Chi Fan for Charity Tickets on Sale Now, Says Michael Crain
Now in its third year, Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. We have explained the concept in years past (see here), so we won’t go into too much detail again, but basically 2011 will see 32 of Beijing’s finest restaurants – the highest number yet! – donating tables. (Shanghai is getting its first taste of Chi Fan for Charity too on October 29.) Per seat prices range from RMB 500 to RMB 1,500.
Tickets just became available to the public yesterday, but many restaurant seats are already sold out (i.e. Agua, Made in China and Hatsune, to name a few). This year, CFFC aims to raise at least RMB 300,000 for Bethel Foundation (you can read our interview with them from our August issue here) and New Hope Foundation. At this rate we have no doubt they’ll be reaching their target goal. Visit www.chifanforcharity.org to reserve your tickets now!
We have talked over the logistics of CFFC with founder Michael Crain before, so this time around we decided to find out what kind of dinner companion he’d make. Expect more Q&As with other CFFC 2011 table hosts in the next few weeks.
What makes you a “Beijing personality”?
Not sure I would consider myself a “personality,” but I always enjoy a great party with interesting people. I always look forward to being out in Beijing with a great group of people that enjoy having a good time. While my wife and I have slowed down since adopting our twin girls, we still love breaking bread and savoring a nice glass of wine with old and new friends.
What do you bring to the table? (Literally.)
My Texas-sized appetite! I think I also bring a sense of curiosity. I enjoy learning about what people do, how they fit into the Beijing fabric and moments they have had here that make them appreciate being in Beijing (or miss being back in their home country).
What are your favorite dinner conversation topics?
I normally get pulled into talk of politics (which means I usually leave someone at the table a little miffed), but I try to avoid that topic because it truly is a subject where my mind won’t change and neither will theirs. I love a good chat about movies (especially if they have had an impact on someone in some way), travels (always love to find new and interesting places) and new places for bargain finds in Beijing.
How do you work up an appetite?
I’d love to say “at the gym,” but anyone that knows me knows that is just a lie! I work up an appetite by just living in Beijing. The chaotic pace of the people who are always in a hurry to get somewhere requires a nice glass of wine to wind down and a fabulous meal to satisfy.
Where do you like eating around town?
At any of our Chi Fan for Charity restaurant sponsors! Check them out at www.chifanforcharity.org. They are literally the best restaurants in Beijing!
What do you look for in a dining companion?
Someone that can engage me in talk of current events and who definitely has a sense of humor. I tend to push the envelope (especially after I have a few nice glasses of wine in me), so someone that can get my sense of humor and has quick retorts makes for an interesting dinner companion.
If you could bring anyone in the world to CFFC as your dinner date, who would it be?
This is a little sappy, but I would have to say my grandmother. She passed away when I was 14 so my memories of her are hazy. But she was an amazing cook of southern comfort food (I still long for some of her hand-cut fried okra). She also came of age during the Great Depression and World War II, so she had this hardened persona with a sense of duty. Now that I am at an age that I could appreciate how difficult her life had been, I would like a chance to treat her to an incredible meal while she shares stories of her life.
