MAKfam

The Hong Kong Ice Tea, our play on a Long Island Ice tea served in a VLT lemon tea box will always be on the menu. Some people had call this drink “gimmicky” and while I can understand the sentiment, serving this cocktail in its original tea box means more to me than you’ll ever know.

This juice box holds a lot of my childhood memories. From Hong Kong to the United States, Vita Lemon Tea was there for alot of my meals. To this day, I still drink it (although I like to cut it with seltzer because too much sugar is not good for me 😆)

In Hong Kong, after school my parents often took my brother and I to the neighborhood Dai Pai D**g to eat. I always ordered a VLT Lemon tea box. My parents packed it for school, and at family BBQs there were always boxes of cold lemon tea for the kids.

When we immigrated to America, I remember how excited I was the first time I went to Chinatown and saw this box at the Chinese market.

My parents never forced us to become Americanized, they allowed me to explore and create my own journey. The journey has led me here. Someone who speaks better English than Cantonese, can’t read or write Chinese, loves trashy reality TV, and someone who doesn’t get all the pop culture references from my generation. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I used to be ashamed of this, feeling like I was neither. Now, I celebrate it by creating a space like MAKfam where I can showcase the two cultures that influenced my life.

So while this drink might be gimmicky to some, for me, it’s my journey and my experience growing up in the 3rd culture.

(Also Long Island Ice Tea was my first drink experience at a club in college, it holds a special in my heart 😂)

Jiew Yeem G*i Pa or salt and pepper chicken steak over rice is a classic Cantonese dish we’ve enjoyed growing up. I leaned the making of this particular salt involves a few dry ingredients and whenever it’s being made in the kitchen, the entire dining room is engulfed it the aroma of licorice.

Come try our take on this classic dish, it may or may not make the cut in the Fall menu.

Happy Birthday to our Sous Chef !

Chef and I just want to say how proud we are of you. You joined us as a fresh culinary grad, and your passion and hard work have truely impressed us. You are an integral part of this restaurant and all the accolades and praises we get would not be possible without you.

You’ve shown so much passion but you also got a lot of grit—it’s what sets you apart. A lot of people want success, but few can push through the tough times like you do. We know you’re going to go far in this industry! Whether is with us or you venture out, know that we will always support you and have your back! We’re excited to be along for the ride.

Thank you Liana!