Asian Fusion Cooking to Highlight ShopRite Grand Re-Opening

Philadelphia master chef to present two in-store demonstrations May 12 

PHILLIPSBURG (May 3, 2007) – Master Chef Joseph Poon, one of America’s most popular Asian chefs, will help celebrate the grand re-opening of Phillipsburg’s Greenwich ShopRite with two in-store cooking demonstrations on Saturday, May 12.

Chef Poon, who has appeared on the Food Network, the Tonight Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and is a longtime regular on Philadelphia’s NBC-10’s “10 at 10” newscast, will share recipes and cooking techniques from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and again at 3-5 p.m. Greenwich ShopRite is located at 1207 U.S. Highway 22 in Phillipsburg.

Chef Poon is well-known for his Philadelphia restaurants, including Joe’s Peking Duck House and Joseph Poon Asian Fusion Restaurant, which are now closed, as well as his popular “Wok ‘N Walk Tour of Philadelphia Chinatown, cooking classes and devotion to philanthropic events.

Chef Poon also has been a celebrity guest chef for ShopRite Culinary Workshop classes, and store manager Frank Smith said his high energy and artistry with ingredients have made him a favorite of students at the in-store cooking classes.

“I don’t think a week goes by that one of my customers doesn’t ask when Chef Joe is going to be back. Whether they’ve been to a workshop or heard about him from a friend who has, they can’t wait to see him in action,” said Smith. “Having him here for our grand re-opening is going to make it a very special event for us all. Whether you’re a serious cook, a fan of Chinese food or just want to see a culinary master at work, you’re in for a treat.”

The 70,000-square foot Greenwich ShopRite recently completed nine months of renovations and features expanded product offerings and new displays in the bakery, produce, meat and seafood departments.

New features include an international cheese island, meats cut to order, store-baked artisan pizza and focaccia, a salad bar and a new customer grilling station. Seating capacity at the culinary workstation also has been doubled, to accommodate demand for the weekly ShopRite Culinary Workshops.

Copies of Chef Poon’s inspirational and autobiographical cookbook, Life is Short, Cooking is Fun will be available for sale. From teenage airline food service worker in Hong Kong, to dishwasher in a Philadelphia Chinese restaurant, Chef Poon has worked his way to the top – both as an independent restaurateur and a corporate executive chef. Now semi-retired, he remains active in many charitable and philanthropic activities.