One of the reasons why we love having Vermin on the Mount in Chinatown is because of the punk rock legacy of Madame Wong's and the Hong Kong Cafe, rival Chinatown venues that were literally across the street from one another. When I approached the good people at the Mountain about hosting a reading series they were all for it -- until they saw the poster. The local merchants have long memories and they remember the days when punk rock and new wave blared out of restaurants and kids staggered around the streets loaded on jug wine and ludes.
Last week, Esther "Madame" Wong passed away at the ripe old age of 88. In 1978 she opened her doors to unheralded local musicians and bands like X, the Police and the Motels graced the stage in the second-story, Polynesian-themed restaurant. But "Godmother of Punk"? Don't be bitten. Madame Wong's was home to the skinny tie set and those who liked their music faster, harder and louder went across the street to the Hong Kong Cafe. (Don't take my word for it: Check out Alice Bag's blog, who sets the record straight.)
So the next time this infectious bit of ear vermin works it's way into your brainstream, raise your glass to Madame Wong and smash it on the ground.
