Events

Asianati Staff

# Asianati Night Market
**October 13 - October 16, 2022**  
***7pm - 11pm (food stalls open at 6pm)***  
***Court Street***


## Sponsored By  
![ANM sponsor logo 100 x 100 (1).jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1663098410/ANM_sponsor_logo_100_x_100_1_17a1ed819e.jpg)
 

From the producers of Asian Food Fest and many Asian themed experiences throughout Cincinnati, we are proud to introduce our latest cultural immersion experience,  the **Asianati Night Market**, an Asian-inspired night market during Blink Cincinnati.  
Night markets have been the cornerstone of many Asian cultures for centuries symbolizing a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community event with delicious, accessible late night street food. We wanted to recreate this community tradition & bring the sights, sounds, smells, & tastes of the Asian night market experience to BLINK!  


​The Asianati Night Market will include:  

🏮 Lit-up lanterns to bring the feeling of an Asian night market to downtown Cincinnati  
🏮 Asian street food stalls with curated "Night Market" menu items  
🏮 Asian-inspired art installations to create a memorable, illuminated BLINK-esque experience  
🏮 Family-friendly glow-in-the-dark activities & games  
🏮 and many more!

This event is brought to you by the community, and we welcome everyone in Greater Cincinnati to visit and celebrate its rich cultural diversity.

![Asiannightmarket1.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1662598985/Asiannightmarket1_cec82b23c1.jpg)


We are taking donations at our [GoFundMe account](https://gofund.me/6357ac4f) now. All funds will go directly towards programming and to support the local business owners, artists, and community groups. Please help support our community to make this event as amazing as it can be!

[![DONATE1.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1662603736/DONATE_1_69906b1118.png)](https://gofund.me/6357ac4f)  


If you prefer to donate your time instead, click below to sign up to volunteer at the Asianati Night Market:

[![VOLUNTEER2.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1662603736/VOLUNTEER_2_036c03ec15.png)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRylyntAMbvT3FOFoR8JFPfUJ9OWwYZ-i-sMZ-XGgOlRSjLg/viewform) 
  
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# Asianati Night Market Food Vendors

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## Blesame Global Cuisine (Philippines)  
  
![Blesame.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665510216/Blesame_fb42c65409.jpg)

#### BBQ PORK OR CHICKEN  $6 
#### VEGGIE EGGROLLS OR LUMPIA (MEAT EGGROLL)  $2.50 
#### EMPANADA BEEF, PORK, OR CHICKEN  $3.50 
#### BANANA TURON  $2.25 
#### SWEET RICE WITH INFUSED GINGER  $2.50 
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## Boba Cha (Taiwan)
  
![Boba Cha.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665510250/Boba_Cha_459e0ae15b.jpg)

#### Vanilla Milk Tea with Ginger $5 
#### Mango Milk Tea  $5 
#### Hot Oolong Osmanthus Milk Tea  $5 
#### Specialty Tea $5 
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## Chino Street Food (China)

![Chino Street Food.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665510300/Chino_Street_Food_a2d37d9f2c.jpg)

#### CHINO'S MARINATED CHICKEN & FRIED RICE $10 
#### CRAB RANGOON $7 
#### CHINO'S MARINATED CHICKEN SKEWERS $8 
#### VIETNAMESE CHICKEN STREET TACOS $8 
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## Lalo (Vietnam)  

![Lalo.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665517832/Lalo_3f7510d510.jpg)

#### Vietnamese Grilled Corn & Scallion $4 
#### Vietnamese 'Bo Kho’ Birria Beef Tacos $5 
#### 'Hu Tieu' Pork & Shrimp Noodle Soup $9 
#### Non-alcoholic Fruit Cocktail $5 

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## Mahope (Cambodia)  

![Mahope.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665517868/Mahope_f947566ff0.jpg)

#### Cambodian Street Dog $7 
#### Cambodian Coney $7 
#### Posole Tacos $5 
#### Cambodian Chicken Tacos $5 
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## Neko Sushi (Korea)  

![Neko Sushi.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665517905/Neko_Sushi_8291b0ac4b.jpg)

#### DUKBOKKI (SPICY RICE CAKE NOODLES) OR TTEOK-KKOCHI $7 
#### TANGSUYOOK 탕수육 (CRISPY FRIED BEEF) $8 
#### EOMUK (FISHCAKE) $7 
#### BULGOGI CUP BOWL $10 
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## Onolicious Hawaii (US)  

![Onolicious Hawaii.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665517934/Onolicious_Hawaii_bed0158688.jpg)

#### SPAM MUSUBI $3 
#### MAC SALAD $4 
#### TERI BEEF STICKS (2) $6 
#### TERI CHICKEN WITH RICE $7 
#### COMBO PLATE $10 
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## Qlicious / Queens Bakery (China)  

![Qlicious.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665517963/Qlicious_a571e64e92.jpg)

#### BEAR BOTTLE STRAWBERRY LEMONADE/MANGO LEMONADE WITH FRUIT POPS $9.99 
#### JAPANESE CHEESECAKE $8.50 
#### SWEET RED BEAN BALL/FLAKY UBE TARO BALL $6.50 
#### RAMUNE POP SODA $4.50 
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## Tea N Bowl (Malaysia)  

![Tea N Bowl.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665517993/Tea_N_Bowl_d087d85a0c.jpg)

#### Skewer with Rice (Chicken or Pork) $10 
#### Noodle Soup (Curry or Malaysian Prawn) $9 
#### Treats -- shrimp chips $7 
#### Hibiscus or Rose Limeade or Teh Tarik $6 
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## Thai Express (Thailand)  

![Thai Express.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665518017/Thai_Express_79792e468c.jpg)

#### CHICKEN SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE $6 
#### ROASTED PORK SKEWERS $6 
#### THAI E-SAN SAUSAGE $2 
#### SIDE OF STICKY RICE $2 
#### PAD THAI (CHICKEN OR TOFU) $8 



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Asianati Night Market at Blink Cincinnati

# **Asianati Snack Shack**
As you enter the Asianati Night Market at BLINK Cincinnati from Oct 13-16, make sure you visit the Asianati Snack Shack if you're feeling munchy. We will be selling our staff recommended snacks from around Asia representing various countries and cultures.
Checkout the list of items below with its description as you visit the Snack Shack:  

![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3836.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665569661/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3836_268014847e.jpg)

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## **Big Roll Grilled Seaweed Roll (Tao Kae Noi):  $1 per piece, or 4 for $3**    
![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3925.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546276/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3925_e3cf340922.jpg)
#### Recommended by: Sandy (Outreach Coordinator)   
#### The Big roll grilled seaweed was designed to be a portable and healthy snack that is fun to eat. Laver seaweed is rolled before being slowly roasted and seasoned with bold flavors to make a savory and crisp snack. It's also nutritional as an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and protein!
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## **Dried Mango (Philippine Brand):   $5 per pack** 


![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3921.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546284/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3921_2fda5fa4f6.jpg)
#### Recommended by: Lam (Public Relations)   
#### As one of the dried fruit favorites, these dried mangos are sweet, chewy, and retain the flavor of the fresh fruit. These dried mangos also contain high fiber content, which is what gives the mango its very chewy texture. The combination of its taste and the texture makes this treat addictive to munch on.
----------------------------

## **Hi-Chew (Morinaga):  $3 per pack**  
#### Flavors:  Acai, Banana, Grape, Green Apple, Kiwi, Mango, Strawberry, Watermelon   
![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3848.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546276/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3848_4d7a2d3a09.jpg)

#### Recommended by: Sam (Social Media Manager)   
#### A soft candy with a long-lasting, chewy texture with an assortment of fruity flavors to choose from, In addition to the classic flavors of apple, strawberry, and grape, we brought new must try flavors like acai, kiwi, and watermelon!  
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## **Kit Kat (Nestle):  $1 per piece, or 4 for $3**  
#### Flavors:  Matcha Green Tea, Pudding, Mint, Strawberry, Salted White Chocolate   
  
![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3851.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546274/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3851_58bdb2b5e8.jpg)
#### Recommended by: Chloe (Outreach Coordinator)   
#### Although Kit Kat is a globally known chocolate brand, did you know that there are more than 200 seasonal and regional flavors of Kit Kat bars only produced in Japan? We brought a few of those exclusive flavors so you can try them out!
 -------------------------
     
## **Koala's March (Lotte):  $4 per pack**  
 
![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3886.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546274/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3886_bc4d280e68.jpg)
#### Recommended by: Koji (Co-founder)   
#### Koala's March from Lotte are delicious biscuits from Japan, featuring cute koalas doing a variety of different activities. Inside the crunchy outer biscuit shell you will find a creamy chocolate fondant filling. The packaging is adorable, making a lovely gift or a special treat for yourself or your friends / family!  
--------------------------


## **Pocky (Glico):  $3 per pack**  
#### Flavors:  Chocolate, Chocolate Banana, Matcha Green Tea, Strawberry   


![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3845.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546275/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3845_50fefb0849.jpg)
#### Recommended by: Sam (Social Media Manager)   
#### A chocolate covered biscuit stick that offers the perfect balance of creamy chocolate and a crunch of biscuit. It's an easy to share snack that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere with friends and family. Pro tip: eat it with ice cream to double the satisfaction!
-------------------------
  

## **Sachima: $1 per piece, or 4 for $3**  
![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3935.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546276/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3935_426cfda2f0.jpg)  
#### Recommended by: Sandy (Outreach Coordinator)   
#### Sachima is a sweet snack in Chinese cuisine made of fluffy strands of fried batter bound together with sugar syrup. You can somewhat compare this popular snack to Rice Krispies Treats, but softer. It originated in Manchuria and is now popular throughout China and Asia as a household item. 
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## **Tteokbokki Chips (Cosmos):  $3 per pack**  
![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3916.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546283/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3916_5b8b9b0d00.jpg)
#### Recommended by: JP (Editor/Photographer) 
#### Tteokbokki is a staple dish in Korea that is made of rice cakes covered in spicy sauce. This snack will satisfy your cravings if you can't get them right away! Made with Gochujang (Korean chili paste) flavor, each crunchy bite is sweet, tangy, with a little spicy tingle!
-------------------------


## **Umaibo (Yaokin): $1 per piece, or 4 for $3**  
![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3911.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665546283/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3911_35876e13c9.jpg)  
#### Recommended by: Sarah (Operations Coordinator)   
#### Umaibo, or "delicious stick" in Japanese is a small cylindrical puffed corn snack. There are 17 flavors available, including savory flavors, such as salad, teriyaki, pizza, or sweet flavors like cocoa, caramel, and chocolate. Try our original corn flavor and you'll be amazed.
------------------------- 

## **Yan Yan (Meiji) $3 per pack**  
![2022-10-08%20ANM%20Snack%20Shack%20Products%20XH2S3892.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1665569136/2022_10_08_20_ANM_20_Snack_20_Shack_20_Products_20_XH_2_S3892_afd09386b9.jpg)
#### Recommended by: Sarah (Operations Coordinator)   
#### This is a fun Japanese snack from the famous Japanese chocolate maker Meiji. It comes in a package with two compartments; one with biscuit sticks, and the other with a chocolate frosting used for dipping. You can dip the crackers into the chocolate frosting to get the right amount of chocolatiness to your liking!
-------------------------




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Welcome to the Asianati Snack Shack!

Chloe Kilguss

*If you’ve been following Asianati for a while, you know that a great thing about Asian Cuisine is that there’s literally something for everyone. That applies to price points, too! This is the first in a series of articles that showcases Asian restaurants that are big on value! We’re starting with the area around the University of Cincinnati, where there’s lots of tasty choices.*  



Hi, I’m Chloe and I’m going to take you to some of my favorite spots around UC. Whether you’re a new college student, a young professional, or just love a great deal, this article is for you.

![DSC_0194.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1663099943/DSC_0194_7058364531.jpg)

## [Krishna Indian Carry Out](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/krishna-indian-restaurant-and-carry-out)  
This literal hole-in-the-wall makes picking up food on the way home from class a breeze. Even if you don’t pass this place on your daily commute, they’ve got you covered by offering free delivery within a 3.2-mile radius (with a $30 minimum). It’s perfect for when your group of friends gets together on the weekends, for a study night, and even as leftovers for the rest of the week. My perfect meal is an order of flaky hot naan to dip in some creamy, spicy chicken tikka masala. This comes under $20, comes with a free order of rice, and is enough to make me two meals. Overall, Krishna Indian Carry Out is my go-to place for close, budget-friendly Indian food. [*Editor's note: Krishna is also [Mayor Aftab's favorite restaurant](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGaG0-r1x1M)*]  


![2022-09-05 Asianati Cheap EatsDSCF0273.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1662417873/2022_09_05_Asianati_Cheap_Eats_DSCF_0273_228aa38553.jpg)

## [Elephant Walk Indian Bar and Grill](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/elephant-walk-indian-bar-and-grill)  
This unique Indian and Ethiopian restaurant has a big space for dining-in and has great carryout options. They have deals every day and are split between midday and after-dark deals. After-dark deals include happy hour drink prices and a Live DJ on the weekends, while the midday deals include brunch and mimosas and a 10% discount on Wednesdays for students. One thing I love about Elephant Walk is that they have a unique take on my favorite food: – pizza- and blend it with Indian spices and ingredients; the result is an amazing flatbread naan pizza. It’s as delicious as it sounds: with a naan crust, a sauce of tomatoes and masala, and is topped with cheese and cilantro. I like to take pieces of the pizza and dip them into a curry, whether chicken tikka masala or chicken makhani. This meal is around $20, comes with free rice, and lasts me at least two days. Tip: When ordering from UberEats, there are buy 1-get-1 deals for dal soup, naan burrito, aloo choley, flatbread naan pizza, and naan to make the order last longer or to share among friends.   


![2022-09-05 Asianati Cheap EatsDSCF0357.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1662417900/2022_09_05_Asianati_Cheap_Eats_DSCF_0357_29b0460155.jpg)

## [King Wok](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/king-wok)
This Asian fusion small business has it all. Their menu is very inclusive and features a variety of appetizers and entrees, including classics such as orange chicken and egg foo young. Whether you’re eating alone or with a large group of friends, everyone will be able to find something they love here. My perfect meal from here is an egg roll or their spring rolls paired with chicken pad thai at their highest spice level and this comes out to under $15. While dining-in and carryout are both options, I like to use BeyondMenu to order food for delivery since it only has an $8 minimum with a $3 delivery fee and is competitive with other delivery food apps. King Wok’s prices are already very budget-friendly and their lunch specials go beyond that, costing between $7.45 - $9.95 and include an entrée and a side dish. This is great for taking a break from studying, grabbing lunch in between classes, or even saving for dinner later. 


