Two more Chinatown treasures
By 1881, 800 Chinese immigrants were living in San Diego, most of them men who had come to work on the railroad at the request of Ah Quin. As they were far from home, marginalized and relatively poor, they needed resources by which they could have their basic needs met and also find individuals for friendship and camaraderie. Such places were available in the downtown Stingaree district.The former school building where Chinese immigrants learned English. (Photos by Tim Trevaskis)The Chinese Mission Building(1927)404 Third AvenueArchitectural Style: Spanish Mission RevivalArchitect: Louis J. GillThe first Chinese Mission School started in 1885 and served as social and religious center for Chinese immigrants. Until 1927, it moved around throughout the Downtown area wherever a building was available. The first site was on 13th St. and F. It was inspired by Lee Hong, a young Chinese resident who had come from San Francisco, and was familiar with the mission schools there. San Franciscans had learned early on that for the Chinese and Americans to conduct business they had to be able to communicate. The mission schools provided both religious training and English instruction.The F Street location was too far from Third Avenue, where most of the Chinese lived. Consequently, in 1901, the Mission moved to 663 First Street between Market and G Streets. In 1907, they moved to a building next door on property owned by George W. Marston, a prominent San Diego merchant and philanthropist. He was also a lifelong friend of Ah Quin, the unofficial Mayor of Chinatown. Marston donated the land at 645 First Avenue, which also had a long dormitory building in the rear of the Mission. One of the first teachers at this Mission was Mrs. Margaret Fanton, who not only taught English and religious studies, but also served as the area’s first social worker to the community.A thriving Chinese community congregation remained there until 1925. By this time, the Mission building was in a sad state with a leaky roof and crowded conditions. Many people zealously raised money for a new building, which was designed by Louis J. Gill, nephew of Irving Gill. The Spanish Mission Revival building was completed and dedicated on November 22, 1927. It remained an active part of the community until the 1960s, when redevelopment services threatened to raze the building to make way for a Ralph’s market. The Chinese Historical Society and CCDC had the structure moved to a vacant lot on Third Avenue, close to its present site, where it remained for two years, while funds were raised for its renovation. It was rededicated as the Chinese Historical Museum on January 13, 1996. It still stands there today flanked by two massive stone lions— a testament to hardworking immigrants who became pillars of their community and of San Diego.The staircase leads to the second story of the Quong Building which was initially full of the bedrooms sex workers and their clients used at the brothel.Quong Building(Stingaree Bordello Building)1913418 Third AvenueArchitectural Style: Chinese/CommercialArchitect: UnknownDue to severe economic and political instability in China, many young Chinese men emigrated to the United States in the hope of finding work during the Gold Rush. Their initial plan was to send funds to aid their families back home and later to return to China. After the Gold Rush wound down, the majority found jobs in the railroad industry. Ah Quin, an educated and successful businessman who had settled in San Diego, recruited many of these Chinese workers to help build the Transcontinental Railroad, the pet project of Alonzo Horton. These extremely hardworking young men had little time for diversion or relaxation, but as most lived in the infamous Stingaree district, this is where they found their recreation. The area had a profusion of saloons, opium dens and illicit drugs, gambling and, of course, prostitution. Possibly the most popular and well known of these pleasure palaces was the Quong Building or the “Chinese Bordello building.” The structure was named after Mow Yuen Quong, a merchant and the proprietor of a store at the site from 1889 until 1928. In 1889, the City Directory also lists an “Opium Den” on the property. Its claim to fame, however, was as a bordello.The building itself is rather unpretentious. It consists of two stories, the upper level being 416 and the street level being 418. The entire building is brick with stucco plastering on the outside. The upper level is accessed through a door opening onto an elegant staircase topped by a lightwell over the second-floor landing. There are bay windows upstairs facing east. The floors are hardwood, as are the doors to the numerous private rooms, all featuring inside doorbells. It has been rumored that these rooms were also equipped with locks operable only from the inside allowing for more privacy. Currently, some have brass plates over the keyholes on the interior and key holes on the outside.An historic stripper pole still stands at the Quong Building.Since 1850, there have been a series of individuals owning the site/building, with Alonzo Horton acquiring it on October 4, 1869. Sometime between 1887-88, Ah Quin came into possession of the site and established a building from which he ran a Chinese and Japanese Fancy Goods store. Mow Yuen Quong opened a Chinese restaurant on the premises in 1889, and eventually also sold Chinese and Japanese goods. Throughout the years, the site has also been the home of a garage, a bakery, a transfer and storage company, and an appliance repair store.During the Great Raid of 1912 led by Police Chief Keno Wilson, the bordello operating upstairs called the Oasis was his first stop. Various entities including the Ladies Purity League and the Door of Hope had banded together calling for a cleanup of the infamous Stingaree before the Panama-California Exposition opened in 1915. The raid culminated in front of the Yuma Building where the ladies were gathered and marched down 5th Avenue to the railroad station, where they could be “helped” to leave town.Another well-known madam at the Jewel Rooms, the newer bordello at 416 Third Avenue was Mary Smith. Ms. Smith operated during the late 1920s and early 1930s. She was a little too well known, as she was sued by the city for running a house of ill repute.Those days are past, and the Quong Building is now home to Brows of a Feather, micro-blading, and the Lazy Hippo, a popular breakfast restaurant. An additional tenant is the world-famous Whiskey House, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the most whiskeys in the world at over 4,000. For those interested, they also serve food!Since 1974, this enduring building has been owned by Mr. Fritz Ahearn, who was kind enough to share his historic knowledge and resources with the Davis-Horton House Museum. Many, many thanks, sir.The post Two more Chinatown treasures appeared first on SDNews.com.
