A Fond Farewell to South North Garden?

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 24, 2025

It was sad news last week when I was asked to help share an announcement (below) from South North Garden regarding Ming’s health and the possible closure of this longtime Forks business. Ming asked me to hold off until this week because he was short on help—and then, wouldn’t you know it, I heard he was out cooking at Quileute Days!

For many of us, South North Garden was our first real experience with Chinese food. My mom had worked in a Chinese restaurant back in high school and used to make us fried rice—which we loved—but aside from the occasional can of Chun King or La Choy, Forks was pretty much a Chinese food desert.

I still remember when South North first opened. You’d walk into a narrow hallway and could peek through an opening into the back where the cooks were busy preparing dishes that smelled absolutely amazing. If I recall correctly, it was a bakery that occupied the space before them? Or maybe the fish market?

Over the years, the business grew—expanding into the space next door, which once housed the Forks Forum. And then came the addition of the bar, which was part of the business activity for a short while. Through it all, there were countless takeout orders, birthday lunches, and dinners shared within those walls.

As Ming deals with taking care of himself, I hope he gets the rest he deserves and the chance to spend more time with his family. Whatever comes next, South North Garden has left an unforgettable mark on our town and our taste buds.

Christi Baron, Editor