![2022-09-05 Asianati Cheap EatsDSCF0333.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1662417973/2022_09_05_Asianati_Cheap_Eats_DSCF_0333_303e0eb185.jpg)

## [Maki Ramen House](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/maki-express)  
This is one of my favorite places for homemade and delicious Asian food. This cozy ramen house is always full , so it’s a good thing great carryout options are available. Maki has classic and delicious ramen, udon, and rice dishes, along with a variety of appetizers. My favorite thing to get is an order of deep-fried gyoza and shio ramen. These dishes will satisfy you and fill you up, all for only about $14. Once you’ve had their classic ramen, go back to try a chicken katsu don dish or a chicken tempura udon dish, each for about $12.  


![2022-09-05 Asianati Cheap EatsDSCF0312.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1662418007/2022_09_05_Asianati_Cheap_Eats_DSCF_0312_1a26f08cdf.jpg)

## [Drunken Bento](https://www.drunkenbento.com/)  
This sushi haven is a staple in Clifton. A great location that is easy to access from campus and many neighborhoods, it’s an easy walk for carryout or dining-in and with their hours being open so late, it’s an obvious choice for a group night out. What I love about Drunken Bento is the freshness of their rolls, the variety, and their great every-day prices. My go-to order is a Bengal Roll paired with an Eel Cucumber roll and this duo comes out to barely over $10. While the sushi here is outstanding, don’t forget to check out Drunken Bento’s great selection of appetizers and entrees.  


![2022-09-05 Asianati Cheap EatsDSCF0236.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1662418045/2022_09_05_Asianati_Cheap_Eats_DSCF_0236_ef45445f01.jpg)

## [Panda Express](https://uc.campusdish.com/LocationsAndMenus/PandaExpress)  
This one is for UC students. Panda Express’ orange chicken is a favorite of a lot of people, and I am no exception. I like to get white rice as the base with their orange chicken and honey walnut shrimp as the two entrees. My favorite thing about this location is that it's right in Tangeman University Center for a quick and tasty lunch in-between classes. TUC has plenty of seating inside and is located right next to Nippert Stadium if you want to eat outside and enjoy the fresh air. 

A great way to try new Asian food places and meet other food lovers is through Asianti Meetups! Follow @Asianati_official on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok to keep up with the details of their next meet-up.


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Menu Deals for Days

## **WHAT WE'RE LOVING SEPTEMBER 2022**  

🔸  We are back with our *"What We're Loving This Month"* where our Asianati Team shares their favorite things, from restaurants/dishes, recipes, music, movies, tv shows, podcasts, books, local events, and more. 
Check out our team's list of September 2022 monthly favorites!🔸  

[Subscribe to our Asianati newsletter](https://asianati.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=eec3adb468e3dc0918bf791c5&id=7d4a8ebc06) for more locally relevant content, which drops the first week of every month!  

![2.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1664273136/2_b8a51bc879.jpg)
  
>I have been following John Wang for quite some time, but recently I have been listening to him more deliberately. One of the first things that I ever heard from him was this TikTok video on [intergenerational trauma](https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRPPmmwf/). Although I personally could not relate to that topic specifically, I found his other videos very powerful. John Wang is a life coach that inspires me and reminds me to take the time to reflect on my life each day. His quick "life lessons" are the same things I try to teach and practice. Highly recommend taking a listen to his videos. His energy, tone of voice, and approach to his lessons resonate with my day to day life, behaviors, and thoughts.  
-- Sarah (Operations Coordinator)

![1.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1664273187/1_3825d1e390.jpg)

>For the first time ever, I went to watch an Anime in theatres, [Dragon Ball Super](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHAaKXtfSOg). It was an awesome movie to see on the big screen and would suggest catching it in local theaters while it's still out!
Also, in 2022, my partner and I have a goal to cook from 30 different countries (15 new). We just tackled Milk Bread and Chicken Kaarage (Japan), and we're now in love with freshly Baked Milk Bread.  
-- Lam (Asianati PR)

![3.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1664273186/3_7d1241401d.jpg)

>We're into the Fall Season of television and two of my favorites are [She-Hulk](https://www.disneyplus.com/series/she-hulk-attorney-at-law/gPwaYusKqRQh) on Disney+ and [Star Trek: Lower Decks](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/star-trek-lower-decks/) on Paramount Plus. She-Hulk is helmed by the writer/director Jessica Chao while Lower Decks stars Eugene Cordero as one of its titular junior-officers: Samanthan Rutherford. I take no small pleasure in having two of my right-now favorites featuring serious Asian talent.  
-- JP (Editor)
 
![4.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1664273306/4_dea57a70ab.jpg)

>If you're a murder mystery/Sherlock fan, I highly recommend the HBO Max show "[Miss S](https://www.hbomax.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GYrx2Zg5LWQbCwgEAAAAH)"! I started watching the show to work on my Mandarin proficiency and now I'm so obsessed! Its set in 1930s Shanghai with a female detective lead, and its based on the also amazing Australian show, "[Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B00C1BTR6E/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r)". Also, the fashion is SO beautiful, I now immediately want to add a new qipao/cheongsam to my closet!  
-- Sam (Social Media Manager)
   
![WWLTM Strip.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1664273437/WWLTM_Strip_63eca7638d.jpg)

>I've been on a bit of a punk rock kick recently, and one of the bands at the forefront of this little phase has been Japanese feminist indie punk band [Otoboke Beaver](https://www.otobokebeaver.com/about/). I discovered them through listening to fellow feminist punk band [Petrol Girls](https://petrolgirls.bandcamp.com/) and ever since I've found them, I've been in absolute awe. From their aggressive and frequent changes of tempo, to their sarcastic gang vocals talking about female oppression, Otoboke Beaver is genuinely one of the most intense, intriguing, and catchy bands I've ever listened to. I'm a huge fan of their [Itekoma Hits](https://music.otobokebeaver.com/album/itekoma-hits) album and their latest album, [Super Champon](https://music.otobokebeaver.com/album/super-champon)! If you're into punk rock at all, I seriously recommend checking them out. You won't regret it!  
-- Wajeeh (Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern)

![6.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1664273307/6_be78259937.jpg)

>I used to be into manga comics and recently found that one of my favorite manga was out in Netflix. Its called [Parasyte (寄生獣)](https://www.netflix.com/it-en/title/80191008), and it's a horror manga (not suitable for children) where parasites from outer space take over humans. Sounds like a typical sci-fi horror story, but the creator includes today's difficult societal themes around environmental climate changes, discrimination, and ethical rights where it makes you think a lot. So I've been watching it and at the same time reading the [original manga comics](https://parasytemanga.com/) to get the full effect. The amazing part is that the creator thought about all this in the early 90's!  
-- Koji (Co-Founder)

![7.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1664273187/7_4e701956c0.jpg)

>I'm a huge fan of Formula 1 Racing. Every week, F1 releases power rankings based on how well drivers have been performing. In the latest rankings, Thai Driver [Alex Albon](https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/alexander-albon.html) placed 2nd! Alex represents his country with pride and has a bright future as a young, talented driver in F1.  
-- Dom (Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern) 



🔸  Have some thoughts on our Asianati Team's favorite September things or perhaps have some September favorites of your own to share with our team & Asianati community? Send us an e-mail at info@asianati.com or leave a comment on our  "Thing We're Loving This Month" post on Instagram! We'd love to hear your thoughts! 🔸  

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Our Asianati Team shares their September 2022 monthly favorites, from restaurants/dishes, recipes, music, movies, & tv shows, to podcasts, books, local Cincinnati events, and more!

What We're Loving This Month - September 2022

## **WHAT WE'RE LOVING AUGUST 2022**  

🔸  This is our second installment of the new series called *"What We're Loving This Month"* where our Asianati Team shares their favorite things, from restaurants/dishes, recipes, music, movies, tv shows, podcasts, books, local events, and more. 
Check out our team's list of August 2022 monthly favorites!🔸  

[Subscribe to our Asianati newsletter](https://asianati.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=eec3adb468e3dc0918bf791c5&id=7d4a8ebc06) for more locally relevant content, which drops the first week of every month!  



![Telugu songs.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661919455/Telugu_songs_8ae1033921.jpg)

> This month I cannot get enough of Telugu jams. From [Srivalli by Devi Sri Prasad and Sid Sriram](https://open.spotify.com/track/2YmXGUx32C3CUEgcAyHcGf?autoplay=true) to [Mellaga Tellarindoi by Anurag Kulkarni, Mohana Bhogaraju, and Ramya Behara](https://open.spotify.com/track/01bhNo46PTQxTYLWAnRzIz), I have it all on repeat. Growing up I was exposed to mostly Hindi songs and now I am enjoying the wide range of music from South Asia.  
-- *Carenna (Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern)*

 
![WEndy-YU-05.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661919803/W_Endy_YU_05_b610589a45.jpg) 

>[Blink Cincinnati](https://blinkcincinnati.com/) recently announced the first wave of BLINK 2022 artists, and on that list was an AAPI Artist named Wendy Yu. I checked out her [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wendellsmindblowers/) and instantly became a huge fan! Her work is so unique in that it combines projection art, dance, and programming. Such a unique style of art done with beautiful precision. I cannot wait to see her collaboration with ELEMENTZ at Blink Cincinnati 2022!   
-- *Dom (Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern)*

![auntie apples kitchen.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661920335/auntie_apples_kitchen_81ea422f17.png)

> After JP (Asianati's Editor & Photographer) & Lam (AACAC Board Member) recently visited the new [Auntie Apple's Kitchen](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/auntie-apples) and raved about it, I had to try them out! Auntie Apple's Kitchen is a Cantonese restaurant in Clifton across from the Esquire Theatre! My husband and I picked up their Hong Kong Fried Rice and Water Spinach in Garlic Sauce and not only was it delicious, their fried rice somehow unlocked a super nostalgic food memory for me, and a sense of deja vu in the best way.  Definitely give them a follow on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083130042617) & [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/auntieappleskitchen/), and also check out their affiliated in-house juice & dessert concept, Passionade Club!  
-- *Sam (Social Media Manager)*


![kikagaku moyo.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661952506/kikagaku_moyo_ea69821e47.jpg)
   
> Even though it was released in May, I've really been digging the new LP from Japanese psychedelic rock/folk band [Kikagaku Moyo](https://kikagakumoyo.com/), which is called Kumoyo Island! It took a while for it to grow on me after it was recommended to me by my cousin, but finally this week it just *hit* and it was amazing. It's spunky, it's vibrant, and it's trippy! It manages to mesh atmosphere with liveliness so well with its lush arrangements and experimental and eclectic vocals. If you're a fan of psychedelic and ambient music, I highly recommend for you to check the album out and to check the band's discography as a whole! Their 2018 album Masana Temples is another banger!  
-- *Wajeeh (Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern)*

![vmart.JPG](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661959844/vmart_77cbf9d7b2.jpg)

>Recently, I've enjoyed going to V-Mart, a new Asian grocery store in Springdale. They have a great selection of seafood and good looking produce. Also, it's the season of herbs...been eating a decent assortment of herbs from our family's gardens, which includes tía tô (perilla), kinh giới (lemon balm) and húng quế (thai basil).  
-- *Bao (Co-Founder)*

![Royce banner.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661921626/Royce_banner_95a9498905.jpg)

> I recently visited Chicago and stopped by my favorite Japanese grocery store [Mitsuwa](https://mitsuwa.com/ch/). It's been a long time since I last visited the store and they've made a lot of changes and updates since then. One thing I saw was that was new for me was a cholocate shop called [Royce](https://roycechocolate.com/). Its from Hokkaido (norhtern island of Japan) and has super rich and creamy chocolates. And the one thing I enjoy the most is their [chocolate covered potato chips](https://roycechocolate.com/collections/sweet-salty/products/potatochip-chocolate). The sweet and salty balance is heavenly and the chips go really well with the silky chocolate. You can buy online , it might be the most expensive potato chip you'll ever have, but totally worth it!!  
-- *Koji (Co-Founder)* 

![extra attorney woo.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661959037/extra_attorney_woo_c6212ccc3e.jpg)

> I've been peacefully watching [Extrodinary Attorney Woo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SdYFYflVbw) on Netflix. It is a feel good K-drama series. Full of quirkiness, witt, and perspective. This series follows the life of a lawyer with autism as she navigates through new challenges and social interactions. The episodes are about an hour long, making it perfect to watch one episode a day :) Overall, I believe this tv series has a very heart-felt and impactful message. Shedding light on a number of heavy topics that aren't typically present in media. Not to mention the story line, acting, and character development is easy to follow along and relate to in some capacity. The only thing (that I need to do) to make my experience watching it better is to get some Gimbap!!  
 -- *Sarah (Operations Coordinator)*


![easter sunday joy ko.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661947843/easter_sunday_joy_ko_217b974332.jpg) 

> [Easter Sunday](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIixb42aJPg), the new Jo Koy film, is such a great story of complicated families. It's absolutely sprinkled with little winks and nods to Filipino culture -anyone who's spent time with Titos and Titas will have a big smile.  
-- *JP (Editor)*

![commonly jazz.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661951446/commonly_jazz_b9d2327f72.jpg)  

> The tail of the summer? The miserable weather of the Midwest? Nothing can stop us from maximizing August. I love stopping by Seasongood Pavilion Eden Park every Thursday from 6-8 pm to enjoy  [It's Commonly Jazz](https://www.facebook.com/itscommonlyjazz) - A summer jazz series that is in its 34th consecutive year for bringing the best local, regional, and jazz artists to perform in Cincinnati. I took bike rides with my friends on a bakeries and coffee shops hopping on Saturdays, stopping by my favorite Asian bakery places, [Chako Bakery](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/chako-bakery-cafe), [Cafe Mochiko](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/mochiko), and local festivals [Goetta Festival](https://goetta.com/goettafest/), and [Findlay Market](https://www.findlaymarket.org/) weekend events. I love the discovery of this beautiful city. I love exploring events from [ArtsWave](https://www.artswave.org/). Also, look into anything you can give back to the community via Non-profit organizations.  
-- *Sandy (Outreach Coordinator)*

![Vietnamese movies.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1661951788/Vietnamese_movies_9120b0e1d0.jpg)

> I just recently discovered that Netflix streams some of the best Vietnamese movies with full Vietnamese cast, and Vietnamese audio. This is huge for me and my parents. Since moving to the US, we barely had a chance to watch a movie together since my parents do not know English very well. But thanks to this discovery, we had such a great family-bonding movie time. Two of the Vietnamese movies we watched on Netflix are: [Dreamy Eyes (Mắt Biếc)](https://www.netflix.com/title/81463445) and [Camellia Sisters (Gái Già Lắm Chiêu V)](https://www.netflix.com/title/81336478)  
-- *Chloe (Outreach Coordinator)*


🔸  Have some thoughts on our Asianati Team's favorite August things or perhaps have some August favorites of your own to share with our team & Asianati community? Send us an e-mail at info@asianati.com or leave a comment on our  "Thing We're Loving This Month" post on Instagram! We'd love to hear your thoughts! 🔸  




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Our Asianati Team shares their August 2022 monthly favorites, from restaurants/dishes, recipes, music, movies, & tv shows, to podcasts, books, local Cincinnati events, and more!

