Chef Poon Leads Trips To China

Contact: Irene Levy Baker
215/782-2258
spotlightpr@comcast.net

CHEF JOSEPH POON TO LEAD
CULINARY TOURS OF CHINA
PHILADELPHIA CHINATOWN (January 10, 2003)  Chef Joseph Poon, exuberant chef/owner of Joseph Poon Asian Fusion Restaurant, will lead two culinary tours of China during the summer of 2003. Space is still available on the 10-day tours, which include visits to Hong Kong, Macau and Beijing.
I have led tours of Wok N Walk Tours of Philadelphia Chinatown for years, said Chef Poon. I love teaching people about Asian cuisine and culture. So, it seemed natural to expand this role by leading an adventurous trip to my homeland. We can celebrate the Chinese Year of the Ram together in Asia!
To accommodate more travelers, two identical trips are scheduled: July 23 through August 1 AND August 7 through 16, 2003. The trip starts with a visit to Beijing, the capitol of China and site of the 2008 Olympics. In Beijing, the travelers will climb the Great Wall of China, visit Ming Tombs, and walk where once only emperors were permitted  through the Forbidden City, the breath-takingly beautiful Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. A visit to Tiananmen Square, is planned followed by a feast on the citys famous Peking Duck. Chef Poon will lead the group through the midnight snack market and has arranged to dine at local restaurants. Three meals a day are included in Beijing.

Next, the group will fly to Chef Poons hometown, Hong Kong, for a whirlwind half-day tour of the city including the inspiring view of contemporary, neon-covered skyscrapers from Victoria Peak, and Stanley Market, an open air market where bargain hunters will find silk pajamas, tea sets, street foods and more. The group will visit an ancient walled city and take a sampan to a floating restaurant. Martin Yan, from Yan Can Cook introduced Chef Poon to the Hong Kong Culinary Association and they have planned a special demo about Asia cultures and foods from throughout China. Breakfasts and lunches are included in Hong Kong. Travelers can explore on their own for dinner.
The group will take a ferry to Macau, a city with a Portuguese heritage that has become part of its architecture, culture and cuisine. The full day tour includes a six-course vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist Monastery and a visit to the ancient ruins of St. Paul.
The trip includes roundtrip airfare from New York, hotel accommodations, most meals, sightseeing, local tour guides, all land and air transportation in China, daily discussions (and tastes) of local Asian food and exposure to the culture and history. The cost is $1,899. per person for twin accommodations. Space is limited and deposits are due by the Chinese New Year  February 2, 2003. For more information, contact Chef Joseph Poon at 215/928-9333 (phone), 215/928-9368 (fax), jpoon18250@aol.com or stop in to Joseph Poon Asian Fusion Restaurant at 1002 Arch Street, in Philadelphia Chinatown.
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Joseph Poon Asian Fusion Restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday 2:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Joseph Poon Asian Fusion Restaurant is located at 1002 Arch Street, at the corner of 10th and Arch Streets in Center City Philadelphia, 215/928-9333. Website: www.josephkpoon.com. Reservations are not required, but are recommended. Free parking is available after 4pm with validation at the Auto park at The Gallery on 10th Street between Arch and Filbert Streets.