Many More Asian Market eyeing June opening for its new location.

After nearly 18 months of development, Many More Asian Market is eyeing a June opening for its new location, it announced on social media this afternoon.

Hi everyone! For the question everybody been asking, “When will we be open?” it has been a long journey… since the first expected opening date dated back in …. Last years June ….. 🫠We are finally confident enough to tell you guys…. We are expecting to open around this year June!!!!!! wooo!🥳 can’t wait! Really excited!! 😆

Work began in October 2022, and initial delays were compounded by theft of materials last fall. The expanded location at 2767 Liberty Ave, Strip District (map) will feature not only more groceries and housewares but also a small food court.

Wai Wai Chinese Cuisine to open second location in Greenfield.

Wai Wai, which currently operates a Chinese restaurant in Bloomfield, announced on social media they will open a second location in Greenfield in what was formerly China Star. The spot at 4219 Murray Ave. has held Chinese restaurants for decades, the last closing in February after a lengthy list of health violations.

2023 film Sight, based on life of Dr. Ming Wang, in Pittsburgh from May 23.

The 2023 film Sight, A Christian movie based on life of Dr. Ming Wang, will play in Pittsburgh from May 23.

Sight—starring Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning Greg Kinnear, and Terry Chen (Almost Famous, Falling)—is based on the true story of Dr. Ming Wang, a poor Chinese immigrant who defies all odds to become a world-renowned eye surgeon in the United States. Set in 1970s rural China, a young Ming faces persecution and despair at every turn; but with the support of his dedicated family and his own unwavering determination, he finds his way to America, attends Harvard and MIT, and helps develop an innovative technology that restores sight in millions. Taking on the seemingly impossible challenge of helping a blind orphan, the resilient Dr. Wang must reconcile with his own traumatic past and face the harsh reality that the strength of his own will can only go so far.

It plays locally in many local theaters, and tickets are available online.

2024 Chinese film YOLO (热辣滚烫) returns to Pittsburgh, from April 12.

The 2024 Chinese film YOLO (热辣滚烫), which opened in Pittsburgh on March 7 and ran through March 27, will return for a showing the afternoon of starting April 12.

Le Ying (played by Jia Ling) has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to "reconcile" with herself. One day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia-Yin). Just when she thinks life is about to take a positive turn, the challenges that follow far exceed her imagination, and her vibrant life is just beginning..

Yolo is the highest-grossing film of 2024 in China and is the 16th all time in that country, so far. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

Progress on Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill, coming soon to McCandless.

Permanent signage is up at Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill, coming soon to McCandless. There is a sign in English and a sign that says "shabu shabu" in Japanese at McCandless Crossing in the North Hills, in an outparcel across from Laroche University (map). Work has been underway there since last summer, but there was recently some mild concern online when the temporary signage went down, leading some to ask if this all-you-can-eat BBQ and hot pot place were not coming after all. There is another location set to open in Robinson, too, totalling six AYCE hot pot and BBQ places coming soon to Pittsburgh.

Chinese documentary Youth (Spring) [青春] at 2024 Carnegie Mellon University International Film Festival, March 31.

The 2024 Carnegie Mellon University International Film Festival recently announced its selections and schedule, with the Chinese documentary Youth (Spring) [青春] the lone film from East Asia.

Zhili, 150 km from Shanghai. In this city dedicated to textile manufacturing, young workers come from all the rural regions crossed by the Yangtze River. They are in their early twenties, share dormitories and snack in the corridors. They work tirelessly to be able one day to raise a child, buy a house or set up their own workshop. Between them, friendships and love affairs are made and unmade according to the seasons, bankruptcies and family pressures.

It plays on March 31 at the McConomy Auditorium in the Jared L. Cohen Center on the CMU campus (map), and tickets are available online.

Signage up at Pittsburgh's first Tiger Sugar, Mango Mango locations.

Signage has recently gone up at Pittsburgh's first Tiger Sugar and Mango Mango locations, which will be sharing a storefront in Squirrel Hill. The two dessert chains have been working on the spot that was most recently a beer distributor at 5847-5849 Forbes Ave. (map) since May 2023.

2024 Chinese film YOLO (热辣滚烫) continues in Pittsburgh through March 27.

The 2024 Chinese film YOLO (热辣滚烫), which opened in Pittsburgh on March 7, will remain here through at least March 27.

Le Ying (played by Jia Ling) has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to "reconcile" with herself. One day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia-Yin). Just when she thinks life is about to take a positive turn, the challenges that follow far exceed her imagination, and her vibrant life is just beginning..

