The story of Kathy Fang, the daughter of San Francisco's renowned House of Nanking, is a tale of defying expectations and forging her own path. In a city where the iconic restaurant has become a symbol of culinary excellence, Kathy's journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion, even when it goes against the grain of traditional dreams.
For decades, House of Nanking has been a beacon in Chinatown, with its vibrant atmosphere and long lines of eager diners. But for Kathy, the true heart of the restaurant lies in the bustling kitchen, where she found her calling despite her parents' initial dismay.
A Daughter's Deviation from the 'American Dream'
Peter Fang, the legendary patriarch of House of Nanking, and his wife built their restaurant with a different vision for their daughter. Cooking, to them, was a means of survival, not a career path for the educated. Kathy explained, "For my parents, being very traditional, they didn't want me to follow in their footsteps. Cooking was seen as manual labor, something you did if you couldn't cut it in school."
The Struggle to Share the Family Legacy
Kathy's decision to release the first-ever cookbook dedicated to her family's restaurant was not without its challenges. Her father, Peter, was hesitant, fearing that sharing his recipes would deter customers from dining at the restaurant. He didn't realize that House of Nanking had become an institution, frequented by celebrities like Francis Ford Coppola and Keanu Reeves, who were recognized by Kathy but not by her father.
A Celebrity Encounter and a Father's Misidentification
Kathy shared a heartwarming anecdote about the time Keanu Reeves visited the restaurant. She begged her father to let Reeves skip the line, but he insisted, "Everybody waits in line." Kathy promised straight A's, and her father relented. What followed was a hilarious mix-up when her father mistook Reeves for Sean Connery, showcasing the family's humble and unassuming nature.
A Busy Businesswoman and a Media Star
Kathy Fang is a force to be reckoned with. Besides running her own restaurant, Fang, and releasing a cookbook, she has become a Food Network star, winning Chopped twice and appearing on "Chef Dynasty: House of Fang." San Francisco Magazine even crowned her a "culinary queen." Despite her success, Kathy notes that her husband doesn't even like Chinese food, and she shares how her parents' dreams for her to become a doctor or lawyer were initially dashed.
A Turning Point for the Brand
Kathy's return to the family business marked a pivotal moment for House of Nanking. While her father, Peter, had established the restaurant's reputation through his culinary genius, Kathy brought a new dimension with her media savvy and telegenic presence. She saw her involvement as an opportunity to build upon the brand her parents had created, sharing their story with the world.
Easing Fears and Embracing Multigenerational Legacy
Kathy's presence in the business proved to her father that House of Nanking could thrive beyond his retirement. "My dad now knows that this is something that can continue down generations," Kathy said. He even sees potential in his 8-year-old granddaughter as a future successor.
A Proud Father, a Chinese Tradition
Despite strangers and customers telling Kathy that her father is proud of her, she has never heard it directly from him. "My dad will never tell me. It's a very Chinese thing; they won't compliment you to your face," she explained. Kathy shared a touching moment when her dad expressed his pride during a green-room interview for "Chef Dynasty," but she still longs to hear it from him personally.
Managing the Parents' Workload and Retirement Plans
Kathy revealed that one of her current challenges is managing her parents' workload. Now in their mid-70s, they continue to work the lunch and dinner shifts every day. The pandemic hiatus highlighted the importance of their daily routine, as Kathy's mother, Lily, developed health issues from being inactive, and her father lost his voice due to vocal cord weakness.
Preserving the Essence and Soul of the Business
Kathy respects her father's wish to keep the business small and rooted in Chinatown. She has no plans to expand nationwide, understanding that it would alter the essence and soul of the restaurant. "I'm not going to do it if my dad doesn't want to," she said.
Kathy Fang's story is a reminder that sometimes the greatest deviations from the 'American Dream' can lead to the most fulfilling paths. Her journey showcases the power of embracing one's passions, even when they challenge traditional expectations. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the food; it's about the family, the legacy, and the love that goes into every dish.