What We're Loving This Month - August 2022

## **WHAT WE'RE LOVING JULY 2022**  

🔸  We introduced a new reoccurring segment in our Asianati Monthly Newsletter this July called *"What We're Loving This Month"* where our Asianati Team shares their favorite things, from restaurants/dishes, recipes, music, movies, tv shows, podcasts, books, local events, and more. 
We will also publish this segment on our website later in the month, each month! Check out our team's list of July 2022 monthly favorites!🔸  

[Subscribe to our Asianati newsletter](https://asianati.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=eec3adb468e3dc0918bf791c5&id=7d4a8ebc06) for more locally relevant content, which drops the first week of every month!  

> 

[![wallpapersden.com_official-everything-everywhere-all-at-once-hd_2828x1591.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659008253/wallpapersden_com_official_everything_everywhere_all_at_once_hd_2828x1591_b4ccc09833.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxN1T1uxQ2g)

> [Everything Everywhere All At Once](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxN1T1uxQ2g)! This movie follows a Chinese American mother who gets caught up in an interdimensional conflict and gains new powers to fight dangers in the multiverse. It's a story navigating immigrating, generational trauma, and personal struggles."  
-- *Carenna (Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern)*


[![DSC_0812 (1).jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659008627/DSC_0812_1_3bf31435ea.jpg)](https://www.vogue.com/article/vietnamese-food-guide-dishes)  

> [Vogue](https://www.vogue.com/?us_site=y) just published an online piece titled [Beyond Pho and Banh Mi: 29 Must-Eat Vietnamese Dishes](https://www.vogue.com/article/vietnamese-food-guide-dishes). It's exciting to see these other Vietnamese dishes get highlighted in such a big publication. If you were curious about what other dishes we eat at our get-togethers, check this out. You also might find some of these dishes at a few Vietnamese eateries around town, so give the menu a deeper look!"  
 -- *Viet (Designer)*

 
[![nikioceansandengine.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659008985/nikioceansandengine_4b68be18e9.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DropwjmHtoo)  

> [NIKI](https://www.instagram.com/nikizefanya/), an Indonesian-American music artist, released a new song called "[Oceans & Engines](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DropwjmHtoo)." The song is sad but freeing, a goodbye song to someone she once loved. She sings about being grateful for a past love but understands it's time to say goodbye. It's beautifully written and it's also really cool to see AAPI artists grow and represent our culture. I definitely recommend the rest of her discography as she has many songs speaking about her experiences as Asian American."  
-- *Dom (Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern)*

[![295469993_541034027739291_1428642047018261669_n.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659011398/295469993_541034027739291_1428642047018261669_n_a8fd24edfb.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ONCEOWbl4s)

> If you're a [Bridgerton ](https://www.netflix.com/title/80232398)fan or love period piece films, particularly with Asian casts, July is an awesome month for you! The female-led movie, [Mr. Malcolm's List](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ONCEOWbl4s), based on the popular novel and starring Indian actress Frieda Pinto & Korean-American actress Ashley Park, is now out in local theatres.
I'm also so excited for [Persuasion](https://www.netflix.com/title/81410649), a Netflix film (based on Jane Austen's last novel) which just dropped July 15th and features Malaysian-British actor, Henry Golding!"  
-- *Sam (Social Media Manager)*

[![ryo fukui 2.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659038337/ryo_fukui_2_39c6403b9a.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Mellow-Dream-RYO-FUKUI/dp/B07BRX32LJ)

   
> If you're into jazz at all, acclaimed and criminally underrated Japanese composer [Ryo Fukui](https://www.discogs.com/artist/1767665-Ryo-Fukui) recently had his 1977 classic Mellow Dream repressed on vinyl! If you're a fan of calm, soulful, and contemplative music that lowkey sounds like it could be the background score for a Studio Ghibli movie at times, you would love this. Fukui manages to transition from mellow to vibrant and joyful with such ease. I highly recommend you check the album and his work out!"  
-- *Wajeeh (Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern)*

[![incredible eats.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659011766/incredible_eats_22afec1650.jpg)](https://incrediblespoon.com)  

> I was watching Shark Tank and saw an idea that I thought hit a nice spot. It's called [Incredible Eats](https://incrediblespoon.com), utensils made of edible flavored vegan material. The owner seemed to genuinely care about the planet and used his engineering skills to come up with a viable product. Yeah, it's ten times more expensive than plastic now but imagine what it could become if even 1% of the world started using it. That's an impact and that's something to live for."  
-- *Koji (Co-Founder)* 

[![spicygarlic noodle.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659012279/spicygarlic_noodle_7ec9083bab.jpg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@tiffycooks/video/7049793005414305029?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&q=spicy%20garlic%20noodles&t=1659011911785)  

> I've been having a really busy last couple of weeks, but I find myself daydreaming about these [Spicy Garlic Noodles](https://www.tiktok.com/@tiffycooks/video/7049793005414305029?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&q=spicy%20garlic%20noodles&t=1659011911785) from TiffyCooks on TikTok. I feel like I could smell it through the screen and I love hearing the hot water sizzle with all of the flavors. I have not tried making it yet, but it's definitely on my to-do list. In addition, I love going to [Zumba at Summit Park](https://www.summitparkblueash.com/residents/free_fitness.php) on Sundays at 10:15am. It's such a great way to get moving, meet new people, and just have fun! They have other free activities too!"  
 -- *Sarah (Operations Coordinator)*


[![ms-marvel-disney-plus.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659012479/ms_marvel_disney_plus_c6fe701ce9.jpg)](https://www.disneyplus.com/series/ms-marvel/45BsikoMcOOo)  

> [Ms Marvel](https://www.disneyplus.com/series/ms-marvel/45BsikoMcOOo) is hands-down the best MCU Disney+ show I've seen, to date. The vision, style, and direction is leaps and bounds better than even my other favorite MCU TV series -and that's before I mention how amazing the cast is. Ms Marvel is really an immigrant family story that happens to feature some superhero hijinks. That immigrant story never talks down to you: it invites you into its home to have a cup of tea and, maybe, stay for dinner and have a good time."  
-- *JP (Editor)*


[![nightlights.JPG](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659012644/nightlights_d8c31cc48e.jpg)](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-goonies-presented-by-nightlight-513-tickets-372139468167)  

> July is the best time of the Summer, with tons of options if you like Arts, music, outdoors, sports, and meetups.  I love the outdoor movie nights at the Sawyer Point once every 2 weeks  [Nightlight513](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-goonies-presented-by-nightlight-513-tickets-372139468167). I love the Arts in the Dark every month with Jazz, live music, food, and tours. I love stopping by [Joy and Matt’s Bookstore](https://www.joyandmatts.com/) and getting a book. Despite the fact that sometimes the heat could be crazy, I enjoy exercising by running with [Cincinnati Run Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/140164341440983) (on FB) and Badminton with [Cincinnati Badminton Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/402872391683603) (on FB). Who wants to waste the summer?   
-- *Sandy (Outreach Coordinator)*


[![doobydobap.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1659025344/doobydobap_f89cb16462.jpg)](https://doobydobap.com)  

> I recently followed a new Korean-American Youtuber account called [Doobydobap ](https://doobydobap.com/about)with over 2.3 milion subscribers. She is a food-content creator who lives everyday doing what she loves: cooking, creating new recipes, eating, and traveling. The story of how she started her [Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh8gHdtzO2tXd593_bjErWg)channel is so inspirational. She graduated from an Ivy League school majoring in Food Sciences. However, it was a struggle for her to find a job after college due to her ‘lack of experience’. She then decided that she will ‘gain experience’ by doing food experiments, developing her own recipes, while filming and uploading the process on Youtube. Fast forward to a few years later, all the employers who turned down her resume must be regretting it because she is a nominated “Creators on the Rise”!  You can also check her out on [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@doobydobap?lang=en), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/doobydobap/), [Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/doobydobap/), and [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/doobyverse)  
-- *Chloe (Outreach Coordinator)*


🔸  Have some thoughts on our Asianati Team's favorite July things or perhaps have some July favorites of your own to share with our team & Asianati community? Send us an e-mail at info@asianati.com or leave a comment on our July 2022  "Thing We're Loving This Month" post on Instagram! We'd love to hear your thoughts! 🔸  

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Our Asianati Team shares their July 2022 monthly favorites, from restaurants/dishes, recipes, music, movies, & tv shows, to podcasts, books, local Cincinnati events, and more!

What We're Loving This Month - July 2022

# “Namba: A Japanese American’s Incarceration and Life of Resilience” documentary by Emily Momohara with Q&A

The latest work from filmmaker and artist Emily Momohara makes its Cincinnati premiere on Saturday, July 16th at [the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.](https://freedomcenter.org/voice/event/truth-inspiration/)  

![Screen Shot 2022-07-13 at 10.14.34 PM.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1657765174/Screen_Shot_2022_07_13_at_10_14_34_PM_3a2549e053.png)

Namba is the story of May Namba, narrated by her granddaughter Miyako Namba. Beginning with the summer of 1941, she chronicles the bombing of Pearl Harbor and President Franklin Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 that sent Japanese Americans to prison camps, and the impact it had on those Americans.  

In 1942, Executive Order 9066 forced people of Japanese ancestry living on the West Coast into incarceration camps. May, her siblings and mother were sent to Minidoka in southern Idaho. The incarceration was demeaning, shameful and life altering. She and her family lived in barracks behind barbed wire and guarded by armed soldiers.  

The film is being shown as part of Artwork’s Truth + Reconciliation Showcase and is free for all. For more information about Namba, visit [the film's website.](https://namba-movie.com/)

**Saturday, July 16, 2022 | 4:00 pm EST - 5:00 pm**  
**National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Harriet Tubman Theater**  

**Free and Open to the Public**  
*A short Q&A will follow the film*  


*All images provided by the filmmaker*

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A Japanese American's Incarceration and Life of Resilience

The Film "Namba" Makes Its Cincinnati Debut On Saturday

Sam Burke

Our Asianati team closed out May's AAPI Heritage Month with a very special 🔥 fiery 🔥 edition of Asianati Eats: Hot Ones-Style! 

Our Social Media Manager, Sam Burke, chatted with Cincinnati Mayor, Aftab Pureval, in the style of the very popular Youtube series by First We Feast, "Hot Ones" which interviews celebrities while they eat extremely hot chicken wings. 

![aftab2.JPG](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1654106282/aftab2_2ed65c8e1d.jpg)

Instead of hot sauced wings though, Sam & Mayor Aftab ate progressively spicy Indian cuisine and discussed hot topics from his experience growing up Asian American in the Midwest to his sneaker collection favorites & custom Super Bowl fit. 

![aftab1.JPG](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1654106529/aftab1_391d105eed.jpg)

Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGaG0-r1x1M&t=1s

We ordered our lunch menu from [Krishna Indian Restaurant and Carryout](/restaurants/krishna-indian-restaurant-and-carry-out), in Clifton, which is a long-time favorite of Mayor Aftab's since his law school days! 

![aftab4.JPG](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1654106344/aftab4_97202dc865.jpg)

**This Episode's Menu:**
Chicken Pakoras (No Spice)
Veggie Samosas (No Spice)
Dal Makhani (Level 1)
Chicken Choley (Level 1) 
Saag Paneer (Level 2) 
Fish Masala (Level 2) 
Lamb Curry (Level 3) 
Chicken Tikka Masala (Level 5) 
Chicken Vindaloo (As Spicy as Possible!) 

Be sure to check out Krishna Indian Restaurant & Carryout for their delicious Mayor-approved dishes!  
(313 Calhoun St, Cincinnati, OH 45219)
https://krishnacarryoutcincy.com

📷 Aftab Portrait by Photographer Annette Navarro for Cincinnati Magazine.

Inspired by First We Feast's Hot Ones Series (Watch Hot Ones here: https://www.youtube.com/firstwefeast).

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Mayor Aftab Survives Sledgehammer of Spice

Asianati Eats: Hot Ones-Style Interview with Mayor Aftab!

Koji Sado

As we close out this year's AAPI Heritage Month, one of Asianati's main sponsors, Procter & Gamble, debuted a short film called "The Name" that launched a national campaign to spread its message of belonging.   

The film depicts a Korean American mother’s words of hope and encouragement to her newborn daughter and shows us how a simple act like asking how to pronounce one’s name can make a lifetime of an impact.   You can watch the video [here ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN7cpMC1414)and share with your friends and family. 

P&G even created a [webpage ](https://us.pg.com/the-name/)where you can upload your image with a preferred phonetic spelling of your name, so our team decided to create profiles with pronunciation and share the meaning of our names.   

-----------------
.   


![Carenna.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653914539/Carenna_697634e90d.jpg)  

> ### **Carenna:**      
> My name means "beloved", but wasn't chosen for this reason. My siblings and I all have names that start with "C" and have seven letters so my name happened to fit into this pattern.

 

   
------------------------


![Chloe.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653914539/Chloe_98252a1c39.jpg)   

> ### **Nhung (Chloe):**
> My Vietnamese name is Tuyet Nhung and it means velvet snow. It's funny because I was born and raised in Vietnam, a very tropical country that doesn't have snow at all, and I always wondered why.. But then my family unexpectedly moved to Ohio, USA when I was 18...I guess fate really has it all planned out for me.



-------------------

![Bình (1).jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653960899/Binh_1_973820e735.jpg)

> ### **Bình (Dom):**   
> My name is Vietnamese for "Peaceful" and I think it describes me perfectly!

------------------

![Jud Phay (1).jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653940092/Jud_Phay_1_585e08b063.jpg)

> ### **Jud Phay (JP):**
> The Chinese character that makes up my last name 梁 is a beautiful glyph to aspire to. Literally an image of rain pouring on a tree, it is strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

-------------------

![Koji (2).jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653915765/Koji_2_5ff0dff3e2.jpg)

> ### **Koji:**   
> The 'ko' character "孝" means care to parents, and this is because I was born on a Sunday when my dad was super busy at work and only had Sundays available to attend the delivery. And because I was born on Sunday, my parents thought I'm considerate to my parents :-). The 'ji' is "二" which is number two because I'm the second son. So my name means "the second son that's kind to his parents". Fun fact, the first person to ever ask my name's meaning was Henry Winkler (actor who played Fonzie from Happy Days) when he spoke at my college.

---------------------------

![Sandy (1).jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653941216/Sandy_1_500a961a25.jpg)

> ### **Sandy:**
> My Chinese Name is Jing Yang (Jìng Yáng). It should be pronounced as (gin)(young). Jing means talented girl. Yang is my family name and it means poplar tree. Poplar tree grows in tough environment. It represents the characteristic corresponds with the ideals of a Confucian scholar - strong, yet modest and flexible. My first name carries the best wishes that my family gave to me when I was born, and my family name inherit the spirit that has been carried over for thousand years. I love my Chinese name and the meaning behind it.


----------------------

![Sam (1).jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653915765/Sam_1_1014a3f334.jpg)

> ### **Sam:**   
> My Cantonese name, Heng Shan, is translated in English to Persevering Coral. Bao means abalone. I was born in Hong Kong & grew up in the Midwest; feeling connected to my roots and navigating & defining my multiracial identity was challenging for me. I lost my Cantonese fluency when I was young due to a lack of community & ability to practice. For a long period of time, I even forgot how to write my name. While my Cantonese language skills are still not where I would like them to be, my Cantonese name, writing it & sharing it makes me very proud of my family heritage.