Food and Drink Blotter – January 2023
Shake up your sandwich routine with this book by a local author. (Courtesy photo)Sandwich maniaSales have been brisk for the December release of “Classic Rock Sandwiches,” a photo-heavy recipe book written by North Park resident Cheryl Dagostaro.The author and entrepreneur owned the Classic Rock Sandwich Shoppe on North Park Way for 10 years until closing it in 2021. She also runs Pet Tenders, a pet-sitting business she started 40 years ago.Dagostaro’s book contains 101 recipes for all of the sandwiches customers enjoyed at her eatery, which reflected her love of classic rock artists and everything associated with the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival. Each sandwich is named after a musician or band. They include such creations as the turkey-ham based “Hendrix High” with cranberries and wasabi mayo; the “Rockin Joplin” with “Bobby McGee” spread; the “Sultry Stevie” using rotisserie chicken and pineapple-habanero sauce; and the turkey-avocado “Beatlemaniac” adorned with mixed greens and raspberry-chipotle sauce. Color photographs accompany all of the entries.In addition, the 183-page collection features recipes for 17 salads and several crafty spreads. “I’m 50% sold out since releasing the book shortly before the holidays,” said Dagostaro. “Sales are continuing and I get inquiries daily. So there will be a second printing.”Priced at $35, the book is available at Verbatim Books in North Park (3793 30th St.) as well as through Instagram (@classicrocksandwichshoppe) or by emailing to crss1969@aol.com.Designer chocolates in Little ItalyCrafty confections by a former fashion designer (Photo courtesy Grain & Grit Collective)A toothsome, new tenant has arrived to the Little Italy Food Hall, bringing with it highly crafted chocolates, seasonal bon bons, and luscious caramels.Sweet Petite Confections is the brainchild of clothing designer and chocolatier Michelle Lomelin, who is known for applying her sense of fashion to the making of her treats in terms of colors and packaging. Her flavor profiles vary in a product line that also includes candy barks and cookies.Lomelin is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and worked in the industry for nearly 20 years. After changing career and entering into the world of chocolate-making, she opened business in Bay Park and most recently expanded to this location. 550 W. Date St., 619-707-1383, sweetpetiteconfections.com.Italian powerFettuccine dressed up in pistachio-basil sauce and burrata cheese (Photo courtesy Al Dente)A group of restaurateurs experienced in Sicilian and Neapolitan cuisine has come together to open Al Dente, a University Heights newcomer that offers traditional Italian dishes with modern twists.The team hails from those connected to nearby RustiCucina and the newly opened Zama in the Gaslamp Quarter. Among their more inventive dishes are mushroom-encrusted elk chops, wild boar sausage in white wine sauce, and sole stuffed with fresh herbs and cheese. From the homemade pasta selection, there’s oxtail ravioli, spaghetti with pork belly and creamy egg yolks, and fettuccine embellished with basil-pistachio sauce and burrata. The restaurant is open from 4 to 10 p.m., daily. 4207 Park Blvd., 619-546-9288, aldentesd.com.Latte with a side of wellnessA unique coffee shop in Normal Heights (Facebook)The Normal Heights collective with an irreverent spelling, Modrn Medicin, is up and running with a menu of latte drinks spiked with Ayurvedic-medicine spices meant to pacify and harmonize our doshas, known otherwise as “energy centers.” The bright, inviting cafe offers six different latte Ayurvedic concoctions, plus other coffee drinks, teas, hot chocolate, and sweet and savory eats. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. 3349 Adams Ave., 619-800-8056, modrnmedicin.com.Cool chocolateDr. Bronner’s partners with 800 farmers in Ghana to plant trees that complement each other and do not require toxic chemicals to grow. (Photo courtesy Dr. Bronner’s)Dr. Bronner’s released a new flavor of their luxury vegan 70% dark chocolate bar line. Cool Peppermint Cream is the latest addition to the Magic All-One Chocolate sold at retailers nationwide. The family-owned company gives a nod to its legacy of peppermint products with the flavor.