Family Portrait -- The Hong Family

THE HONG FAMILY

-- Who they are: The family of the late Louie Hong operates the House of Hong restaurant at 409 Eighth Ave. S. in the International District. The family patriarch, who died at age 78 in November, worked until he became ill last August. His wife, Shau Fong Louie, often helps make dim sum in the kitchen.

-- The family: Mon Faye Hong, the oldest son, is president and head chef. Mon's wife, Janie, is the restaurant's secretary-treasurer and hostess. James Louie, assistant manager, handles the restaurant at night. Susan Hong Louie Woo, works in the kitchen. Her husband, Ken, has his own business. Hugo Louie, is vice president and assistant manager, and also works as a chef. Hugo's wife, Pong, is a seamstress. Though Mon, James, Susan and Hugo have worked in other fields, they always have been drawn back to the restaurant. ``You could say we're the stereotypical family,'' Hugo says. ``We have good rapport.''

-- Family history: Louie Hong emigrated here about 60 years ago. After working for a few years, he returned to China and wed Shau Fong Louie. Mon Faye was born in Canton Province, the other children here. When the communists took over in 1950, Louie Hong and his wife came to the United States. Mon followed later.

-- Restaurant history: The family ran the Atlas Restaurant at Maynard and Jackson from 1956 to 1982. They moved to the present location and opened the House of Hong in 1983. The first year was difficult. That February was the nearby Wah Mee Club Massacre, which scared some patrons. Then House of Hong had a $200,000 arson fire. ``It was a rough beginning,'' Hugo recalls. This may be the last generation the restaurant will be owned and operated by the family. Hours are long and tiring, and ``nobody wants to be in the business,'' Mon says.

Suggestions on families to feature in Family Portrait come from a variety of sources. If you know of good candidates - or if you'd like to suggest your own family - drop us a note at Portrait, c/o Scene, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111. Please include a daytime phone number.