---------------------

![Sarah.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653915766/Sarah_2f53548717.jpg)

> ### **Sarah:**   
> My given name when I was born was Meisha (May-shuh). I was told it was given to me to mean 'beautiful flower.' Since adopted, it has become my middle name. Growing up, I was never ashamed of my Chinese name, but I would always have fun making my friends guess it since it wasn't a common middle name in the U.S. I never identified myself personally with that name, but now that I am older I am embracing it more. I feel more pride saying it and have been incorporating it more into my identity.



------------------------------

![Wajeeh.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1653915765/Wajeeh_2d0518a685.jpg)

> ### **Wajeeh:**   
> My name means prestigious and noble in Arabic. My mother originally wanted to name Ahmed, which translates to "highly praised", but my grandfather wanted to give me a more unique name as Ahmed is a very common name worldwide. So, he suggested to name me Wajeeh, and my mother loved it. Funnily enough, I have yet to ever meet or see anyone else named Wajeeh!



--------------------------------

Our names are the cornerstone of our identity. But often, bias, indifference, and even unintentional mistakes can make Asian American Pacific Islanders feel like they don't belong.    
So let's commit to learning and understanding each others' names, together, to create a more inclusive community for all. #OurNamesBelong   

   
   
   
... 

#### **Two ways to share "TheName"**

1. Visit YouTube and share the [film ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN7cpMC1414)across your social media handles. Make sure to add hashtag #OurNamesBelong   
2. Visit P&G social media handles and share “The Name” posts across your social media handles   Learn more at [pg.com/names](www.pg.com/names)

large_name_e268c8692b.jpg

medium_name_e268c8692b.jpg

small_name_e268c8692b.jpg

thumbnail_name_e268c8692b.jpg

name_e268c8692b.jpg

Simply learning how to correctly pronounce ones name can make a meaningful lifetime impact.

Our Names Belong

[CLICK HERE](https://viewer.mapme.com/0c028273-1d09-42fc-82c7-8d67fc1c258f) for the interactive map!

# **The Complete List**

**Angie Tee’s Kitchen** - Malaysian Chinese  
Malaysian Chicken Rendang with Fragrant Turmeric Rice & Cucumber (H)  
Spicy Sichuan Noodles Bowl with shredded cucumber, scallions & roasted peanuts (Vg)  
Asian Mango Pudding (D)  
Ginger Peach Fresh Mint Tea (D)  

**Blesame International Catering/Global Cuisine** - Filipino  
Spring Rolls  
BBQ Pork and Chicken  
Pancit  
Buko Pandan (D)  

**Boba Cha**  
Black Milk Tea  
Berry Tea  
Peach-lime  
Lychee-Ginger  

**Bridges Nepali** - Nepalese  
Samosa (Vg)  
Rice bowl w/ meat and vegan topping  
Momos  
Lassi (Dr)  

**China Gourmet** - Chinese  
Cold Sesame Noodles (Vt)  
Edemame (Vg)  
Barbecue Shrimp  
Five Spice Cornish Hen  

**Chino’s Street Food** - Vietnamese Chinese fusion  
Crab Rangoon  
Rice and Marinated Chicken  
Vietnamese Taco  
Fresh Juice (Dr)  

**Christine’s Casual Dining** - Filipino  
Halo- Halo (D)  
Pork and Beef Eggroll  
Fried Bananas  
Mango Shake (Dr)  

**Cinsoy Foods**  
Craft Soy Sauce  

**Dai Trang Bistro**  
Chicken Adobo Sliders  
Korean Dogs  
Brown sugar, Thai tea Milk-sicles (D)  
Dalgona matcha strawberry latte (Dr)  

**Deme Kitchen** Chinese Vietnamese fusion  
Summer Rolls  
Sesame Balls (Vt)  
Kimchi Rice cake (Vg)  
JaJa Noodle  

**Dine-In Hawaiian** - Hawaiian  
Kalua Pork Nachos  
Deep Fried Spam Musubi  
Fried Ice Cream (D)  
Korean Fried Chicken Sliders  

**Kona Ice**  
Kiddie  
Klassic  
King  
Souvenir Cup  

**Kung Fu Tea**  
Original Milk Tea  
Taro Milk Tea  
Passionfruit Green Tea  
Wintermelon Green Tea  

**LALO Chino Latino** - Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Chinese fusion  
Vietnamese Empandas  
Korean Pulled Pork Slider  
Thai Wings  
Chino Taco (Scallion pancake with beef)  

**Mahope** - Cambodian  
Cambodian Chicken Taco  
Cambodian Street Dog  
Cambodian Coney  
Pickled papaya and carrots  

**Milk Jar Café**  
Dirty Milk Boba  
Thai Milk Tea  
Jasmine Green Milk Tea  

**Neko Sushi** - Korean  
Sunday Morning  
Kimchi soup  
Beef Tangsuyuk  
Dukbokki  

**OH! Boba**  
Mango Fruit Tea  
Raspberry Fruit Tea  
Tiger Black Milk Tea  
Bubble Waffle  

**Ono Turo Turo** - Filipino  
Combo bowl  
Shave Ice (D)  
Halo Halo (D)  
Teriyaki chicken  

**Lang Thang Group (Pho Lang Thang, Quan Hapa, Hi Mark)** - Vietnamese, Japanese fusion  
Okonomiyaki Fries w/ bacon, tonkatsu and Japaense mayo  
Steamed Bun with pork, quail egg and Chinese sausage  

**Red Sesame** - Korean Fusion  
K-taco (Vt)  
Mini Quesadilla (Vt)  
Combo Set (Vt)  

**S.E.A. Cuisine Foodtruck** - Southeast Asian Fusion  
Egg Rolls  
Asian Tacos shrimp, beef, chicken, fish w/egg roll  
Black Pepper Shrimp  
Cha Cha Fries  

**Sawasdee Thai Cuisine** - Thai  
Tod Mun  
Glass Jelly Milk Caramel (D)  
Thai Iced Tea Two-Tone (Dr)  
Basil Pork with Boiled Egg  

**Shanghai On Elm** - Cantonese Chinese  
Fried Rice  
Pan Fried Potstickers  
Chow Mein  
Sweet & Spicy Thai Chicken  


**Stone Bowl Korean** - Korean  
Soy Milk (Dr)  
BBQ Rib (pork)  
CupBop Chicken (H)  
CupBop Tofu (Vg)  

**Streetpops**  
Thai basil lime streetpop  
Lychee coconut streetpop  
Avocado streetpop  
Taro/ube streetpop  

**Tea ‘n’ Bowl** - Malaysian Chinese  
MooPing (Thai Grilled Pork Skewer)  
SzeChuan Chicken Skewer  
Curry Laksa Noodle  
Malaysian Prawn Noodle  
Flower Tea / Malaysian Kopi / Rose Limenade  

**Thai Express** - Thai  
Pad Thai tofu/chicken (Vt)  
Khoa soy tofu/chicken (Vt)  
Holy Basil chicken  
Thai Iced tea/ coffee (Dr)  

**Wendigo Tea Company**  
Nessy Jasmine Tea  
Bigfoot Black Tea  
King Dragon Oolong Tea  
Black Shuck Earl Grey  

# Secret Menu
The secret menu stems from a common practice of an additional “hidden” menu at Asian restaurants that contain more of the authentic, home cooked dishes. These dishes give many a feeling of comfort and home. We’re bringing that tradition to Asian Food Fest! Order at these booths to try authentic & unique dishes…. be sure to get them while they last!  

**Saturday-only**  
\__ Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association  
Liang fen  
Yang rou chuan  
Wontons in Garlic Soy Sauce  

\__ Mangan  
Tapa rice  
Sisig rice  
Coco Cooler  

**Sunday-only**  
\__ Filipino-American Association of Southern Ohio  
Chicken Inasal, rice and atchara  
\__ MASALA  
Haleem (H)  
Chicken Biryani (H)  
Mango Lassi  

**Saturday and Sunday**  
\__ BISDAK CHEF  
Fish and Kikiam Balls with variety sauce  
Chicharron  

\__ Chhnganh  
Bay Cha  
Roasted Corn with Coconut Glazepot Ang  
Grilled Chicken Skewers  

Legend:  
Dr = Drink  
D = Dessert  
Vt = Vegetarian  
Vg = Vegan  
H = Halal  

large_AFF_2022_1080x1080_c8f022190b.jpg

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Just the Vendors!

Asian Food Fest 2022 - Vendors and Menus

JP Leong

# Asian Food Fest is [HERE!](https://asianfoodfest.org/) 
With more vendors than ever before, Asianati is thrilled to present this cheat-sheet to the weekend’s food. Our team has had the opportunity to sample *everything* and, believe us, you are in for a TREAT. Whether you’re interested in exploring something new or a weary traveler looking for the comforts of home, we’ve got you!  

# Before you go:
## Parking
![Court Street Parking sm.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1651808181/Court_Street_Parking_sm_97fa3fa4f9.jpg)
- [Central & Walnut Lot](https://www.3cdc.org/where-to-park/) at Walnut Street and Central Parkway  
- [Court & Walnut Garage](https://www.3cdc.org/where-to-park/) above Kroger on the Rhine
- [910 Walnut Street Lot](https://www.parkme.com/lot/89575/910-912-walnut-st)  
- [209 E. Court Street Lot](https://www.parkme.com/lot/89642/209-e-court-st) and [219 E. Court Street Lot](https://www.secureparkingusa.com/parking-location/219-e-court-lot/)  
- [Ninth Street Garage](https://parking.com/cincinnati/lot/160-e-9th-st) between Walnut and Main streets  
- [901 Main Street Lot](https://www.parkplaceparking.com/parking-lot-details/118)  

## Layout
This year’s [layout for AFF](https://viewer.mapme.com/0c028273-1d09-42fc-82c7-8d67fc1c258f) has expanded and now has four food zones to tickle your tongue: *North, South, East, and West.*  
*North* (Vine St) has the amazing Secret Menu, ample seating, and bubble tea  
*South* (Vine St) has kids activities and bubble tea  
*East* (Court St) has the DJ stage and bubble tea  
*West* (Court St) has the main stage and bubble tea  

# **The Completionist’s Guides for Asian Food Fest**  

## Bubble Tea
There are four (4!) of Cincinnati’s favorite Bubble Tea spots, each with their own unique flavors at AFF for a total of fifteen different kinds -can you slurp and chew them all?  

Boba Cha (West)  
\__ Black Milk Tea  
\__ Berry Tea  
\__ Peach-lime  
\__ Lychee-Ginger  

Kung Fu Tea (East)  
\__ Original Milk Tea  
\__ Taro Milk Tea  
\__ Passionfruit Green Tea  
\__ Wintermelon Green Tea  

Milk Jar (North)  
\__ Dirty Milk Boba  
\__ Thai Milk Tea  
\__ Jasmine Green Milk Tea

OH! Boba (South)  
\__ Mango Fruit Tea  
\__ Raspberry Fruit Tea  
\__ Tiger Black Milk Tea  
\__ Bubble Waffle  

## Vegetarian/Vegan
More vendors means even more vegetarian and vegan options at AFF! If you’re on a meatless diet or love meatless food, we’ve got you.  

\__ Angie Tee’s Kitchen  
\__ Bridges  
\__ China Gourmet  
\__ Deme Kitchen  
\__ Red Sesame  
\__ Stone Bowl Korean  
\__ Thai Express  

## Desserts
Both the sweet and not-too-sweet variety are well represented at Asian Food Fest.  

\__ Angie Tee’s Kitchen  
\__ Blesame    
\__ Christine’s Casual Dining  
\__ Dai Trang Bistro  
\__ Dine-In Hawaiian  
\__ Kona Ice  
\__ Ono Turo Turo  
\__ Sawasdee  
\__ Streetpops  

## Asian Food Fest Classics
These are the staples of AFF. Returning for another year, some of these folks are bringing their Asian Food Fest favorites back to Court Street while others are sharing new dishes or dishes you just can’t find anywhere else.  

\__ Angie Tee’s Kitchen  
\__ Blesame / Global Cuisine  
\__ Boba Cha  
\__ Bridges Nepali  
\__ China Gourmet  
\__ Chino’s Street Food  
\__ Christine’s Casual Dining  
\__ CinSoy Foods  
\__ Dai Trang Bistro  
\__ Kona Ice  
\__ Kung Fu Tea  
\__ LALO Chino Latino  
\__ Lang Thang Group  
\__ Mahope  
\__ Red Sesame  
\__ S.E.A. Cuisine  
\__ Stone Bowl Korean  
\__ Streetpops  
\__ Tea ‘n Bowl  
\__ Thai Express  

## New to Asian Food Fest  
We were excited to see these restaurants join this year’s Asian Food Fest! Many of them have been featured in our annual Asian Food Week and we’re excited to taste what they’ve brought to the table!  

\__ Deme Kitchen  
\__ Dine-In Hawaiian  
\__ Milk Jar  
\__ Neko Sushi  
\__ OH! Boba  
\__ Ono Turo Turo  
\__ Sawasdee Thai Cuisine  
\__ Shanghai on Elm  
\__ Wendigo Tea Company  

# Secret Menu
The secret menu stems from a common practice of an additional “hidden” menu at Asian restaurants that contain more of the authentic, home cooked dishes. These dishes give many a feeling of comfort and home. We’re bringing that tradition to Asian Food Fest! Order at these booths to try authentic & unique dishes…. be sure to get them while they last!  