“Peppermint is synonymous with both my grandfather and the company he founded,” said Michael Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner’s. One legacy the chocolate line breaks away from is the history of exploitation associated with the chocolate trade. In keeping with Dr. Bronner’s tradition of all-natural and ethically-sourced products, the organic ingredients that make up the chocolate are farmed using regenerative organic farming practices that benefit the land and the farmers that till it. Cocoa from Ghana, cocoa butter from Congo, coconut sugar from Indonesia and bourbon vanilla from Madagascar make up a guilt-free bar with spectacular flavor. The caramel-colored peppermint filling makes this flavor a stand out even among a line of delicious options. For more information, go to drbronner.com/pages/magic-all-one-chocolate.Worth the Wait?After years of anticipation for the opening of the Gaslamp Quarter location of Tacos El Gordo, we offer you a summary below of the shop’s pros and cons based on our visits and those by trusty sources. The taco joint originated in Tijuana during the early ‘70s and later branched into Chula Vista, where it became wildly popular. Its arrival into urban San Diego occurred a little more than a month ago after numerous delays involving permit holdups, work code violations and the pandemic. 783 Fifth Ave., 619-955-8220,tacoselgordobc.com.Pros: The al pastor pork shaved from the vertical spit is juicy and very flavorful. The carne asada street tacos contain tender pieces of mildly seasoned meat cooked over charcoal. It’s among their signature proteins.If you’re a fan of lengua (beef tongue), tripa (tripe) or sesos (brain), you’ve come to the right place as the items are cooked using techniques that originate in Mexico from generations ago.French fries come in three different sizes. The adobada (pork) is a little spicier compared to other tacos shops. Bring it on!Tortillas are fresh and made onsite.Service is generally fast.Cons:The street tacos are sporadically under-filled with meat.Placing advance orders by phone can be difficult because the staff doesn’t always answer.Given its central location and devoted cult following, lines can stretch out the door, especially in the evening.If you’re accustomed to paying under $2.50 for street tacos elsewhere, such as carne asada tacos for example, it will cost you $3.75 here. Although they are a tad wider than at other places.The post Food and Drink Blotter – January 2023 appeared first on SDNews.com.
Elegant Cambridge Manor
Located close to Harvard Square and the Charles River, this handsome Georgian Revival residence has been gorgeously updated for a lifestyle of exceptional comfort andelegant entertaining. Complete with a literary pedigree, the historic-district property combines luminous, open interiors with expansive decks, a large yard and a 34-footcovered porch for congenial indoor-outdoor gatherings.High ceilings, wide-plank wood floors and subtle arches are highlighted by impeccable craftsmanship throughout. The grand three-story foyer, with its hand-crafted curvedstaircase, opens to the formal dining room, which has a service pantry, and the formal living room. Through a wide, arched doorway is an enormous family room with abeautiful marble fireplace, built-in bookshelves and cabinets and an adjoining wet bar. The family room opens onto the covered porch as does the chef’s showcase eat-inkitchen, which features an island with bar seating, marble countertops and a wide bay of windows facing onto the backyard. One floor up there are three bedroom suites, including the primary, which is a tranquil retreat complete with fireplace, walk-in closets, lavish en-suite bath and access to the massive wraparound deck overlooking the backyard. On the next level are two morespacious en-suite bedrooms, a corner office and a second large family room with a fireplace. The home’s lower level comprises a play room, a huge media room, anexercise room and a guest bedroom.Situated on a quiet street in the heart of the Old Cambridge Historical District, close to Longfellow and Riverbend Parks, Cambridge Tennis/Skating Club and Harvard Square,this distinguished estate offers the finest legacy quality reimagined with the features and conveniences of a sophisticated 21st century lifestyle.View the complete listing by Gail Roberts, Ed Feijo & Team of Coldwell Banker Realty in Cambridge.The post Elegant Cambridge Manor appeared first on Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Blog - Luxury Home & Style.
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