Tours
Back row: Frank Jang, Dorothy Quock, Hank Quock, Emily Soo, Chuck Gee
Front row: Howard Teng, Wok Wiz, Lola Hom, Alberta Chinn
Not present: Herman Young, Tina Dong Pavao, Judy Wong
(photo credit: Frank Jung )
The Wok Wiz Team
We love to walk, talk, eat, and laugh with you!
- Shirley Fong-Torres
- Alberta Chinn
- Tina Dong Pavao
- Chuck Gee
- Lola Hom
- Frank Jang
- Dorothy Quock
- Hank Quock
- Emily Soo
- Howard Teng
- Judy Won
- Herman Young
- Shirley Fong-Torres: Shirley is the founder of Wok Wiz, author of four books, chef, food and travel writer, and TV personality. She is a former middle school and high school teacher and started her teaching career in Texas — “go gig ’em. ” She was an Operations Manager for Levi Strauss & Co. Shirley can be seen on: The Food Channel, History and Discovery Channels; BBC-London; PBS, in-flight videos for Hawaiian Airlines, and other TV/radio shows. To relax, she shops with daughter, Tina, plays with granddaughters, Maggie Sophia and Stella Olani Pavao, and follows the San Francisco Giants. Shirley's latest book is “The Woman Who Ate Chinatown.”
- Alberta Chinn: A former hairdresser and limousine driver, Alberta talks a good talk. When she is not doing tours, this friendly woman loves to travel and has many travel experiences. She knows the nooks and crannies of Chinatown, ask her for hints for shopping, where to get beef jerky, etc.
- Tina Dong Pavao: The pleasant voice that you often hear when you call Wok Wiz belongs to Shirley’s daughter, Tina. This busy wife and mother is a part-time 4th grade teacher in Redwood City, and on her days off, keeps the Wok Wiz office organized! Tina is also Shirley’s sous chef when Shirley is guest chef instructor at the Ritz Carlton.
- Chuck Gee: Everybody Loves Chuck, our multi-talented tour leader with a super personality. Chuck was one of the great fashion designers for the dancers of the Forbidden City Nightclub in Chinatown’s early days, and worked for years in a major San Francisco hotel. Chuck is an engaging and entertaining storyteller.
- Lola Hom: Born and raised in Chinatown, Lola was a member of the elite all-girls St. Mary's Drum & Bugle Corps. She performed for the 1961 JFK Inaugural Celebration in Washington, D.C. Pleasant and engaging, she was a flight attendant for the FLYING TIGERS and is an extensive traveler. Today, this brand new grandmother works for the United States Department of Education.
- Frank Jang: Frank grew up above the Wo Chong Bean Sprout factory on Jackson St. in Chinatown, and still enjoys bean sprouts now and then. His family owns the Man-U Imports in San Mateo. Upon his recent retirement, Frank started his professional photography business. He is a great asset to the Chinese community, supporting countless fundraising events. Frank is currently the vice president of the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers and has served on the Board of Directors for the Chinese Historical Society of America.
- Dorothy Quock: Dorothy receives consistent rave reviews for her wonderful tours. Born in Chinatown, she has been on the Wok Wiz team since 1991. Dorothy graduated from the International Tour Management Institute. Dorothy spent a year in China for a year writing a tour guide’s book. She is very down-to-earth, caring, and fascinates visitors on her tours with stories about her life growing up here.
- Hank Quock: Hank is the former president of the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers, and is also a performer — ask him about that. Another great storyteller, Hank blends his love for Chinese food into the tours. During the week, he works for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Emily Soo: Emily was born in Santa Rosa and now resides in the south bay. She spent many years in the hotel and restaurant industry, including "high tea" service at the Garden Court in the luxurious Palace Hotel. This lovely and gracious tour leader plays the piano and loves to sing. Her interests include going to the theatre and to musicals.
- Howard Teng: When Howard isn’t giving tours, he is as a cardiology radiologist in the South Bay, taking pictures of people’s hearts to help them become healthier. Howard also devotes time in his community, giving talks about Chinese immigrants. He has a great personality, and no surprise, is very popular.
- Judy Won: Judy is a 4th grade school teacher, and adds a youthful spirit to our team. She has a wonderful smile, welcoming all to our Chinatown. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Judy helps Wok Wiz out with the children’s programs, and gives weekend tours.
- Herman Young: Herman is a very kind man who devotes a great deal of time working with youth. He is a varsity basketball coach for San Jose High Academy. On weekends he teaches basketball to kids, and organizes field and camping trips for boys and girls clubs.