**Saturday-only**  
\__ Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association  
Liang fen  
Yang rou chuan  
Wontons in Garlic Soy Sauce  

\__ Mangan  
Tapa rice  
Sisig rice  
Coco Cooler  

**Sunday-only**  
\__ Filipino-American Association of Southern Ohio  
Chicken Inasal, rice and atchara  
\__ MASALA  
Haleem (H)  
Chicken Biryani (H)  
Mango Lassi  

**Saturday and Sunday**  
\__ BISDAK CHEF  
Fish and Kikiam Balls with variety sauce  
Chicharron  

\__ Chhnganh  
Bay Cha  
Roasted Corn with Coconut Glazepot Ang  
Grilled Chicken Skewers  

# **The Complete List**

**Angie Tee’s Kitchen** - Malaysian Chinese  
Malaysian Chicken Rendang with Fragrant Turmeric Rice & Cucumber (H)  
Spicy Sichuan Noodles Bowl with shredded cucumber, scallions & roasted peanuts (Vg)  
Asian Mango Pudding (D)  
Ginger Peach Fresh Mint Tea (D)  

**Blesame International Catering/Global Cuisine** - Filipino  
Spring Rolls  
BBQ Pork and Chicken  
Pancit  
Buko Pandan (D)  

**Boba Cha**  
Black Milk Tea  
Berry Tea  
Peach-lime  
Lychee-Ginger  

**Bridges Nepali** - Nepalese  
Samosa (Vg)  
Rice bowl w/ meat and vegan topping  
Momos  
Lassi (Dr)  

**China Gourmet** - Chinese  
Cold Sesame Noodles (Vt)  
Edemame (Vg)  
Barbecue Shrimp  
Five Spice Cornish Hen  

**Chino’s Street Food** - Vietnamese Chinese fusion  
Crab Rangoon  
Rice and Marinated Chicken  
Vietnamese Taco  
Fresh Juice (Dr)  

**Christine’s Casual Dining** - Filipino  
Halo- Halo (D)  
Pork and Beef Eggroll  
Fried Bananas  
Mango Shake (Dr)  

**Cinsoy Foods**  
Craft Soy Sauce  

**Dai Trang Bistro**  
Chicken Adobo Sliders  
Korean Dogs  
Brown sugar, Thai tea Milk-sicles (D)  
Dalgona matcha strawberry latte (Dr)  

**Deme Kitchen** Chinese Vietnamese fusion  
Summer Rolls  
Sesame Balls (Vt)  
Kimchi Rice cake (Vg)  
JaJa Noodle  

**Dine-In Hawaiian** - Hawaiian  
Kalua Pork Nachos  
Deep Fried Spam Musubi  
Fried Ice Cream (D)  
Korean Fried Chicken Sliders  

**Kona Ice**  
Kiddie  
Klassic  
King  
Souvenir Cup  

**Kung Fu Tea**  
Original Milk Tea  
Taro Milk Tea  
Passionfruit Green Tea  
Wintermelon Green Tea  

**LALO Chino Latino** - Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Chinese fusion  
Vietnamese Empandas  
Korean Pulled Pork Slider  
Thai Wings  
Chino Taco (Scallion pancake with beef)  

**Mahope** - Cambodian  
Cambodian Chicken Taco  
Cambodian Street Dog  
Cambodian Coney  
Pickled papaya and carrots  

**Milk Jar Café**  
Dirty Milk Boba  
Thai Milk Tea  
Jasmine Green Milk Tea  

**Neko Sushi** - Korean  
Sunday Morning  
Kimchi soup  
Beef Tangsuyuk  
Dukbokki  

**OH! Boba**  
Mango Fruit Tea  
Raspberry Fruit Tea  
Tiger Black Milk Tea  
Bubble Waffle  

**Ono Turo Turo** - Filipino  
Combo bowl  
Shave Ice (D)  
Halo Halo (D)  
Teriyaki chicken  

**Lang Thang Group (Pho Lang Thang, Quan Hapa, Hi Mark)** - Vietnamese, Japanese fusion  
Okonomiyaki Fries w/ bacon, tonkatsu and Japaense mayo  
Steamed Bun with pork, quail egg and Chinese sausage  

**Red Sesame** - Korean Fusion  
K-taco (Vt)  
Mini Quesadilla (Vt)  
Combo Set (Vt)  

**S.E.A. Cuisine Foodtruck** - Southeast Asian Fusion  
Egg Rolls  
Asian Tacos shrimp, beef, chicken, fish w/egg roll  
Black Pepper Shrimp  
Cha Cha Fries  

**Sawasdee Thai Cuisine** - Thai  
Tod Mun  
Glass Jelly Milk Caramel (D)  
Thai Iced Tea Two-Tone (Dr)  
Basil Pork with Boiled Egg  

**Shanghai On Elm** - Cantonese Chinese  
Fried Rice  
Pan Fried Potstickers  
Chow Mein  
Sweet & Spicy Thai Chicken  


**Stone Bowl Korean** - Korean  
Soy Milk (Dr)  
BBQ Rib (pork)  
CupBop Chicken (H)  
CupBop Tofu (Vg)  

**Streetpops**  
Thai basil lime streetpop  
Lychee coconut streetpop  
Avocado streetpop  
Taro/ube streetpop  

**Tea ‘n’ Bowl** - Malaysian Chinese  
MooPing (Thai Grilled Pork Skewer)  
SzeChuan Chicken Skewer  
Curry Laksa Noodle  
Malaysian Prawn Noodle  
Flower Tea / Malaysian Kopi / Rose Limenade  

**Thai Express** - Thai  
Pad Thai tofu/chicken (Vt)  
Khoa soy tofu/chicken (Vt)  
Holy Basil chicken  
Thai Iced tea/ coffee (Dr)  

**Wendigo Tea Company**  
Nessy Jasmine Tea  
Bigfoot Black Tea  
King Dragon Oolong Tea  
Black Shuck Earl Grey  

Legend:  
Dr = Drink  
D = Dessert  
Vt = Vegetarian  
Vg = Vegan  
H = Halal  





What We’re Eating This Weekend  
Asian Food Fest  
May 7th 11am-10pm  
May 8th 11am-8pm  

The Completionist's Guide to Asian Food Fest 2022


**“Where are you really from?”**  
It’s a question nearly every Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) person has been asked countless times. It may seem like a harmless query, a desire to know more. But to the person being asked, it's an entirely different experience.  

For AAPI Heritage Month, Asianati and our parent organization, the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati wanted to invite our community to dig deeper into that question.  

[![Where Are You Really From .jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1651329194/Where_Are_You_Really_From_766ffcc2ad.jpg)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O8Hv2HWn84EdOCYJnLPeGH_iFXHNtAI3/view?usp=sharing)  

**Our First Zine**  
On May 1, we debuted "Where Are You Really From?," a compilation of art and creative writing about what it means to be Asian American and Pacific Islander in the Midwest.  

23 people shared their experiences through personal essays, poetry, photography, and illustrations. We published two editions: a black and white edition as a nod to the DIY spirit of community-published zines and art books, and a full-color digital edition that includes submissions from three additional artists.  

![Screen Shot 2022-06-15 at 10.41.35 PM.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1655347457/Screen_Shot_2022_06_15_at_10_41_35_PM_5208e3491e.png)  
*áo dài trang by Vy Pham* and *What We Lost to the Water (And What We Gained From Drowning) by Thy Hoang* from the Digital Edition of "Where Are You Really From?"  


# WHERE TO GET THE ZINE  

**DIGITAL EDITION**  
**[PDF Version](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O8Hv2HWn84EdOCYJnLPeGH_iFXHNtAI3/view?usp=sharing)**  
**[Mobile Version](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nV0d6B8nWlsYCf2hYikD-67Pad6U3nFchcasI2HHy6k/edit?usp=sharing)**  

**PRINT EDITION**  
Limited copies of "Where Are You Really From?" are available at [Joy and Matt's bookstore](https://www.joyandmatts.com/), Cincinnati's only Asian-owned bookstore.  

Joy and Matt's Bookstore
[1515 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.1429236,-84.5236763/1515+Vine+St,+Cincinnati,+OH+45202/@39.1275605,-84.5412091,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x8841b3fc39a770ff:0xf6f0efc393060858!2m2!1d-84.5158817!2d39.1122329)  

thumbnail_Screen_Shot_2022_04_30_at_12_10_08_PM_f9acd493dd.png

Screen_Shot_2022_04_30_at_12_10_08_PM_f9acd493dd.png

An AAPI Heritage Month Zine

Where Are You Really From?

# May is AAPI Heritage Month and [we are here for it](https://www.aapiheritagecincy.com/events)!

There are over two dozen events hosted by Cincinnati-area AAPI groups, businesses, organizations, and non-profits. Some of the events we are looking forward to:

## AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff Party*

*April 30   |   4 - 8 PM ET    |   Esoteric Brewery*                                                                                                                                   

Celebrate the beginning of AAPI Heritage Month with music, drinks from Esoteric, Cincinnati’s only Black & Asian owned brewery, Korean fried chicken from Decibel, and the launch of “Where Are You Really From?”, a zine about the AAPI experience in the Midwest. Kids’ activities, including a DIY zine making station, music by DJ Druskii, and a Tai Chi demonstration for World Tai Chi Day. Stick around for a karaoke after party hosted by Esoteric. 

## An Evening with Simon Tam & The Slants

*May 4   |   6 PM ET   |   Joy and Matt’s Books*

Joy and Matt's Books is thrilled to welcome Simon Tam author of Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court — the story of an indomitable spirit who so believes in the idea of justice that he’s willing to risk everything along the way for the dignity of self-identity. Simon reveals a deeply personal account that will take you from anime conventions to the Supreme Court, all in the name of justice. The story provides a raw look at our legal system with unflinching honesty and offers timely insights on freedom of speech, how to connect with others we disagree with, and the power of music.

## Oriental Wok + Rhinegeist “WokStar” Collaboration Beer First Tap*

*May 4  |   4 - 6 PM ET   |   Hyde Park Oriental Wok and Ft. Mitchell Oriental Wok*

Join the celebration at Oriental Wok for a special sneak peak of their new beer called “WokStar”, a collaboration beer developed by Oriental Wok and Rhinegeist brewery. Appetizers will be served as you enjoy the first tastes in the city of this new brew.

## Asian Food Fest*

*May 7 - 8   |   Court Street, Downtown Cincinnati*

The 11th annual Asian Food Fest is the banner event for AAPI Heritage Month and the first major Cincinnati food festival scheduled for 2022. This vibrant community festival celebrates culture and cuisine from Asian and Pacific Island countries including Cambodia, China, Hawaii, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. While food is definitely the heart of this festival, the event also features live entertainment, local craft and Asian beer, fun family activities, and more. 

## AAPI Heritage Celebration Gala

*May 14   |   5 - 9 PM ET   |   Memorial Hall*

Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) is proud to host Ohio’s first ever AAPI Heritage Celebration and Award Gala. The gala will provide an opportunity for the local community to unite with lively music, dance performances, recognition of AAPI contributions, and appreciation of diversity. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval will deliver the keynote speech, accompanied by other speakers including Oxford Vice Mayor Dr. Chantel Raghu, Fifth Third Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer Stephanie A. Smith, and U.S. veteran and professional coach Roy Nickerson. Music and dance performances begin at 5pm, and the gala and speeches begin at 6:30.

## Nature Origami*

*May 19   |   7 PM ET    |   Sharon Woods* 

Explore the fascinating history of origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati (JASGC) and a nature interpreter will bring together the cultural significance of a skilled art form and share information about local wildlife from Ohio. Each participant will meet live animals, then try their hands at creating each animal as origami. 

## An Evening with Toko Shiiki and Erik Santos

*May 25   |   6 PM ET    |   Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church*  

The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati (JASGC) will be hosting a screening of A Thousand Pebbles on the Ground, a short film by Japanese Filmmaker Toko Shiiki. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with Ms. Shiki. The event will also feature live music by Erik Santos, who recently received the title of “The Philippine Composer of the Century.” 

## AAPI Creatives Round Table

*May 26   |   6 PM ET    |   Art Academy of Cincinnati*  

Join us for a conversation about AAPI creativity in Cincinnati. Though our city is known for its creative industries and arts scene, representation of the AAPI community is still relatively invisible. Panelists include Simon Tam of the band The Slants and founder of the Slants Foundation, Jay B. Kalagayan, creator and writer of MeSseD Comics, and Emily Hanako Momohara, visual artist and documentary filmmaker. Learn about projects going on in our city and the ways in which AAPI creatives are uplifting our voices and pushing our city toward an inclusive artistic culture.

*child and inner-child friendly!

# Check out the [Complete Calendar of AAPI Heritage Month 2022 Events](https://www.aapiheritagecincy.com/events)!

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May 2022 is a VIBE

AAPI Heritage Month is HERE!

Call for Submissions: Where Are You Really From? Zine
Submission Deadline: March 23rd, 2022

What are the stories that make us uniquely AAPI + Midwestern? For **2022's Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month** in Cincinnati, the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati is creating a Zine on the theme, **“Where Are You Really From?”** 

We welcome anyone who self-identifies as Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) with lived experiences of being an AAPI Midwesterner to interpret or share their experiences surrounding this phrase.

We will accept: 
  * Drawings
  * Photos 
  * Collages
  * Poems
  * Writing
  * Thoughts
  * Essays
  * Pictures of your creations at home
  * Maps
  * Games
  * Recipes
  * Screenshots, emails, text messages, Snapchats
  * Dances
  * Music

More specific details about sizes, file types, and other considerations can be found on the [submission form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE19pm27Mr9hw91CN37rZW7twpaWdFc_UFT70iUQfceO7aow/viewform?usp=sf_link).  

**Please submit your work through this [Google form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE19pm27Mr9hw91CN37rZW7twpaWdFc_UFT70iUQfceO7aow/viewform?usp=sf_link).**  
**Submissions due March 23, 2022**

If you have any questions feel free to email: vogelsbergli0@gmail.com


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Call for Submissions: Where Are You Really From? Zine

Get your #superbowlspread ready for this Sunday by bringing home the most quintessential game day eats: crispy chicken wings & local beer, a pairing that goes together like Joe & Ja'Marr. 

Celebrate the [Year of the Tiger](https://www.asianati.com/articles/lny) (and in our opinion, the Year of the Bengals) with our top picks from some of our favorite local Cincy Asian restaurants & breweries! These flavors are so bold they will have you going for it on fourth down (Sorry, Kevin Huber)!

