Monkey King is the main superhero from the most popular Chinese fiction novel, “Journey to the West” (西遊記) written by Wu Cheng’en in the late sixteenth century. His powers gave him the capabilities to clone himself and transform himself into different objects. He is a skilled martial artist who can freeze objects, control wind and fire; and can even survive under the deep ocean. Monkey King likes to show off his magical powers to no limit; which caused so much chaos in heaven that Buddha imprisoned him for eternity. Monkey King was later released from his imprisonment on the condition that he protects, Xuanzang, a monk who was going on a journey to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures in order to end suffering to all human race. During their 30,000 miles journey to Buddha’s Western Paradise in India, they encounter demons and monsters at every corner. The mischievous Monkey King was able to defeat all his enemies by playing tricks on them. In return for completing the dangerous mission, Monkey King received forgiveness for his bad behavior and was granted Buddhahood for his service. “Journey to the West” is our favorite childhood story and Monkey King is one of our favorite superheroes. Our parents often use Monkey King as a role model because of his courageousness, cleverness, determination to live a righteous life and the ability to face obstacles with a sense of humor. Monkey King’s journey is also compared to our own family’s obstacles and their voyage to the West for freedom. Like many Chinese during the Second Sino-Japanese War in the late 1930’s, our great grandfathers escaped to Northern Vietnam. When the Vietnam War erupted during the 1970’s, our family escaped the war by enduring a long and perilous journey in a boat through South China Sea to Hong Kong. Once in Hong Kong, they were living in refugee camps provided by the then British government. After one year, our family was offered asylum by the American government. In 1980, our family decided to make beautiful Bay Area their only home. Monkey King Pub & Grub is a family owned restaurant that is committed to serve you with a wide array of exciting Asian cuisine, using only the finest and freshest ingredients that our local markets have to offer. We hope you can feel our diverse background and upbringing through our food, drinks and casual environment. Thank you for giving us a chance to serve you. We hope to see you again soon. Cheers,
Monkey King Pub & Grub