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

After another slight delay, Wei Lai set to open March 18 in the North Hills, serving dim sum, bubble tea, and other Chinese dishes.

Wei Lai has just announced a March 18 soft opening, a slight delay from its originally-announced date of March 12 and its second date of March 16. It's a restaurant serving dim sum, bubble tea, and other Chinese dishes coming to the spot formerly occupied by Ting's Kitchen in McIntyre Square just off McKnight Road (map). Its Instagram page has been active the last month in promoting is upcoming menu items.

2024 Chinese film YOLO (热辣滚烫) continues in Pittsburgh through March 20.

The 2024 Chinese film YOLO (热辣滚烫), which opened in Pittsburgh on March 7, will remain here through at least March 20.

Le Ying (played by Jia Ling) has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to "reconcile" with herself. One day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia-Yin). Just when she thinks life is about to take a positive turn, the challenges that follow far exceed her imagination, and her vibrant life is just beginning..

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

After slight delay, Wei Lai set to open March 16 in the North Hills, serving dim sum, bubble tea, and other Chinese dishes.

Wei Lai has just announced a March 16 grand opening, a slight delay from its originally-announced date of this Tuesday. It's a restaurant serving dim sum, bubble tea, and other Chinese dishes coming to the spot formerly occupied by Ting's Kitchen in McIntyre Square just off McKnight Road (map). Its Instagram page has been active the last month in promoting is upcoming menu items.

Chinese documentary Youth (Spring) [青春] among selections for 2024 Carnegie Mellon University International Film Festival, from March 21.

The 2024 Carnegie Mellon University International Film Festival recently announced its selections and schedule, with the Chinese documentary Youth (Spring) [青春] the lone film from East Asia.

Zhili, 150 km from Shanghai. In this city dedicated to textile manufacturing, young workers come from all the rural regions crossed by the Yangtze River. They are in their early twenties, share dormitories and snack in the corridors. They work tirelessly to be able one day to raise a child, buy a house or set up their own workshop. Between them, friendships and love affairs are made and unmade according to the seasons, bankruptcies and family pressures.

It plays on March 31 at the McConomy Auditorium in the Jared L. Cohen Center on the CMU campus (map), and tickets are available online.

2024 Chinese film YOLO (热辣滚烫) in Pittsburgh, from March 7.

The 2024 Chinese film YOLO (热辣滚烫) will play in Pittsburgh from March 7.

Le Ying (played by Jia Ling) has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to "reconcile" with herself. One day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia-Yin). Just when she thinks life is about to take a positive turn, the challenges that follow far exceed her imagination, and her vibrant life is just beginning..

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

Another Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill coming to Pittsburgh area, this time to Robinson.

The Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in progress in McCandless Crossing in the North Hills is one of five all-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean BBQ places coming this year to Pittsburgh, and a reader shares news of a sixth underway in Robinson. Signage is up for Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill at The Point in Robinson, in the former Party City location (map).

Fantuan hiring Mandarin-speaking Business Development Specialist for Pittsburgh area.

Fantuan, a delivery service catering to Asian restaurants and groceries that expanded to Pittsburgh in 2020, is hiring a Mandarin-speaking Business Development Specialist.

Fantuan was founded in Vancouver, Canada in 2014. With a mission of “life made easier,” the company is a one-stop platform providing food delivery (Fantuan Delivery), reviews (Fantuan Reviews), an errand service (Fantuan Rush), e-commerce and marketing services. Fantuan is one of the top Asian life-services platforms in North America, currently operating across Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal, Los Angeles, New York and other metropolitan areas in Canada and the US.

Job Title: Business Development Specialist

Job Responsibility:

1. Facing local merchants, understand the business status and needs of the merchants, combine the needs of consumers, select and design marketing and operation plans that fit for the merchants, negotiate and reach cooperation with the merchants, and promote the increase of merchant transaction volume.

Wei Lai set to open March 12 in the North Hills, serving dim sum, bubble tea, and other Chinese dishes.

Wei Lai announced on social media this evening that it aims to open March 12. It's a restaurant serving dim sum, bubble tea, and other Chinese dishes coming to the spot formerly occupied by Ting's Kitchen in McIntyre Square just off McKnight Road (map). Its Instagram page has been active the last month in promoting is upcoming menu items.

Yan Pang: “One-Log Bridge” Concert Premiere, March 10 at City of Asylum's Alphabet City.

