In a delightful intersection of culinary passion and academic ambition, Jamie Ding, a formidable contestant on the popular quiz show *Jeopardy!*, shares his culinary adventures alongside his sister Jessie Ding. Recently, Jamie made history as the fifth player to secure 29 consecutive wins on the show, but his interests extend well beyond trivia. Since 2016, he and Jessie have taken their appreciation for General Tso’s chicken to social media, running a dedicated Instagram account, @attorneygeneraltsos, where they review the dish from various establishments across the United States.
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The pair’s love for General Tso’s chicken stems from their childhood. As Jamie recounted, ordering the dish became a tradition whenever they visited a Chinese restaurant. It serves as their “measuring stick” for assessing the quality of these eateries. He humorously noted that the account’s name, “Attorney General Tso’s,” came from his own idea long before both siblings embarked on their respective legal careers. Jessie, currently a law school graduate and bar exam passer, chuckled at the irony, saying it was amusing that they both ended up in the legal profession.
Jessie recalled how their shared obsession with documenting their General Tso’s experiences had started as a whimsical conversation about creating a blog. With the decline of traditional blogging, they opted for Instagram instead. Their inaugural review took place at a local Chinese buffet where they offered insights on the dish’s taste and presentation. “Not bad,” they said about their first culinary critique, pointing out the appealing colour and the optimal ratio of breading to chicken.
The siblings have set particular criteria for the perfect General Tso’s chicken. Jessie highlighted their preference for dark meat, claiming it enhances the flavour, while an overemphasis on sweetness can detract from the overall experience. Moreover, she insisted that any establishment advertising spiciness should deliver on that promise. “If you’re gonna tell me it’s spicy, it better be spicy,” she asserted, appreciating a proper balance between sweetness and heat.
Their expertise has grown over the years, with Jessie sharing tips about the frying process. She indicated that one could often discern whether chicken had been fried twice, affecting its freshness and taste. Reflecting on their hometown favourites, Jessie mentioned Trizest Restaurant in Michigan, while noting that Jamie remains less inclined to declare a favourite.
Despite their geographical separation, with Jamie residing in a different state, their collaboration on the Instagram account remains seamless. Jessie primarily manages the account, posting photos and responding to followers. She emphasised her role in clarifying to fans that they communicate with her, while she makes sure to share any interesting messages with Jamie.
As Jamie continues to break records on *Jeopardy!*, the sibling duo has seen a surge in followers on their Instagram account. Jessie noted that after each episode, numerous viewers reach out with recommendations for local Chinese restaurants across the country. One particularly enthusiastic fan from Rhode Island even reached out to share a local eatery after Jamie mentioned the state during the show. Jessie plans to visit the recommended spot over the summer, highlighting how their following has fostered a sense of community.
In light of his recent achievements on *Jeopardy!*, Jamie expressed a desire to use his winnings—totaling approximately £620,000—to support charitable organisations. He remarked on the importance of allocating funds to aid those struggling due to political and financial challenges. As the child of immigrants, he stated, “It’s tough out there for immigrants. I’ve always wanted to do good things for others.”
Watching Jamie ascend in the world of quiz competitions evokes a sense of pride in Jessie. She described the experience as surreal, stating, “I’m barely involved in this, so I can’t even imagine how he’s feeling.” Expressing admiration for her brother’s intellect and skill, she relishes his newfound fame and recognition.
As the Ding siblings continue to explore different renditions of General Tso’s chicken and share their experiences, they embody the spirit of adventure, culinary exploration, and sibling camaraderie. Whether in the world of games or cuisine, their journey unfolds, inviting all to savour the flavours of their story.