Interview With Liu

 

Interview with Tan (Cantonese version)

 

Interview with Tan (Translated Quotations):

“The food’s quality did not change much, but the price certainly increased.”

“South China Garden was really for the masses. Their dish proportions were big and inexpensive. For example, the steamed fish belly, for lunch, was around $5 and was pretty big; for dinner, the size was even bigger. I couldn’t even finish it!”

“The owner [of South China Garden building] took the lease back for commercial purposes and the building is already demolished.”

“South China Garden became Cafe Hong Kong on Bayard. It’s gentrified now. The dish proportions are smaller and more expensive now. I tried the food with my friends. The proportions really are small.”

Interview with Hair Salon Female (Cantonese version):

 

Interview with Hair Salon Female (Translated Quotations):

 “There’s less business around here [Chinatown] ever since 9/11.”

“Less people come here [Chinatown]; people go to other places like Flushing.”

“Chinatown is less populous now, with expensive metered parking and various other reasons.”

“Even the shops upstairs and downstairs [Elizabeth Center] are empty. There are more empty spaces now and some shop owners are closing down imminently too because the rent is creasing more. Even a small spot to place a lamp cost around $2000 here in the salon!”

“The area around Delancey and Houston changed a lot, mostly good changes like more buildings. More young people walk in those areas now.”