As the Chinese New Year celebration continues this month, we bring you a brief but spectacular take from Lawrence Chu, the heart and soul behind Chef Chu's, a beloved dining destination in the Bay Area for over five decades.

Known for his culinary artistry and commitment to community, Chef Chu reflects on the power of food to bring people together.

Here he is in his own words.

So many people ask Chef Chu, when are you going to retire?

Are you going to slow down?

Are you kidding me?

Before I came to America, my father told me that America

is a best country, reach a land, product, and opportunity.

It's a country where a person can have a dream.

With a lot of hard work, with a little bit of luck, your dream can come true.

I truly believe that.

I come here in 1963 and I see, wow, this was America. I've been dreaming for a year finally I'm

leaving in San Francisco Chinatown the cable car got up the hill I can't believe it

every morning I can a few it's like earthquake when the cable car went through I love

San Francisco I was so lucky went through. I love San Francisco. I was so lucky.

The third day I arrived San Francisco, I was able to find a job and trade a Vix.

They immediately gave me a busboy job.

From the busboy job, I learned a lot.

The chef drew opened a restaurant in 1969 December because I met my future wife.

I want to impress her.

I told her I have a dream.

I want to open Chinese press food restaurant in America at the big corner.

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