While their means seem modest compared to luxury buyers in the U.S., Pao found that many outspend their Western counterparts, dollar for dollar.

FORBES: Luxury goods makers find growth in China.

Pao's is one of the classic Hong Kong stories.

CNN: The Tough Trader

Mr. Bowien's singular way with Chinese classics (kung pao pastrami, salt cod fried rice made with house-confited mackerel) immediately created a citywide buzz.

WSJ: Danny Bowien's Catfish a la Sichuan | Slow Food Fast