From Merrill Lynch to wok station: the daughter of San Francisco's Chinese food dynasty who defied her parents—by working alongside them.

The article focuses on Kathy Fang, the heir to the House of Nanking, a renowned restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown, and her journey in the culinary world. Initially, her parents, Peter and Lily Fang, envisioned a different future for her, preferring she pursue a prestigious career rather than follow in their footsteps in the restaurant business. Despite their initial disapproval, Kathy returned to the family restaurant after exploring corporate jobs and has since helped elevate its brand through media exposure, including her appearances on food television. The article highlights the generational dynamics within the family, her parents' ongoing commitment to the restaurant, and Kathy's respect for their wishes to maintain the restaurant's small, local essence. [Extracted from the article]