On a blustery Monday in March, the Cincinnati Bailliage gathered for a dine-around event at the Oriental Wok, just across the Ohio River in Lakeside, Kentucky. Each member and guest brought an exceptional bottle of wine to share during the four-course dinner prepared by owner Mike Wong.
His good fortune is one of those legendary success stories which exemplifies that hard work and perseverance really do pay off. In 1972, Mr. Wong, his wife, and their 2 small daughters came to the U.S. from Hong Kong with the dream of a better life. Mr. Wong cooked, bussed tables, and washed dishes for a Chinese Restaurant in Cincinnati where he quickly mastered the art of culinary Chinese cuisine. In 1977, he opened the first Chinese restaurant in Northern Kentucky. Since then, his business has flourished with the help of his dedicated family, magnetic personality, and outstanding cuisine.
Our dine-around attendees were greeted by his family and staff and then led into a large room decorated in ornate Asian furnishings. Passed appetizers were enjoyed with a wide array of wines followed by a sensational, gourmet Chinese dinner featuring selections such as Rainbow Filet Tips in Cognac Peppercorn Sauce and Shrimp with Ginger Garlic Choi Sum. At the conclusion of the evening, members thanked Vice Chargée de Missions Carmen Parks for finding this sensational Northern Kentucky landmark. The evening concluded when Mr. Wong, his family, and his staff were given a heart felt round of applause.
Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse