The Woman Who Ate Chinatown

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