Although there is no food on stage during the banquet scene, the restaurant Shun Lee West makes up for what is missing. The owner of Shun Lee, Michael Tong, is more than familiar with the menu served in 1972 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He says, "They got information that American people might not want to eat rice, only bread, so they had bread on the table, butter on the table." Nearly forty years ago, he recreated the menu at his East Side location and continues the tradition each year through the month of February.
During the meal, Nixon dined on a variety of food including prawns and shark fin soup which has been replaced by sea bass since it is no longer served. Michael says, "We're doing this as something fun, good memories, and as a Chinese, I am proud of what China is today and I wish it's a sign of the new relationship moving forward and benefiting both countries." As for the production, "Nixon in China", there is a part where the cast rises for a symbolic toast, representing the reconciliation of two nations.
LINK: www.shunleewest.com
LINK: www.metoperafamily.org
