On Sunday, March 26, the 1882 Foundation will be hosting a Talk Story event, “After the Last Fortune Cookie: Passion, Fusion and the Future of Chinese American Food in DC Chinatown.”

It is said that there are more Chinese restaurants in the United States than there are McDonalds, Wendy’s and Taco Bell outlets combined. At over 40,000 restaurants, Chinese food has spread throughout small towns and large cities since Cantonese gold miners introduced the cuisine in the mid 1800’s. And, of course, the food has adapted to the tastes of Americans while staying faithful as best it can to the original flavors and styles expected by Chinatown residents.

Now, these “authentic” eateries are disappearing under relentless gentrification and waves of new regional flavors and cooking styles from Szechuan, Hupei, Mongolia, Beijing, Shanghai, and Taiwan. The mom and pop businesses that competed on low cost and take-out of banquet business are giving way to the boutique and upscale, with specialized savory dishes, noodles and bars.

Join Smithsonian curator and food commentator, Cedric Yeh, in a moderated conversation among owners of People’s Bao, Reren Ramen, Ping Pong Dim Sum, and more. They share their passion for Chinese food, fusing tastes and styles with a modern sense of business for a new generation of DC Chinatown foodies.