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Pic story: one-star Michelin restaurant "Cafe China" in New York

Restaurant owner Wang Yiming arranges decorations at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)


Photo taken on June 27, 2018 shows the business cards of three restaurants opened by Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, at Cafe China in New York, the United States. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)


Restaurant owner Wang Yiming (L) and Zhang Xian are seen at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)


A business card is seen on the bar at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)


Restaurant owner Wang Yiming (3rd R) and Zhang Xian (2nd R) talk with a bartender at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)


Customers have dinner at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan food along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)


Customers have dinner at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Lin Bilin)


Photo taken on July 5, 2018 shows Lucky Lychee, a vodka-based cocktail drink invented by Cafe China in New York, the United States. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Lin Bilin)


A chef cooks Kung Pao Chicken at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Lin Bilin)


Customers have dinner at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Lin Bilin)


Customers have dinner at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on July 5, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Lin Bilin)


Customers have dinner at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Lin Bilin)


A chef pours Mapo tofu to a container at Cafe China in New York, the United States, on June 27, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Lin Bilin)


The combined photo shows Kung Fu Shrimp (top L), Sichuan-style eggplants (top R), Chongqing braised fish stew (bottom R) and Chongqing spicy chicken (bottom L) made by Cafe China in New York, the United States, on July 5, 2018. Walking in the bustling street of midtown Manhattan, you may not notice Cafe China if there weren't so many people waiting for seats outside the Chinese restaurant. Although the space is limited and decoration not so luxury, Cafe China has won Michelin one star for six consecutive years from 2012 to 2017. Wang Yiming and Zhang Xian, a couple from China, quit their well-paid financial jobs in New York and opened Cafe China with the ambition to provide authentic Sichuan cuisine along with a comfortable dining environment. They decided not to sell American-Chinese dishes like most Chinese restaurants did at that time. Meanwhile, the couple decorated the place with items such as vintage posters, antique cameras and lamps to create an old Shanghai style. At the beginning, their idea was strongly opposed by many friends and even their staff, as the American-Chinese food was the easiest way to make money at that time. However, it surprised them that many Americans swarmed to Cafe China with curiosity for decent Chinese dishes and the unique dining environment as soon as the restaurant just opened. The couple believed the success of Cafe China resulted from not only the appeal of authentic Chinese food but also the sophisticated Chinese culture behind it. "No matter what the culture is, it is worthwhile to keep the exquisite and thought-provoking parts in it. Don't be afraid that others won't understand, someday they will," said Zhang. (Xinhua/Lin Bilin)

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