I was invited to join Ray Chinese School in their 2008 Cuisine Fest held at the Muinicipal Building Saturday, May 10th for lunch. What an extraordinary effort the students, teachers and board members made to bring a little Chinese Culture to the public. Mapo, a unique Chinese restaurant located off Naperville Road, demonstrated the art of noodle making and sponsored the lunch with a wide variety of home made noodles, seared fish, rice, vegetables, beef rolls and appetisers. The food was extraordinary. Because I could only stay for a short while, I went to Mapo that evening for dinner only to find that it was packed. A one hour waiting list for take out. I ordered some familiar items and returned in an hour.

Ray's Chinese School offers a number of classes beyond just language. They also offer art, music and martial arts. They have been in existence for 16 years. There is a principal and 9 board members who are in charge of running this school which currently has no permanent home.

I am very impressed by how very genuinely friendly the people are. And I hope to visit the school again during the school year.

Mapo chef making noodles.

The children (and adults) enjoyed multiplying to keep track of how many noodles the one strand could become... and how thin!


A representative from the Chinese Consulate's office came to address the audience. He took some time to speak with Mayor Pradel as well as Katie Wernberg who attended also.

The students put together a very educational display about true Chinese cuisine, it's history, the recipes and the healing properties of some foods.