***  
![Playoff Package.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1644438308/Playoff_Package_e5e75a641f.png)
## Dope's snack food trifecta will make you the most popular guest at any Super Bowl Party! 
You can pick up Dope Asian Street Fare's special Playoff Package all weekend long from any of their 3 locations ([Hyde Park](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/dope-asian-street-fare), [Anderson](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/dope-asian-street-fare-anderson), and [OTR](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/dope-asian-street-fare-otr)). Dope's Playoff Package includes 10 of Dope's Signature Wings, 1 order of their fried Chicken Karaage, and 10 Dope Dumplings for $35. Pre-order for Sunday pick-up online through Door Dash!  *Photo by Dope Asian Street Fare.*  

***  
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## Decibel's twice-fried wings make any time crunch time!
Decibel Korean Fried Chicken is serving their special Who Dey! Platters at both of their [OTR](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/decibel-korean-fried-chicken-OTR) & [Walnut Hills](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/decibel-korean-fried-chicken-walnut-hills) locations. 
Their Who Day! Platters have two options:  
— $25: 10 Tenders, Wings, OR Drumsticks + 2 sides. 
— $45: 20 Tenders, Wings, OR Drumsticks + 4 sides
Choose your favorite style of chicken, sauce flavor (Dry Spiced, Garlic Soy, Gochujang BBQ, and Spicy), your choice of side options such as Waffle Fries, Kimchi, or Picnic Salad. 
Decibel is also taking online Sunday pre-orders through Door Dash. *Photo by Sam Burke.*  

***  
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## Invite your favorite extra lineman over for these Khana Jumbo Package Wings! 
[Khana Gourmet Indian Grill](https://khanagourmet.com/contact-us) at **Oakley Kitchen** is known for their delicious signature Masala Magic Jumbo Wings and are offering a special Super Bowl pre-order of them!  Pre-order them by the dozen for $19, 50 Jumbo wings for $75, or 100 Jumbo wings for $140. Give them a call or DM them on Instagram to place your order; supplies are limited! 
*Photo by Khana Gourmet.*  

*** 
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## These Deme Kitchen Five-Spice wings will nickel-blitz your tastebuds. 
Check out [Deme Kitchen](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/deme-kitchen) in **Downtown** Cincinnati for their 'Special Football Season Combo's:   
— Any choice of Deme's Wings (Five spice Wings, BBQ wings, Spicy Korean Wings and Thai spice wings) + a 12 oz. Beer for $12. 
— Any choice of Deme's Wings (Five spice Wings, BBQ wings, Spicy Korean Wings and Thai spice wings) + a 22oz Asahi or Sapporo for $15.  
*Photo by Catie Viox.*  

*** 
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## Run a flat route to these SEA Cuisine delicious drums...and flats. 
You can find [SEA Cuisine Food Truck](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/sea-cuisine) on game day over on the **East Side** at **The Game Bar (8251 Beechmont Ave, Anderson Township, OH, 45255) from 4:30pm-9:30pm.** They will be slingin' their Sweet n Spicy Wings (pictured) as well as their new Asian-inspired Quesadillas! [Check out their menu and where they will be next here. ](https://streetfoodfinder.com/SEACuisineFT?fbclid=IwAR3UW94gfiiZYDJte2n3wnM2beX3LXF4juFJq8WXLqYlKRrZBZ_SLvm0wKg#!menus_section)
*Photo by JP Leong.*  

*** 
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## [Lalo](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/lalo) is throwing a **Downtown** Super Bowl Watch Party on Sunday starting at 12pm! They have lots of food & drink specials like $5 House Margaritas and a special Bengal's Cocktail called the "Crouching Tiger! Grrr!". 
Lalo also is serving wings, of course; choose from their sweet spicy Thai sauce or Spicy Chipotle sauce.
*Photo by Lalo.* 

*** 
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## Personally, we'll be showing up to our Super Bowl Parties with a Lil Sebastian blasting 5000 Candles in the Wind
Looking for beer options for a crowd? Head over to [Esoteric Brewing Company](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/esoteric-brewing-co) in **Walnut Hills** or check out their website's online shop for not only canned six-packs and crowlers & growlers, but also their Lil Sebastian kegs (enough for 16 draft beers) and 1/2 barrel kegs! 
*Photo by Catie Viox.*  

*** 
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## Pick up a [Humble Monk](https://www.humblemonkbrewing.com/#/) six-pack or stop by their **Northside** location for their Super Sunday Party from 6:30PM til Game ends. Humble Monk has 3 new Game Screens with Sound and will also be serving up a delicious surprise treat! (First come, first serve)
*Photo by Catie Viox.*  

***


*Top Image: Plate of wings from Deme Kitchen.  
Photo by Catie Viox*


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Year of the Tiger, Year of the Bengals 🐯
Asianati Super Bowl Wings & Beer Specials

These places are open on Sunday for the Super Bowl!

Dope (all 3 locations)
Decibel (OTR & East Walnut Hills)
Khana Gourmet
Lalo 
Deme Kitchen
SEA Cuisine
Esoteric Brewery
Humble Monk



Find Your New Favorite Wings For Super Bowl LVI

# Happy New Year!
Lunar New Year (LNY) collectively refers to many of the East Asian celebrations of the New Year that follow the Lunar Calendar. Like other Lunar Calendar-based holidays, the dates shift on our Gregorian Calendar but usually fall in late-January or early-February.

## East Asian Countries And Their Traditions & Celebrations

For many Americans, the most familiar form of LNY is **Chinese New Year**. In China, the holiday is also sometimes called the Spring Festival and it is usually celebrated for about two weeks until the Lantern Festival. Traditional Chinese ways of celebrating the new year include decorating homes and businesses with red lanterns and other decorations, giving red envelopes full of money called hongbao to friends and family for good luck, eating many delicious dishes including dumplings signifying good luck, setting off fireworks and firecrackers, and enjoying lion and dragon dances. Another celebration aspect from China are the twelve zodiac animals to represent different years. The animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each animal has their own characteristics that are supposed to translate to the people born in that year or another year of that animal, such as anyone born this year will be characterized as brave and confident like a tiger.  

Learn more about Chinese New Year [here](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/).  


In Vietnam, LNY is called **Tet or Vietnamese Lunar New Year**. Celebrations can last up to a week and, similar to Chinese New Year, decorations are put up, envelopes of money are given out, parades go on, and feasts are had. Here, though, decorations can consist of peach blossom trees, kumquat trees, and orange trees to celebrate the changing of seasons. Feasts also consist of traditional Vietnamese food desserts such as banh chung and xoi. Vietnam also has their own twelve zodiac animals: rat, buffalo, tiger, cat, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig, with 2022 still being the year of the tiger.  

Learn more about Tet [here](https://www.asiahighlights.com/vietnam/new-year) and [here](https://www.vietvisiontravel.com/post/animal-vietnamese-zodiac/).  


In Korea, the holiday is called **Seollal** and it is a three-day celebration. Often people take advantage of these three days to travel in-country or abroad to visit and celebrate with family members. Traditions include families wearing clothing specifically for holidays called seolbim, honoring ancestors by giving offerings of food and paying their respects, feasting, and playing games. A traditional soup eaten during the first day of the holiday is called tteokguk and it is made up of sliced rice cakes, egg, beef, and vegetables. A traditional game played is called yunnori, which is a board game for any age. This country also has their own twelve zodiac animals, with them being identical to the Chinese zodiac signs but the goat is replaced with a sheep. This year is called the year of the black tiger or Iminnyeon.  

Learn more about Seollal [here](https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=941952)  

## Celebrate Lunar New Year in Cincinnati this year
Here in Cincinnati, we have quite a few restaurants that have special LNY menus.

[China Gourmet](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/china-gourmet)  
[Gyu-kaku](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/gyu-kaku)  
[Oriental Wok](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/oriental-wok-hyde-park)  
[Sago](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/citrus-and-sago)  
[Tea n Bowl](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/teanbowl)  

And, of course, this week is [Asian Food Week](https://www.asianati.com/articles/afw) -with over fifty participating vendors with exciting meal options at price points to fit every budget, it's easy to find a delicious meal to celebrate Lunar New Year.

*Asian Food Week is sponsored by our friends at the Haile Foundation and Procter & Gamble.*  
*Top Image: Traditional Chinese Hongbao flanked by traditional Chinese New Year gifts: citrus. Photo by Sam Burke*

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Lunar New Year

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Asian Food Week 2022

Let’s be honest: there’re a lot of reasons you may need to use this guide -I’m not judging. I’ve been in this situation before (every year, actually) which is why we started putting these guides together in the first place. Everything in Caitlin Behle’s [guide from last year](https://www.asianati.com/articles/2020_last_min_gifts) is a great place to start and her selections are the Beckoning Cat’s meow, so I recommend you take a peak at it if you haven't!

Here are even more gift ideas for every situation you may find yourself in this Holiday season:  

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## Party hopping? Bring along a flavor party from Dean's.
It’s the season for party surfing! Whether functional (like, middle-of-the-day work party) or FUNctional (like, celebrating your booster shots with nog-shots) it doesn’t hurt to bring along some decadent nom-noms that will intrigue the whole night. There are plenty of tried-and-true staples like cheese plates (yawn!) or that leftover bag of candy you got for Halloween (you know who you are…) but why not make your contribution to the party more interesting than the small-talk you’re going to fake? We like the fruit trays, nut tins, and bags from [Dean’s Mediterranean Imports](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/deans-mediterranean-imports) for their hand-picked, non-traditional variety. *Photo by Anjali Fong.*  

***  
![2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide0429.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1639088900/2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide0429_5076318cc6.jpg)
## Party avoiding? Escape in a book.  

Okay, maybe the idea of ALL THOSE PEOPLE stresses your Asian-food-loving friend out. Or maybe they have only choice moments in the day they can escape the drudgery of cold, overcast winter. Perhaps their taste buds are titillated by  tantalizing text. May I humbly suggest the joys of books?  
While there are some classic literary depictions of Asian food (moments from Amy Tan’s *The Joy Luck Club* and *The Kitchen God’s Wife*, in particular, come to mind) there are a lot more modern and accessible books on the scene. Kevin Kwan’s slightly-famous novel *Crazy Rich Asians* is replete with food references from the author’s birth country (though lacking that amazing dumpling scene found in the movie adaptation). Kwan provides some real-real depictions of what the cultural and familial dynamics of being Chinese/Singaporean/American is like. Or take a look at Lillian Li’s *Number One Chinese Restaurant*. Li gives a peek into the upstairs/downstairs world of the immigrant service industry and what it’s like for a *family* to grow-up together.  

Speaking of growing-up… it really is somewhat an unexplainable feeling the first time you see yourself represented in the media you’re consuming. For many of us at Asianati, growing-up in the United States has meant seeing very little to none of ourselves in movies, television, and books. It’s really incredible, now, that so many Asian authors and illustrators are bringing our stories -our cultures- in accessible and visible ways. This is especially true in children’s books and we love so much of the variety out there now. Two really great food-oriented children’s books we’ve read recently are [Watercress](https://youtu.be/aIU-Wp-CNOs) (written by Andrea Wang; illustrated by Jason Chin) and [Hot Pot Night](https://youtu.be/bBHL64UrEMc) (by Vincent Chen). *Photo by JP Leong.*  

***  
![2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide0403.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1639088938/2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide0403_3d284618ea.jpg)
## Cultural Enthusiast? Gift bags from Bridges Nepali Cuisine.  

We get lots of people asking “What’s something special from…?” and we love fielding those Culturally-Curious questions -not just because we love answering them but also because we don’t always know, ourselves, and get to find out! [Bridges Nepali Cuisine](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/bridges-northside) is offering gift bags that showcase a variety of flavors (and smells!) in Nepalese cuisine. Gift Bag #1, which I’m just going to dub “The one-with-the-dagger” is jam-packed with the following:
- Real Gold Beer
- Mustang Beer
- House-made roasted cumin spice
- Yellow Peas sauce
- Gundruk - an awesome fermented leafy green (this smells amazing)
- Bags of Kathmandu Cosmos tea
- Bags of Ganesha Green tea
- loose Hot Chai (this smells amazing)
- $25 Gift Card
- And that big-ass dagger-shaped bottle of Khukri Rum.  

It’s not cheap, but it’s cool as hell and I can pretty much guarantee no one’s re-gifting that one. *Photo by JP Leong.*  

***  
![2021-08-24 Makers Pandan Cheesecake2021-08-24 Makers Pandan Cheesecake0257.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1639089294/2021_08_24_Makers_Pandan_Cheesecake2021_08_24_Makers_Pandan_Cheesecake0257_551330a0ab.jpg)
## Sweets Connoisseur who’s had it all? Pandan Cheesecake from Maker’s Bakers. 

Maybe, like me, you’ve got friends with a particular kind of sweet tooth. Sure, they like chocolate… but is it small-batch chocolate hand crafted with cacao from some unknowable part of the world? Yeah, you know these people. Maybe you ARE these people. Delight that sweet tooth with the made-to-order, reserved-well-in-advance Pandan Cheesecake from [Makers Bakers](https://makersbakersco.com/) in Findlay Market. Yes, the blending of this Southeast-Asian fruit in cheesecake is glorious but the exclusiveness of it will no doubt impress that sweets-connoisseur (okay, you -that connoisseur is you). *Photo by JP Leong.*  

***  
![2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide0409.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1639088975/2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide0409_591b253bdf.jpg)
## The welcoming people in your life deserve a Beckoning Cat  

Then there are the people in your life who have it all. They’ve got a great pad, a lovely relationship with their family, an exciting job, fabulous fashion sense, they invite you over for dinner & never let you do the dishes, and write you thank you notes after hanging out with you. You secretly hate these people. But, really, you love them. But they’ve got everything!
Celebrate how welcoming and open they are (and hide your seething) with a Beckoning Cat. These ah-dorable statues are vessels of good luck and found in businesses and homes across Eastern Asia. There are so many different iterations that, even if your person has one, they will love another. Maybe they already [collect them](http://www.clockworkvoices.com/neko/collection/)? Beckoning Cats are available in a multitude of materials, sizes, and self-waving capability from your local Asian marketplace. And there’s always the accessible corporatized [pop-culture version](https://www.sanrio.com/). *Photo by JP Leong.* 

***  
![2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide2021-12-05 Asianati Gift Guide0407.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1639089017/2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide2021_12_05_Asianati_Gift_Guide0407_fc5f463a43.jpg)
## Your souper friends need souper spoons.  

While they often get passed over in favor of their flashier utensil-mate, chopsticks, the humble Asian soup spoon really is the scoop du jour. Their flatter, fatter design tradition helps take soup consumption from merely a mechanical exercise to an all out experience. And, as per many Asian culinary implements, soup spoons run the gamut from utilitarian to works of art and are available in colors and designs to suit every occasion or personality. And, yeah, just adding one of these culturally-appropriate spoons will improve your congee. *Photo by JP Leong.*  

***


*Top Image: Bags of locally-roasted nuts from Dean's Mediterranean Imports.  
Photo by Anjali Fong*

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For the Asian food fanatics in your life

Asianati’s Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide -the Sequel

Wajeeh Khan

American Thanksgiving is a holiday that symbolizes many things, such as harvest, togetherness, and like the name says— giving thanks. For this year’s Thanksgiving, I was asked to take a look at some ways Thanksgiving is celebrated in our Asianati and AACAC* households!  

![2018-01-19_19-04-13_858.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1637782725/2018_01_19_19_04_13_858_3a8a25b8f2.jpg)
*Hot pot for Thanksgiving. Photo provided.*

There tends to be two different camps of preference when it comes to Asian Thanksgiving dinners— those that are blended with American classics, and those that tend to stay independent and rooted in their own native comfort foods. For instance, AACAC board member Ronnie Iquina mentioned that his family “doesn’t really like turkey”, and so his mom makes cornish hens, which are a type of roasted chicken, instead. The cornish hens are then complemented with various Filipino dishes, such as pancit (stir-fried noodles), bistek (steak), and tinola (bok choy chicken/fish soup). AACAC President “Small” Bao Nguyen says his family has also stuck to favoring traditional ethnic food, mostly eating hot pot, and tend to cut out turkey from their holiday menu entirely.  

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*"...a bit much." Thanksgiving dinner, Leong-family style circa 2016. Photo provided.*  

While generic turkey and mashed potatoes may not be popular in every Asian household, some Asianati/AACAC families go for a balanced blend of both conventional and ethnic food for their feasts. Asianati Contributing Editor JP Leong’s family tends to celebrate with traditional Chinese special occasion meals like hot pot and roast duck but also supplementing with American staples like turkey and pumpkin pie which, he says, “...in retrospect… is a bit much.” AACAC board member Lam Dang says that for Thanksgiving, his family combined what they saw on TV as traditional Thanksgiving food, such as turkey and mashed potatoes, with their own wide blend of Vietnamese food. Some of the dishes his family frequently made included tiết canh (pork/duck meat pudding), banh beo (steamed rice cakes), súp măng cua (crab and asparagus soup), and ca ri (Vietnamese chicken curry). Likewise, Asianati co-founder Koji Sado’s family also likes to combine traditional Thanksgiving dishes with cultural dishes. My family’s also the same.  However, both of our families put an interesting spin on how we combine the two cuisines— we make classic dishes, such as turkey and potatoes, but with a Desi style. What would be a typical turkey with gravy becomes a turkey covered with masala, and what would normally be mashed potatoes becomes aloo chole (potatoes and chickpea curry) instead. These two variations of classic American dishes are then surrounded by a variety of dishes. These include chicken biryani (spicy rice with chicken), palak paneer (spinach and cheese curry), and bhindi (okra).   

