At CICF, we believe that is the responsiblity of local businesses to give back to the community. We have been fortunate to have a certain level of business which allows us to be involved in a plethora of organizations and events. We consider not only Chinatown our community, but the greater NYC area. CICF has given back to places like the local hospitals and schools, as well as having participated in events such as the Special Olympics.

Growing up working at CICF, I learned that I really love being involved in the community. Recently I joined the steering committee of this great group called Project by Project (PBP).

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Everyone constantly asks me for suggestions on “where to go in Chinatown”. I used to suggest more tour guide friendly answers. Recently, people have been asking me more specifically, “Where do you personally go in Chinatown?” Well here’s the honest answer…

Usually I start my mornings before work getting breakfast (after all it is the most important meal of the day!) by going to Yuen Yuen on Bayard Street. Here I get a large fresh squeezed orange juice for a mere $2 and change. The little lady who runs the shop is a cute little ‘paw paw’ (Grandma).

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Chinese New Year is Feb. 18th. People born in the year of the pig are viewed as being good to their friends and family. They are honest but often naive. They also achieve a great deal of success both socially and financially. Good matches for them are people born in the year of the rabbit or the ram.

Chinatown is at its livliest this time of the year. People from all over the country come to check out our events and foods during the lunar new year.

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Chinatown is definitely my favorite place in NYC. I’m not only saying this for obvious reasons (such as we have the best ice cream) but because Chinatown has so much culture. It is always so lively, bustling with people.

Here, you can buy some of the best quality items for the cheapest prices. I will not buy my seafood, produce or meats anywhere else. Growing up, my father would always buy things fresh from Chinatown and cook them in our home in Queens. To this day, I still continue this tradition. Read the rest of this story…