14 Nov APEC San Francisco 2023 – 21 Economies, 1 Host City
The APEC Economic Leaders Week will be held in San Francisco from November 11 – 17 this year, and we are so excited to welcome delegates from more than 21 countries to our beautiful City by the Bay, and to the oldest Chinatown in the United States. The Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum to leverage and promote the growing interdependence of the Asia Pacific. It is the key platform for countries to work together to promote and advance trade and investment policies. Together, APEC countries account for 62% of global GDP.
APEC is expected to bring more than 30,000 people to San Francisco this week, which is great news for the city’s continued recovery. The city is working hard to spruce up the streets and buildings in preparation for the arrival of the delegations. This includes fresh paint, street cleanings, new, colorful art installations, refreshed landscaping and lots of signs welcoming APEC delegates. The city and Chinatown look beautiful!
The 21 countries – including the United States, China, Canada, Japan and South Korea – will send delegations including heads of state, senior finance officials and ministers, and business leaders. It’s the largest gathering of world leaders in San Francisco since 1945, when 50 world leaders convened in San Francisco to sign a charter establishing the United Nations. Recent news reports are saying that President Biden will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Chinatown will be busy with lots of events and activities for APEC visitors, including night markets, night block parties, and art and cultural activities like lion dancers. Z & Y Restaurant, located in the heart of Chinatown at 655 Jackson Street near Kearny Street, will be ready to welcome APEC visitors with authentic Szechuan cuisine.
As the former Executive Chef at the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco, Chef Lijun Han is no stranger to being a gracious host and welcoming dignitaries. He has prepared meals for dozens of distinguished guests, including former Chinese presidents Deng Xiaoping and Hu Jintao. He is very excited about the upcoming APEC events and the opportunity to showcase San Francisco’s Chinatown.
APEC visitors will find a menu that appeals to a variety of tastes – from sweet to savory to Szechuan-hot spicy. Chef Han’s delicious interpretation of Szechuan cuisine includes signature sauces and exquisite presentations, served by friendly, knowledgeable staff. From a romantic dinner for two to a large family of 8 or more, Z & Y Restaurant makes all guests feel right at home.
Favorite dishes include Tea Smoked Duck, a staple of Szechuan cuisine prepared using a four-step process that includes marinating, roasting, smoking and frying. Or, for those who like a lot of spice, Explosive Crispy Chicken lives up to its name. One of the most popular items on the menu, golden fried nuggets are swimming in sauce made from hundreds of dried red chiles. There is something for everyone at Z & Y Restaurant.
Drop in for lunch or an early dinner before heading out to celebrate Chinatown’s APEC activities. Z & Y is located at 655 Jackson Street in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown between Kearny and Grant streets. Book ahead at 1 (415) 981-8988 or make reservations online.
Written by,
Grier McCurdy Mathews
