In 1990, Godzilla: Asian American Art Network formed to stimulate visibility and critical discourse for Asian American artists, curators, and writers who were negotiating a historically exclusionary art world and society. Founded by Ken Chu, Bing Lee, and Margo Machida, Godzilla produced exhibitions, publications, and community collaborations that sought social change through art and advocacy. Expanding into a nationwide network, the group confronted institutional racism, Western imperialism, anti-Asian violence, the AIDS crisis, and Asian sexuality and gender representation, among other issues.
Customers lined up outside Jing Fong in February of 2021.
Jing Fong, once Chinatown’s largest restaurant, will completely vacate its space at 20 Elizabeth St. by the end of the month. The dim sum destination and banquet venue closed its 800-seat dining room back in March, promising to find a new smaller location somewhere in the neighborhood. That’s apparently happening. Claudia Leo, the restaurant’s marketing manager, told the New York Post that Jing Fong would move to a 125-seat spot in late June, although she did not disclose the location.
The restaurant had kept a kitchen going even after the dining room went dark to support outdoor dining, takeout and delivery. While it’s a positive sign that Jing Fong may survive in some form, the downscaling leaves Chinatown without a large banquet hall. That’s something many family associations and nonprofit groups counted on for large gatherings, especially during Lunar New Year celebrations.
arrow Hing Chung (right) the manager of the UWS Jing Fong who was fatally struck by an e-bike rider. Courtesy Calvin Ho
The 71-year-old manager of a Chinese dim sum restaurant on the Upper West Side has died after he was hit by an electric bike rider earlier this month, according to police and a former coworker.
Hing Chung, who managed the Jing Fong outpost on Amsterdam Avenue and 78th Street, was struck outside the restaurant on April 17th. Police said on Thursday that Chung stepped between two cars into the protected bike lane, where he was hit by a 39-year-old cyclist traveling north.
Iconic Chinatown Restaurant Jing Fong Plans to Reopen in New, Smaller Space in Late June eater.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eater.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.