City of Asylum will present the world premiere of the concert adaptation of Yan Pan's "One-Log Bridge" on March 10.

The world premiere of the One-Log-Bridge concert adaptation.

This concert adaptation of One-Log Bridge has been created especially for the Alphabet City stage and audience, exploring (through music) cross-cultural exchange as well as the latitudes of the human experience—from pain and hurt to community and joy. One-Log Bridge is the creation of composer Yan Pang, who combined elements of traditional Chinese opera and American musical theater to produce a unique show that premiered in December 2023 at the New Hazlett Theater. Based on Yan Pang’s own story, the play tells the story of an aspiring composer from China moving to America to pursue their dream. What will they find stateside? Friendship, community, and love? Or racism, humiliation, and alienation? What about both? 

A Note from Yan Pang: “My creations intricately interlace Chinese and American cultural aspects. This amalgamation generates harmonious tensions that serve as the foundation for performances addressing social justice, belonging, and my own experiences as a first-generation Chinese immigrant woman. One-Log Bridge endeavors to transcend norms, challenging expectations by venturing beyond the confines of traditional classical composition.”

This program features a concert and dance performance followed by a talkback with the performers. 

More information about the cast and crew is available online. Tickets for the in-person and streaming events are free, but registration is required. It runs from 6:00 to 7:30 at Alphabet City on the North Side (map).

McKnight Road's Hong BBQ & Hot Pot aiming for an April 30 opening.

Hong BBQ & Hot Pot, one of at least five Korean BBQ and hot pot places opening in Pittsburgh in the near future, commented on social media that it is aiming for an April 30 opening.

Looking for the best all you can eat Chinese Hot Pot? Look no further! Chinese Hot pot, also known as Chinese fondue, is a popular cooking method throughout China and other Asian countries. It’s an entertaining activity, especially with friends and family members. The broth inside the pot boils over our specially designed heaters, and you have a variety of protein options (meatballs and thinly sliced beef are popular) to add to your pot. In addition to the protein choices, you can add noodles, vegetables, tofu, and more into your soup. The broth comes in many different styles (see our menu for options). It’s quite nutritious as it absorbs all the nutrients and flavors when cooking your meat and vegetables in the broth base. You can either enjoy our Chinese hot pot by itself or enjoy it along with our authentic Korean BBQ!

. . .

We introduce our Korean style BBQ concept, which has been a tradition passed down many generations of Korean history. Our Korean BBQ experience begins by firing up the grill at your table. All you can eat Korean BBQ, choose from our vast selection of beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and various vegetables; don’t forget to invite your grill master! While there are many side dishes to enjoy Korean BBQ with, the meats are definitely the main attraction. Many of the meats are already marinated, carefully crafted by our chefs, so all you need to do is grill it up and enjoy the amazing flavors of our Korean style delicacies.

It is next in the line of restaurants to occupy "where Tokyo Sushi Buffet used to be" in recent years in the outparcel next to Best Buy on McKnight Road (map). Signage first went up in July 2023. Hong BBQ & Hot Pot has two locations in Florida and three restaurants coming soon.

Chinese & English Storytime, at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, March 9.

The next Chinese & English Storytime at Cooper-Siegel Community Library is March 9, from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Explore the Chinese language through bilingual songs, books, and playful experiences. This program is designed for kids in grades preschool - 2nd grade with their caregivers. 

Registration is required and can be completed online. There is a Chinese & English Storytime scheduled for April 3 and May 11 as well. The Cooper-Siegel Community Library is located at 403 Fox Chapel Rd. (map).

Chinese-Canadian Pop/R&B singer PIAO performing in Pittsburgh, February 27.

Chinese-Canadian Pop/R&B singer PIAO will perform in Pittsburgh at Spirit Lounge on February 27 in support of Jhariah. An overview, from her Youtube:

Shanghai born, Los Angeles transplant PIAO is the artist you’ve been waiting for. With heartfelt lyrics and a vocal range that hits both ends of the spectrum, PIAO breaks the mold of the traditional pop artist and creates her own lane. Recent Berklee graduate and multi-instrumentalist, PIAO has had the opportunity to work with talented artists and producers like T-Pain and Don Cannon to help amplify her vision and build her musical repertoire. As she develops her sound and plans to release new music, prepare to know the name PIAO.

Tickets for the all ages show are available online. Doors open at 7 pm, music starts at 8. Spriit Lounge is located at 242 51st St. in Lawrenceville (map).