So, what does your family do for Thanksgiving? Let us know by connecting with us on Instagram and commenting on our latest post! We hope that all of you and your families have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

*(the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati which is Asianati’s parent organization -ed)  


*Top image: Leong-family Thanksgiving dinner, circa 2008. Photo provided.*

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Thanksgiving

# What is Diwali?  

Celebrated every autumn by nearly one billion people, Diwali is one of the world’s most significant holidays. It usually falls in between October and November, but occurs on different days each year because the Hindu religious calendar is lunar. Diwali festivities last for five days, and they are celebrated across many different cultures and religions from the Indian subcontinent, such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism. In Hinduism, Diwali is a five day long festival, with each day having a specific theme or tradition, and commemorating various deities such as Rama, Krishna, Lakshmi, and Vishnu. Jainism celebrates Diwali as a marking of when their spiritual leader Mahavira achieved a spiritual awakening, and Sikhism celebrates Diwali in remembrance of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, being freed from imprisonment. Even though there are a multitude of cultures that celebrate Diwali, the essence of Diwali is simple! According to Asianati reader Shrenik Sanghvi, Diwali really boils down to “good food, fun with family & friends, and celebrating with fireworks”, along with the shared cultural themes of the eternal triumph of good over evil and festivities emphasizing togetherness, prosperity, friendship, and family. 

# How is Diwali celebrated?  
Asianati reader and food enthusiast Ashok Tandon, who has been living in the U.S. for over twenty years, says that in India; “the festive atmosphere (of Diwali) starts several weeks early with houses, stores, streets decorated with lights and “stores are set-up along streets selling various items unique to Diwali”. When the time for Diwali finally comes around, people “...begin visiting each other and share snacks and sweets with each other” and a lot of businesses “...offer Diwali bonus to their employees and there are Diwali discounts everywhere”. In America, while festivities may not be as widespread, things can get just as festive in households! For instance, in new Cincinnati resident Kani Loganathan’s household, her family has the “...best meal (of) the year, complete with twelve to sixteen dishes which are carefully curated and prepared weeks in advance”, with at least half of the dishes being “dessert sweets that are soaked in ghee and sugar”. After the long and hearty meal is over, her family likes to end the night off with “a long session of bursting crackers that light up the night sky in beautiful vibrant colors”! While Diwali may seem like a complex holiday due to its religious themes and broad influence in various cultures, anyone can participate in the festivities and eat the delicious food! 

# What should I eat during Diwali?  

There are so many dishes that you can try to celebrate Diwali this year! Some popular dishes include:  

**Chakkara pongal:** a sweet South Indian dish made to signify prosperity in the harvest season, chakkara pongal consists of moong lentils, rice, ghee, sugar, cardamoms, and nuts.  

**Vadai:** savory fried snacks that can be comparable to donuts, cutlets, or dumplings. There are multiple varieties of vadai, such as masala vadai, palak vadai, and bonda vadai, which has potatoes, garlic, and spices.   

**Payasam:** also known as kheer, payasam is a type of pudding dish that can consist of milk, rice, sugar, ghee, nuts, and raisins.   

**Gulab Jamun:** a solid sweet that is around the size of a small orange, gulab jamun consists of milk solids and powdered milk and sugar. It can be topped off with nuts such as almonds and cashews.  

**Ladoos:** made in a similar sphere shape like gulab jamun, ladoos primarily consist of roasted flour, sugar, and ghee. Just like gulab jamun, they can also be topped with nuts

# Celebrate Diwali!  

Even though the pandemic may place some restrictions on being able to see all of your family and friends, there is still so much to celebrate and be thankful for this Diwali! We hope you can find some good friends, light some clay lamps, get some tasty sweets, and harvest up some fun!
Happy Diwali from the Asianati team!  

*Top Image: Diwali treats arrangement. Photo: Sam Burke; Styling: Carenna Bhola*


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Happy Diwali!

# Asian Food Fest is finally here!
A wide selection of Asian food from Cincinnati-area restaurants, caterers, and secret chefs -plus entertainment by amazing local and national artists- all in one place: Court Street Plaza in Downtown Cincinnati.  

## Saturday, October 9th 11am-10pm  
## Sunday, October 10th 11am-8pm  

## [FIND YOUR WAY](https://viewer.mapme.com/asianfoodfest/)  
Use Asian Food Fest's [interactive map](https://viewer.mapme.com/asianfoodfest/) to find all the things!

## [FOOD](https://asianfoodfest.org/vendors/)  
Go [here](https://asianfoodfest.org/vendors/) to see all the participating food vendors and what they've got cooking.

## [ENTERTAINMENT](https://asianfoodfest.org/entertainment/) 
Go [here](https://asianfoodfest.org/entertainment/) to see who's singing, dancing, or telling your favorite dad jokes.

![affflyer8.5x11.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1633659802/affflyer8_5x11_56d7632bba.jpg)

For all the details, visit the Cincinnati [Asian Food Fest website](https://asianfoodfest.org/).

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Join us for the 10th Annual Asian Food Fest in Cincinnati, Ohio!

Asian Food Fest 2021

The Moon Festival is near when you start seeing stacks of mooncakes at your local Asian grocery stores. The festival is becoming popularized in the US by the media and local Asian American communities hold events and performances that help bring the community together. 
 
The Moon festival (or Mid-Autumn Festival) is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month each year, which for 2021 falls on Sep 21st. The festival is observed in many Asian countries, it’s about worshipping the moon and time of reunion, while some cultures also celebrate the harvest season and give thanks to friends and family. In Chinese tradition, people celebrate by gifting mooncakes to relatives, friends, and coworkers to express best wishes and family love. 

   
### **What’s a mooncake?**

![2020-10-02 Moon Cake0244.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1631672580/2020_10_02_Moon_Cake0244_78cef693f0.jpg)

A mooncake is a sweet dense pastry originally made with lotus filling and egg yolk. The most commonly sold mooncake, also referred to as the Cantonese style, has a top crust that features auspicious Chinese characters (e.g., "longevity" or "harmony") with elaborate designs. The main filling is traditionally lotus or red bean paste, but also includes secondary ingredients like salted egg yolks, nuts, seeds, or fruit pieces. 

The earliest mention of these tasty pastries dates back hundreds of years when mooncakes were also gifted by the court to visiting scholars during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Many believe this practice inspired the pastry’s association with the festival today. There’s also a folklore that mooncakes helped overthrow the Mongol rule where people passed along secret messages for insurrection hidden within each cake; Viva La Mooncake!

Today mooncakes are sold all over the world, available in Asian grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty stores. We included a list of locations where you can buy mooncakes in Greater Cincinnati below. 

### **Who Celebrates the Moon or Harvest festival?**

Based on our research, 15 countries in Asia celebrate the moon / harvest festival around this time of year. Many festivals originate from the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, and each country celebrates in different ways. There are also autumn festivals that are more focused on giving thanks to the harvest of the year. Here are a few examples of how countries celebrate:

**Cambodia (Bon Om Touk)** - Commonly called the Water and Moon Festival,  it is a three-day long celebration marking the end of the rainy monsoon season. The country celebrates with a massive dragon boat race followed by fireworks and concerts. People also prepare offerings that are popular with rabbits as they believe a rabbit lives on the moon and watches over the Cambodian people. A traditional dish called Ak Ambok, fried rice mixed with coconut and banana, is eaten at midnight.    

![Cambodia Bon Om Touk.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1631672583/Cambodia_Bon_Om_Touk_198c0f25cc.jpg)


**Iran (Mehregan)** - Mehregan is the second most significant Persian festival and dates back more than 3,000 years. The celebration honors the god Mehr (or Mitra) who is associated with light, love, and friendship, where people traditionally participate in a thanksgiving ceremony and share a special communal meal with a decorative, colorful table. The meal includes ways to thank the abundance of harvest with fresh fruits, nuts, dried fruits, sweets and rosewater.

![Mehregan by Zahra Shafiei.jfif](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1631672579/Mehregan_by_Zahra_Shafiei_d48429231e.jpg)


**Japan (Otsukimi)** - Moon viewing is a time of giving thanks and to reflect upon the seasonal beauty of nature. People worship the moon with decorative offerings and tsukimi dango (rice cake), sitting around to appreciate friends and family while sharing food and drinks. 

![Japan Tsukimi.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1631672584/Japan_Tsukimi_ae7bef9a9e.jpg)


**South Korea (Chuseok)** - The festival is also called “Thanksgiving Day” by local people, where they celebrate a three-day holiday and go back to their hometowns to visit families and relatives. People wish upon the full moon for family welfare and happiness, and play traditional Korean games.Typical dishes include Jeon (pancakes) and Song Pyun (rice cakes).

![Korea Chuseok.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1631672584/Korea_Chuseok_202d3a1630.jpg)


**Vietnam (Tết Trung Thu)**- In Vietnam, the spotlight is on the children. Also known these days as The Children's Festival, Vietnamese believe that children have the strongest connection to the sacred and natural worlds in their purity and innocence. During the festival, all around Vietnam are lit up with the glow of lanterns and elaborate floats parading down the streets, along with traditional lion dances and retellings of the legend of [Chú Cuội](https://www.vietnam.com/en/culture/art/fairy-tales/chu-cuoi-or-the-man-in-the-moon.html).  

![Vietnam mid autumn.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1631672581/Vietnam_mid_autumn_407979d903.jpg)

### **Time of Togetherness**
  
  

The mooncake symbolizes harmony, happiness, togetherness. While it still may be challenging for many of us to be together with our loved ones this year, let’s not forget there are many things to be thankful for. So take a look up to the moon when it’s at its brightest, celebrate and wish everyone for a healthy, prosperous, and peaceful autumn.

Happy Moon Festival from the Asianati team!


## **List of locations where you can buy mooncakes in Greater Cincinnati:**  
- [CAM International Market](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/cam)
- [Dayou International Market](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/cam)
- [Jungle Jim’s International Market](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/jungle-jims-international-market-fairfield)
- [Mochiko](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/mochiko)
- [Queen's Bakery](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/queens-bakery)
- [Y&M Asian Market](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/ym-asian-market)

## **Moon Festival Event at Fountain Square (October 2):**
- [2021 Cincinnati Moon Festival](https://www.facebook.com/events/592745102089535)

## **Movie to watch with your family about the Moon Festival:**
- [Over The Moon (Netflix) ](https://www.netflix.com/title/80214236)

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Moon Festival: It's More Than Just The Moon

Want to pitch an idea to Asianati? Asianati is accepting pitch ideas for stories, interviews, articles and social media content about Cincinnati’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.  


### Who is Asianati? 
Asianati celebrates the stories, history, culture, and people of Cincinnati’s AAPI community. Asianati seeks to be the go-to for all things AAPI in Greater Cincinnati, and we’re starting with food. We publish stories, news, and an ever-growing directory of AAPI restaurants, food trucks, markets, and more through our website and social media platforms.  

### What makes a good Asianati story? 
Food tells a story, and every Asianati story should help connect readers to Asian or Pacific Island culture.  Our stories are relatable and accessible. They’re straight forward but casual. Our stories are guided by three questions: 
- Are we **centering the voices, stories, and perspectives** of Cincy's AAPI community, businesses, and entrepreneurs?
- Does this **educate or celebrate** AAPI cuisine and/or AAPI food culture?
- What **different perspective** can we bring to this issue? Why does this story need to be told? 


### What are we looking for? 
We are currently accepting pitches for long-form articles, photo essays, social media posts, IG stories and reels, TikToks, and videos. Content should be relevant to the Cincinnati AAPI dining scene or to the writer or subject’s personal connection to food; offer a unique perspective; and complement high-quality photography or compelling supporting content (e.g. illustrations or graphics).  

Asianati’s areas of interests include business news, food history, cultural food traditions and celebrations, small businesses and entrepreneurs. Types of stories include: 

- **General Interest**: Compelling stories, guides, and fun facts about restaurants, dishes, and/or community members’’ perspectives on food. 
- **Entrepreneur Interview**: Q&A-style column focuses on a chef, restaurant owner, or shop owner. What about them is compelling? What’s their backstory? Why should the reader care about this person?  Fun and easy way to highlight a business while getting to know the entrepreneur. 
- **Bite-Sized Guide** — Quick, educational series exploring an AAPI ingredient, product, or dish (e.g. fish paste, moon cakes, puto); Fun, curious, exploratory. Must be factual, but can have a personal connection. Answers the questions: What is it? How is it used or eaten, or why is it eaten? What does it taste like? Where can you get it in Cincinnati? 250 words. (see [Bite-Sized Guide: Banana Ketchup](https://www.asianati.com/articles/bsg_banana_ketchup)
- **News and Current Events**— Timely features about a current event, holiday, or news story e.g. openings, closings and events.
- **Long-Form Features** — Compelling characters and strong storytelling grounded in AAPI culture. Any topic that stirs curiosity, inspiration or intrigue beyond a niche audience of experts or insiders. Include your ideas for additional content like photos, art, sidebars, and infographics. 

### How to Submit A Pitch 
To give your idea the best chance of being considered, please include as many of the following details as possible. 
- Working Title
- Subtitle (if applicable)
- One-paragraph description 
- Any other relevant details (i.e., drafting timeline, estimated word count) 
- Ideas for supporting/primary content (photos, illustrations, sidebar, etc.) 

Email up to three pitches to [editor@asianati.com](mailto:editor@asianati.com) with “PITCH:” in the subject line. If we like your idea and want to move forward, an editor will be in touch within five days.

### Stipends for Content and Illustration 
 
Asianati is a volunteer-run organization, but all volunteer contributors will receive stipends for content and up to $20 for food costs. Pitches must be approved by Asianati (according to pitch guidelines). All posts and articles will be posted under Asianati (with appropriate tag / byline). 
 
