Jeung, Irene Thompson, Doris Quon, Nancy Mar and Pat Lum emerged from the theatre with thumbs up.
San Francisco Chinese Golf Club won this year’s “The Battle of the Bay” golf competition, lording over the Marin Chinese Golf Club, Oakland Chinese Golf Club and Good Guys Chinese Golf Club at Patterson’s Diablo Grande. SFCGC and second place Oakland will compete against Norcal teams at Poppy Ridge in September. Congrats to SF club winners Paul Tan, Jonathan Wong, Dong Zhang, Hoffman Wong, Dan and Louis Lo, Tom Gee, Sam Lee and Phoebe Choy, among others.
A special congrats to two spectacular players, 12-year-old twins Andrea and Alexander Wong who got 81 and 88, respectively. Ah, to be young and agile again!