Tours
The Wok Wiz Team
We love to walk, talk, eat, and laugh with you!
- Shirley Fong-Torres
- Joanna Boyle
- Bernice Fong
- Chuck Gee
- Lola Hom
- Tina Dong Pavao
- Dorothy Quock
- Hank Quock
- Howard Teng
- Judy Won
- Shirley Fong-Torres: Shirley is the founder of Wok Wiz, author of four books, chef, food and travel writer, and TV personality. She is a former middle school and high school teacher and started her teaching career in Texas — “go gig ’em. ” She was an Operations Manager for Levi Strauss & Co. Shirley can be seen on: The Food Channel, History and Discovery Channels; BBC-London; PBS, in-flight videos for Hawaiian Airlines, and other TV/radio shows. To relax, she shops with daughter, Tina, plays with granddaughters, Maggie Sophia and Stella Olani Pavao, and follows the San Francisco Giants. Shirley's latest book is “The Woman Who Ate Chinatown.”
- Joanna Boyle: This “social butterfly” has a warm heart. She is, indeed, friendly. She loves assisting guests AFTER they experience Wok Wiz — so feel free to ask for her suggestions about San Francisco tour activities! Joanna has also been a hotel concierge and knows San Francisco well.
- Bernice Fong: Bernice is a Wok Wiz tour leader veteran, beginning in 1991. She is a Chinatown native, an Asian food expert and a behind-the-scenes recipe developer for PBS-TV cooking shows. Bernice volunteers at the Asian Art Museum, and is constantly furthering her knowledge by taking art and history classes. She is a world traveler, most recently to France and Spain.
- Chuck Gee: Everybody Loves Chuck, our multi-talented tour leader with a super personality. Chuck was one of the great fashion designers for the dancers of the Forbidden City Nightclub in Chinatown’s early days, and worked for years in a major San Francisco hotel. Chuck is an engaging and entertaining storyteller.
- Lola Hom: Born and raised in Chinatown, Lola was a member of the elite all-girls St. Mary's Drum & Bugle Corps. She performed for the 1961 JFK Inaugural Celebration in Washington, D.C. Pleasant and engaging, Lola's full-time job is with the California Department of Education.
- Tina Dong Pavao: The pleasant voice that you often hear when you call Wok Wiz belongs to Shirley’s daughter, Tina. This busy wife and mother is a part-time 4th grade teacher in Redwood City, and on her days off, keeps the Wok Wiz office organized! Tina is also Shirley’s sous chef when Shirley is guest chef instructor at the Ritz Carlton.
- Dorothy Quock: Dorothy receives consistent rave reviews for her wonderful tours. Born in Chinatown, she has been on the Wok Wiz team since 1991. Dorothy graduated from the International Tour Management Institute. Dorothy spent a year in China for a year writing a tour guide’s book. She is very down-to-earth, caring, and fascinates visitors on her tours with stories about her life growing up here.
- Hank Quock: Hank is the former president of the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers, and is also a performer — ask him about that. Another great storyteller, Hank blends his love for Chinese food into the tours. During the week, he works for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Howard Teng: When Howard isn’t giving tours, he is as a cardiology radiologist in the South Bay, taking pictures of people’s hearts to help them become healthier. Howard also devotes time in his community, giving talks about Chinese immigrants. He has a great personality, and no surprise, is very popular.
- Judy Won: Judy is a 4th grade school teacher, and adds a youthful spirit to our team. She has a wonderful smile, welcoming all to our Chinatown. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Judy helps Wok Wiz out with the children’s programs, and gives weekend tours.
