An article in the James Beard Newsletter said “The story of how Philadelphia Chef Joseph Poon got to where he is today could be the script of a Hollywood movie.” Chef Poon tells about his arrival in America with $8 in his pocket and limited knowledge of English. Learn how he built a restaurant that USA Today called one of the best in the nation and became a celebrity chef appearing on TV shows including The Tonight Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and TV Food Network.

Chef Poon, who is a trained nutritionist, shares recipes for healthy, fresh meals with simple elegance -- and a dash of adventure. He also reveals the secrets to carving fruits and vegetables into flowers, animals and more - with step-by-step photos. Learn to create incredible edible centerpieces and garnishes AND produce kids love to eat.

The book includes a chapter about Chef Poon's popular Wok 'N Walk Tour of Philadelphia Chinatown with photos and information about the history of the exotic neighborhood. Chef Poon includes information about the Chinese Herb Store (with a chart on the Asian art of healing the body with herbs and vegetables), a Chinese Bookstore (featuring Chinese calligraphy), the Asian Grocery (and how to get the freshest seafood) and the Asian bakery, the Buddhist Temple and the Fortune Cookie Factory.

Today, Chef Joseph Poon leads the popular Wok ‘N Walk Tours of Philadelphia Chinatown, teaches cooking classes and contributes his time and exuberance to dozens of philanthropic events each year.

To order Life Is Short: Cooking Is Fun, call 215/928-9333. The book is $21.00 plus $3.95 shipping. Welcome Back Offer: Chef Poon is offering a special 35% discount to culinary students in college, high school and vocational school. Reduced to $13.65 plus shipping for culinary students.

What are the experts saying about Chef Poon's book?

"Joseph Poon makes life better. Read his book, and you'll be inspired

to take on bigger challenges, improve your cooking and most of all, laugh harder.

He's Dr. Phil with a Chinese accent, and much better food."

 --Marc Silverstein, Discovery Channel & Food Network Host,

and author of Food Network Best Of The Best Of

"Life is short and thanks to Chef Poon it's a lot more fun! From his inspirational

stories of his childhood in Hong Kong to his tour of Philadelphia

Chinatown and from his fruit sculptures to his Peking duck,

he never fails to entertain and inspire!

And if you stand still long enough he'll teach you his craft and

share the secret to his success."

-- Bill Henley, Host of NBC-TV's 10! show

"The book is fabulous! You really did give out all your secret recipes.

This is my new cooking bible and I will keep it in my kitchen forever."

-- C. Louie, president/owner, Taka Grille, Tysons Corner & McLean, Virginia

"His Life is Short...Cooking is Fun" is fine humor and finer food. It is infectious!"

-- Flavor & Fortune Magazine (dedicated to the Art and Science of Chinese Cuisine)