It's not just historic buildings and structures that are in danger of disappearing. A new book published by MCCM Creations and conceived by the charity Art for All aims to preserve some of our food heritage too. Grandma Grandpa Cook - launched on Wednesday at Telford Plaza's Maxim's Palace - celebrates more than 40 seniors as they recount their life stories and the family dishes they created. The touching tales chronicle Hong Kong's history from Japanese occupation during the second world war to the 1967 riots, with the unheralded elderly recalling hardships, poverty and the joy of the dinner table. 'The book is based on research we did for a 2004 community play,' Art for All chairwoman Evelyna Liang explained. 'About 21/2 years ago we decided to expand these stories into a cookbook. Volunteers helped to sort out the material and do interviews with the senior citizens as they put together the recipes step by step. We want the book to give dignity and respect back to these unsung heroes, who spent their lives raising their families and who helped build the Hong Kong of today.' Photographer Michael Wolf was recruited to do portraits of the subjects, many of whom basked in the limelight at the dim sum book launch. Stories were told of hardship and sacrifice - like that of the 82-year-old who raised four children on her income from collecting rubbish. Others sang songs. Li Sin-yau, 78, demonstrated her lettuce with minced fish balls and tofu hot pot (pictured). Grandma Grandpa Cook is available at the Arts Centre's bookstore and G.O.D.
