The loss of renowned chef Anthony Bourdain has struck a chord with management at the Pekin Noodle Parlor.
Jerry Tam, whose father Danny Wong owns the Pekin, credits the success of Chinese restaurants in America to Bourdain, who helped popularize Chinese eateries on his television shows “No Reservations” and “Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.” Bourdain visited Butte in 2015.
This year, the Pekin was mentioned in the Duke Law Journal’s “The War Against Chinese Restaurants” by Gabriel Chin and John Ormonde. The journal outlines the history of discriminatory laws against Chinese restaurants.
“We are the oldest Chinese restaurant, we have gone through it all,” said Tam about how the Pekin Noodle House has persevered despite all of the hardships it’s had to overcome.
Tam claims that the restaurant is “one of the last mom and pop joints.” He credits his father for maintaining that reputation in the community.
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“People come to us because they relate to us,” said Tam.
The Pekin is highlighted as part of an exhibit called “Chow: Making the Chinese American Restaurant” at the Museum of Food and Drink in New York City. The exhibit shows how Chinese American cuisine evolved as immigration laws changed.
The Pekin Noodle Parlor and Lounge is open from 5 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and has extended hours on Friday and Saturday from 5 P.M. to 3 A.M. Take out is available by calling the Pekin at 406-782-2217.
