The most substantial obstacle to Chin Foin’s culinary success was not competition but rather intense xenophobia. He strove to raise the standards for Chinese restaurants in Chicago amidst the citywide sentiment that “chop suey places” were an affront to American “morality, health, police regulations and other protective measures”, alongside various anti-Asian restaurant laws. One way he succeeded was by showcasing the open-air kitchen of the Mandarin Inn—his most opulent and famous restaurant yet—to prove to his upper-class clientele that his staff adhered to the strictest hygienic protocols. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
