Good To Eat Is Queer, Women, and Immigrant-Owned-and Worth the Trek to Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Times

"Women, queer, and immigrants owned and operated restaurant set out to define Taiwanese cuisine in America in our own terms. Inspired by the traditional Taiwanese roadside banquet, we believe in the importance of delivering craft, thoughtful food with the intention of connecting each other in the community."

"Roadside banquets (pān-toh) are a unique cultural tradition deeply rooted in Taiwan's history. These banquets were once the pinnacle of fine dining, hosted outdoors with temporary kitchens to mark life's most significant celebrations. Master chefs would craft elaborate multicourse meals, pairing abundant dishes with thoughtful menus to showcase Taiwanese hospitality at its finest."

"Chef Tony also realized that this tradition is at risk of disappearing. Many of the skilled chefs she worked with are nearing retirement, and the knowledge they hold is at risk of being lost. She is working to help make sure that does not happen."

Good To Eat is a women, queer, and immigrant-owned restaurant in Emeryville founded by Chef Tony Tung and General Manager Angie Lin, both originally from Taiwan. The restaurant draws inspiration from pān-toh, traditional Taiwanese roadside banquets that represent fine dining heritage with elaborate multicourse meals prepared outdoors for significant celebrations. Chef Tony worked with Master A-Cần, a celebrated Taiwanese banquet chef, assisting in preparing meals for over 400 guests, which deepened her understanding of traditional techniques and philosophy. Recognizing that this culinary tradition faces extinction as master chefs retire, Chef Tony is committed to preserving and revitalizing Taiwanese cuisine in America. Food serves as the primary means of cultural expression and heritage communication for both founders.

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