Chinese Cuisine for the Health-Minded

Often, people don’t set out to learn a profession--it’s just thrust upon them. Such was the case for Shanghai-born, Sao Paulo-raised Michael Chiang, owner of the August Moon, arguably one of the most attractive restaurants in Long Beach.

As a young boy growing up in Brazil’s largest city, he often was called on to help out at his parents’ Chinese restaurant by peeling onions or washing dishes. “Actually, I was more of a bother than a help,” says Chiang.

But he soon proved to be an invaluable resource to his parents, who spoke only Mandarin. When they dealt with food purveyors, they needed someone like him who was bilingual (Mandarin and Portuguese). Though he had not intended to do so, Michael learned the restaurant business through his experience as an interpreter.

The family eventually moved to Los Angeles, and while at college, Chiang worked as a cook. By the time he earned a business degree, he was an accomplished chef. He opened the Mandarin Gourmet in Newport Beach in 1977 and followed that with Chinatown in Irvine.

Three years ago, he opened August Moon. The name has celebratory connotations in China. The month of August, when the full moon illuminates most brilliantly, is the time of the harvest festival.

A soaring ceiling, slate floors, flowered tablecloths and bamboo chairs mark the largest room. Another room, small and romantic, features cushy high-backed booths swathed in fabric of soft green, gray and red.

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August Moon makes a concerted effort to please the constantly growing ranks of health-conscious diners. One example is the delicate steamed vegetarian dumplings, the translucent skins filled with minced mushrooms, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts. Another is asparagus sauteed with shiitake mushrooms.

Aromatic scallops ($14.50) is one of the house specialties. The scallops are sauteed with garlic, a light tomato sauce, sugar and chili peppers--producing a bright orange fireball of color and flavor. Mandarin pan-fried noodles ($8.50), mixed with shrimp, chicken, beef, broccoli and snow peas, offer the textural contrast of crunchy and soft noodles.

August Moon is at 6417 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. (310) 596-8882. Open 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday (Friday until 11), 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.