Chef Peter is teaming up with Cristina Lau, chef, executive director and founder of Sprout for Success, a charitable organization that works to support marginalized Chinese communities in Mexico. Proceeds of this dinner will help fund tutoring sessions for children in need of language assistance in English, Spanish and/or Chinese in Tijuana, Mexico.

Here is the menu along with Cristina's anecdotes about each dish with a personal story to it. The menu reflects the Chinese's preservation of their own culture while also adapting to the local palate. We hope you join us for this special benefit!

Laughing Bird Shrimp with Spicy Homemade Cocktail Sauce, Avocado and Marinated Radishes, Cóctel de Camarón

One of the few childhood memories that I cherish was when my mother would spoon-feed me shrimp cocktail that our family served at our Chinese restaurant in Tijuana. It was probably the sweet flavor of ketchup and my mother's nourishment that made me love the shrimp cocktail so much. I ate that almost every day for weeks.

Sweet Corn Egg Drop Soup with Crispy Tortillas, Sopa de Elote
Corn Egg Drop Soup is a simple comfort soup that was commonly ordered at the restaurant. The Chinese serve this soup not only because corn is a staple food in Mexico, but it also keeps many bellies warm during cold days. The tortillas is going to be an added touch from Chef Peter and I.

Pineapple Chicken with Steamed Rice and Roasted Chile Guero , Pollo con piña y Chile Gueros
Whenever people ask me what is the difference between Americanized Chinese food and Mexicanized Chinese food I often respond that in the U.S. There is Orange Chicken, whereas in Mexico Chinese restaurants serve Pineapple Chicken. Pineapple Chicken is actually one of the most popular dishes at Chinese restaurants in Tijuana, mainly because of its crispiness and sweet flavor. As for chile gueros, it is a nice side dish that Mexican customers like to have accompanied with their entree. Chile gueros are deep fried and seasoned with salt, white pepper and fresh lime juice.

Oolong and Jasmine Tea Sorbet with Fortune Cookie, Sorbete de Te con Galleta de Fortuna
Even after the Chinese settle in their new found home in Tijuana they continue to strive on preserving their culture by maintaining certain traditions. Drinking tea on a regular basis is one way to preserve their culture. My parents for some reason like to mix two different kinds of teas: Oolong and Jasmine Tea. During the dinner, however, we are going to incorporate the tea into our sorbet for dessert.