July of 2010 I was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with my family for a tour called Wok ‘n Walk. This was a tour of Chinatown by Chef Poon. After a tour of the city including stops at a fortune cookie factory, bakery, and Chinese grocery store, Chef Poon then cooked us a meal. Meeting Chef Poon and making contact with him was great. He is well known in the United States as he has been on numerous television shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. After meeting Chef Poon I told him I would soon be visiting China and he made sure to give me a ton of information including mailing me information and his phone number. While in China I made sure to write him. Since I have returned I contacted him find out more about his busy schedule as he acts as his own manager.
On Saturday, February 12th, 2011 I was able to talk with Chef Poon. He is very upbeat and talks very fast as usual. Chef Poon asks me how the weather in Florida is, as he makes stops down here sometimes to visit friends that work for Darden Restaurants. He used to work for Darden as a product manager. We then get down to the questions I have.
1-How did you start cooking?
I was working at the Hong Kong Airport and I wanted to be able to cook like the Chefs I saw there. That’s where my inspiration started. They were able to carve many things out of fruits and vegetables so I went home and tried on potatoes until I finally got it.
2-After arriving in the United States how did you make a name for yourself?
I was determined to make something of myself. At times I was not sure what, but I always surrounded myself with positive people. I had a lot to learn when I came here. Every bit of knowledge I soaked up. I went to school to learn more. Education is very important. I have a lot to share because I’m old and I want to share it. You can never stop learning.
3-What did you study in school?
I went to State University of New York (SUNY) for nutrition. After that I went to the Culinary Institute of America for international cuisine.
4-After your education what was your next move?
I was working several different jobs to save money to open my own restaurant. I moved to Philadelphia and opened my first restaurant in 1979-Sang Kee. It’s still in operation by different owners.
5-What made get involved with some many other ventures? (tours of Philadelphia, taking groups to China, cooking classes, writing books, and much more.)
I like people and want to share my passion, and knowledge. I really like meeting the young people to teach them. They are the future. I like to share my culture and educate people about healthy eating.
6-How do you keep up with your busy schedule?
I do have an assistant Vivian that helps to book the tours and cooking classes. I try to be in control of everything. I want to see everything that I am offered and see if it is something that people can learn and be inspired from.
7-What is your favorite part of your job?
I love meeting people and teaching. Meeting people like you or other young people is really important to me. When I take people to China they are so excited to be seeing things and experiencing it. To me, it’s all about the learning experience. These people will do this and then tell more people to make a chain reaction.
8-What’s your next plan?
I’m not sure yet. I will continue to cook, travel, and teach until I cannot anymore. I will share my passion with the world. I want you and others to pick my brain, anything I can teach and share.
Be sure to visit Chef Poon's website!
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