Everything I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant By Curtis Chin

"Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant" is a poignant memoir by Curtis Chin, offering a vivid and heartfelt account of his upbringing as a gay Chinese American in 1980s Detroit. Against the backdrop of a volatile city, Chung's Cantonese Cuisine emerges as a safe haven, welcoming diverse patrons, from the first Black mayor to local drag queens, Hollywood stars, and elderly Jewish couples.

Amid the red awning and surrounded by his multigenerational family, Curtis comes of age, embracing his identity as a gay ABC (American-born Chinese) and navigating the challenges of a divided city. The memoir unfolds around the menu of Chung's, where almond boneless chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, and personal culinary experiments become the backdrop for Curtis's self-discovery.

Structured around the restaurant's menu, the memoir invites readers to join Curtis in the vinyl booths, offering a glimpse into his oasis of childhood and the valuable lessons learned within the walls of Chung's. It's a story of identity, family, and personal growth, served with authenticity and a dash of humor 📚❤️