Asianati.com articles:
- Short Articles (250-750 words): $50  
Includes Business Spotlight Q&A, Round Up Lists, Bite-Sized Guide, News Pitches; requires some research, writing, minimal revisions
 - Long form (750-1000 words): $75  
Most time intensive; requires 3-4 hours research, writing, and revisions
 
Social Media 
- In-Feed Posts - Basic social media post with a couple of images and text: $10 
- Story Series: 8-10 stories of engaging photos, text, or video consumed in 15 second stories: ($10-$15):
- Package - One In-Feed Post supported by 2-3 stories: $25
- Reels/Short-form Video - 30 seconds or longer video content: up to $50



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How to pitch ideas for stories, social media content, and essays about Cincinnati’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community

How to Pitch Stories to Asianati

Caitlin Behle

Nikki Siababa

Congee is an understated staple of many Asian communities. Who could have predicted that the humble rice porridge would become [the centerpiece of America’s latest conversation about cultural appropriation?](https://nextshark.com/congee-backlash-breakfast-cure-asian-dish-western-palate/)

Congee is a versatile rice porridge that is many things to many people. It’s served as breakfast, snack, or a meal. And while it only recently made news, the dish dates [back to the Chinese Zhou Dynasty](https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/culture/2012/10/hearty-dish-set-king) (1,046-256 BC). 

The name “congee” is thought to be rooted in the Indian and Sri Lankan [Tamil word](https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2020/11/02/history-congee-and-how-it-connects-me-my-family-roots) "kanji," meaning "boilings." True to its name, grains (usually rice) are boiled in liquid until broken down to a luscious, creamy consistency. Since the base of most congee recipes require only a small amount of grains and a large amount of liquid, it has been a thrifty yet filling means of feeding large families with minimal ingredients and serving as a stopgap against hunger in times of famine. Different ingredients and toppings -broths, herbs, spices, seasonings, vegetables, and sauces- are as diverse as the cultures they reflect, and can be added for both flavor and medicinal benefits. 

We asked four Asian-Americans how they eat congee and what memories this dish brings up for them.  

![2021-08 MusingsIMG_2212.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1629243385/2021_08_Musings_IMG_2212_0fcd952c05.jpg)  *Congee, as Riley Yangmi Jessen likes to make it. Photo by Riley Yangmi Jessen.*  

**Riley Yangmi Jessen** is half-white and half-Asian, and describes her Asian family as “mostly hill tribe.” Her mother’s family is in Thailand, so most of her cooking background is Thai. She prefers to call what she grew up with as rice porridge since most Asian cultures have their own name for congee. 

One of the things she loves about rice porridge is that it can be so good with just a few simple ingredients. “It only takes 4 ingredients to get you there and anything you have on top of that is the cherries on top,” she explained. She usually starts with ginger, soy sauce, garlic, and white pepper. If she wants to make it more complex, she adds deep-fried shallots or onions for texture and “way too many sliced green onions.” 

“Growing up, this is what my mom would make me when I was sick. She didn’t make chicken noodle soup. In adulthood now, when I’m sick, this is what I crave.” She also taught her husband, Josh, who is white American, how to cook congee too. 

“I had never made congee before for Josh, but I was really sick and craving my `[mom’s cooking]`, and for her to be there for me. So I asked Josh if he’d be willing to make me some rice porridge. I do most of the cooking, but it was very much a bonding experience to walk him through step by step how to create this but also for me to share such an intimate part of myself, my culture, and my upbringing. . . Congee is not a flashy dish, it’s not a festivity. It’s only a dish that’s prepared for you intimately by people that love you.” 

**Vicky Lee** (Songeun Lee) a third-year transfer student at the University of Cincinnati studying fine arts and teaching. She is a first-generation Korean-American and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. When Vicky thinks of juk, Korean rice porridge, she thinks of her mom. Vicky’s mom made two different types of juk at home, chicken juk and patjuk, a red bean porridge. For the chicken juk, she boiled a whole chicken and either cooked the rice inside the chicken or alongside it. The family would scoop out the rice and eat it with the chicken with salt, pepper, lots of green onion, and a side of kimchi. For the patjuk, her mom steamed or boiled the red bean until it was soft, smashed it, and added rice cake and sugar. Adding the red bean to the rice porridge turned it purple. 

She doesn’t make it much herself because she has such strong associations to her mom making it when she’s sick. “ Maybe I’ll want to make it later in life but I like that it reminds me of my mom. It’s a very family thing. . . All my family members would get together to eat it. Even though it’s very simple, it’s something very warm, and good for the winter and good for when you’re sick. It’s very welcoming and very comforting.” 

**Ron Reblando** is a Filipino American and a father of six. He grew up with Filipino arroz caldo, which translates to “rice soup.” He loves arroz caldo’s chicken and ginger flavors, which bring back wonderful memories of family life in the Philippines. “When I can,” Ron says, “I try to make it from leftovers. It reminds me of simplicity and humility.” Nowadays he enjoys topping his arroz caldo with fresh green onions from his family’s container garden. 

![CVIOX_CR_plt-2.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1629243780/CVIOX_CR_plt_2_a8f51a7fb1.jpg) *Congee how Duy Nguyen likes to make it, available at Pho Lang Thang. Photo by Catie Viox.*  

**Duy-Nhan Nguyen** is a first-generation Vietnamese-American and grew up in California before moving to Cincinnati for high school. He is a managing partner of Lang Thang Group, a restaurant group that owns Pho Lang Thang, Quan Hapa, and Hi-Mark. Duy grew up with two different types of rice porridge, cháo and a porridge served as part of Bò bảy món (beef seven ways). The porridge is served with beef or sometimes ox cuts, as the last course of the celebratory seven-course meal. 

Duy explained that Vietnamese cháo is different than other congee because it’s cooked in broth rather than water. Cháo is comfort food that you typically eat for breakfast or when you’re sick. Unlike phở, which has certain rules to eating it, Duy says, “Congee is relaxed. Everyone has their own recipe.” 

You don’t often see congee or rice porridge on Asian restaurant menus in America because it’s simple comfort food. However, locals can order congee from Pho Lang Thang. When asked why they decided to add it to the menu, he said it was to utilize the porridge as it’s intended — to utilize the scraps and leftovers from the restaurant. “Porridge is poor people food. You take your scraps, your leftovers to make it. That’s why there aren’t certain rules like phở. . . when `[Vietnamese people]` threw away all the rice and the cuts that we couldn’t use for pho, that’s what we make it out of.” 


Rice porridge has always been an adaptable dish. However you eat it or wherever you get it from, congee has stayed a staple because it’s affordable and meant to feed people at a time when they need it most...no fancy packaging or flavors needed.

### A couple places to find congee in Cincinnati:  
[Pho Lang Thang](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/pho-lang-thang)  
[Uncle Yip's](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/uncle-yips)


*Top Image by Riley Yangmi Jessen.*

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Congee: the ultimate comfort food

In case you missed it, May was Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Asianati and our parent organization,  [Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati](https://www.aacac-oh.org/), celebrated with events and activities throughout the month. We also assembled a [community calendar](https://www.asianati.com/articles/apahm) with events across the city.  Here are a few highlights

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### Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Opening Party  
AACAC and Asianati kicked off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month the best way we know how — with a party! Over 200 people came out to Five Points Alley in Walnut Hills for music by [Andrew Lin Quartet](https://www.andrewlinmusic.com/) and incredible Hawaiian food from [Kealoha's Kitchen](https://www.facebook.com/kealohas.kitchen.food.truck/). (Photo: youssef elhachimy)  

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### Black and Asian Solidarity

What does Black & Asian solidarity look like in the era of #BlackLivesMatter and #StopAsianHate? Nearly 80 people attended Urban Consulate Cincinnati's stimulating conversation about racial identity, solidarity, and healing. (Photo: Hannah Kenney)  
[Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elScQIBmtZ4)  

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### "Food is Our Love Language" Mural 

AACAC worked with local artist [Anissa Pulcheon](https://www.anissapulcheon.com/) to create a semi-permanent mural in Over-The-Rhine. Saigon Market, Cincinnati's oldest surviving Asian market, was the perfect location for Anissa's mural, "Food is Our Love Language." Te celebrated with a small dedication where we got to hear more about Anissa's process. (Banner Photo: Samantha Burke; Group Photo: JP Leong)  

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### Asian Food Week 2021 

AACAC and Asianati launched Asian Food Week late last year to encourage customers to visit Asian restaurants across the city. This year, the week-long restaurant campaign expanded to 50 participating restaurants across Greater Cincinnati including Oxford, Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Thousands of people visited the restaurants all week to explore all the different cuisines our city has to offer. (Photo: Catie Viox)

---
### Cooking and Conversation: The Truth Behind MSG 

Grace Yek, renowned food writer and program chair for Cincinnati State's Culinary and Food Science program, joined the Cincinnati Museum Center to break down stereotypes surrounding MSG, the preservative most often associated with Chinese food. Grace also prepared okonomiyaki. 

---
### Story Tree Time  

AACAC brought together some of their friends to read stories for Cincinnati Museum Center's virtual Story Time. Asianati co-editor Nikki Siababa handpicked each story to highlight different parts of the AAPI experience. Each book was also written by an Asian or Pacific American author. (Photos: Afrochine) 

![JP XT3A6176.MOV.20_30_29_13.Still002.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1625099494/JP_XT_3_A6176_MOV_20_30_29_13_Still002_db30ce35c5.jpg)
*Hot Pot Night!*   
[Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBHL64UrEMc)

![Brianna XT3A6171.MOV.20_02_44_06.Still001crop.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1625099610/Brianna_XT_3_A6171_MOV_20_02_44_06_Still001crop_6560461ce0.jpg)
*How To Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion* 
[Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKKHDj_6Sn8) 

![Nikki XT3A6173.MOV.20_09_20_01.Still002.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1625099495/Nikki_XT_3_A6173_MOV_20_09_20_01_Still002_a6b18bdd78.jpg)
*Willie Wins*   
[Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFpo3bfOvz0) 

![Sulin XT3A6170.MOV.20_02_05_22.Still002.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1625099496/Sulin_XT_3_A6170_MOV_20_02_05_22_Still002_2b233348ec.jpg)
*Watercress*   
[Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIU-Wp-CNOs) 

---
### Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Closing Party 
We wrapped up the month with a laid back get together at Five Points Alley, where we kicked off the month. Before the party, [Esoteric Brewing Company](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/esoteric-brewing-co) hosted a pre-party happy hour and co-owner Marvin Abrinica took visitors on a tour of the brewery. Afterward, we ate Cambodian tacos from [Mahope](https://www.facebook.com/vysmahope/) and listened to jazz by Andrew Lin's Daybreak Trio.  


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A look back at APAHM 2021 in Cincinnati

Recap: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2021

### Asian Food Week 2021
**May 3-9, 2021**  
Asian Food Week is back! Greater Cincinnati's Asian Food Week returns May 2021 to kick off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. AFW celebrates Greater Cincinnati's diverse range of Asian cuisines by highlighting Cincinnati's Asian restaurants. 


### Sponsored By  
Procter & Gamble,  Haile Foundation  


### How It Works  
Customers have three options when ordering from an official AFW restaurant: 
- Three-course prix fixe meal for $20  
- Three-course prix fixe meal for $30
- “Secret menu” item not typically offered at on the menu (price varies)


### Participating Restaurants (May 2021)

**[Arawan Thai Sushi (Cold Spring)](/restaurants/arawan-thai-sushi)**  
*Thai*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Fried Potstickers (5 pc)  
Second course: Mini Volcano Roll (6 pc)  
Third course: (Choose one):  Pad Thai (choose: chicken, pork, tofu, or mixed vegetables), ARAWAN Noodles (choose: chicken, pork, tofu, or mixed vegetables), General Tso Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Orange Chicken  

**[Baba India (Oakley)](/restaurants/baba-india)**  
*Indian*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Vegetable Samosa (2 pieces)  
Second course: Chicken Curry  
Third course: Butter Naan and Basmati rice  

**[Baraka Tea House (Clifton)](/restaurants/baraka-tea-house)**  
*International*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Matcha Roll $3, Japanese Cherry Blossom Tea $6, Morning Dragon (Jasmine Latte) $6, Oolong Tea $5  
 
**[Boba Cha (Over-the-Rhine)](/restaurants/boba-cha)**  
*Bubble Tea*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Red Bean Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, Rose Matcha, Lavender Milk Tea, Ginger Caramel Matcha, Peach Lime Tea- Regular: $3.50  

**[Blue Gibbon Chinese Restaurant (Paddock Hills)](/restaurants/blue-gibbon-chinese-restaurant)**  
*Chinese*  
**$30 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose One):  Shrimp tempura or Pan Fried Dumplings or Crab Rangoon  
Second course (Choose One): Malaysian Shrimp Fried Rice* with Chicken (special marinated quarter whole chicken), or Black Pepper Pork Chop with Malaysian Shrimp Fried Rice* ( *shrimp can be substituted with another protein)  
Third course: Dessert: Graeter's Ice cream  
Meal Includes a non-alcoholic drink

**[Bridges Northside (Northside)](/restaurants/bridges-northside)**  
*Nepalese*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Dumplings  
Second course: Rice Bowl (Medium)   
Third course (Choose one): Mango Lassi or Rice Porridge  

**[Bridges OTR (Over-the-Rhine)](/restaurants/bridges-otr)**  
*Nepalese*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Dumplings  
Second course (Choose one): Fried Rice or Chow Mein  
Third course (Choose one): Mango Lassi or Rice Porridge  

**[Brick House Cafe (Oxford)](/restaurants/brick-house-cafe)**  
*Japanese, Hawaiian*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Miso Soup  
Second course: Shrimp tempura  Roll  
Third course: California Poke Bowl  

**[Chako Bakery Cafe (Covington)](/restaurants/chako-bakery-cafe)**  
*Bakery*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Onigiri Bento Set (Two Japanese riceball; inside salmon filling), Karaage (Fried the marinated Chicken), Potato salad, Tamagoyaki (Japanese omlette) $12  

**[China Gourmet (Hyde Park)](/restaurants/china-gourmet)**  
*Chinese*  
**$20 for three-course meal (Dine-in Only)**  
First course (Choose one): Asian Cabbage Salad, Yang   Chow Won Ton Soup, Duck Soup, Hot and Sour Soup  
Second course (Choose one): Barbecue Shrimp, Gourmet Chicken Wings (6), Crispy Curry Pork Dumplings (4)  
Third course (Choose one): Spicy Thai Chicken, Beef Short Ribs Singapore Noodles, Rainbow Trout over Spinach, Chef’s Special Fried Rice (everything but the wok)  

**[Christine's Casual Dining (Dent)](/restaurants/christines-casual-dining)**  
*Filipino*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First & Second course: Christine's Feast (FIlipino soup,  2 Pork Skewers, 2 Eggrolls, Pancit, Steamed rice)   
Third course: Fried Ice cream 

**[Dean's Mediterranean Imports (OTR)](/restaurants/deans-mediterranean-imports)**  
*Mediterranean*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Baba Fries (famous baba ghanouj over crispy steak fries with veggies and sauce)  $5

**[Deme Kitchen (OTR)](/restaurants/deme-kitchen)**  
*Chinese*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Sesame chicken wings (2 pcs) or Steamed/Fried Dumplings (2pcs)  
Second course (Choose one): Sweet and Sour Chicken, General Tso Chicken, Triple Delight, or House Pad Tai   
Third course: Chinese Donuts  

**[Dope! Asian Street Fare (OTR)](/restaurants/dope-asian-street-fare-otr)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Dope Wings or Dumplings  
Second course: Choice of Salad  
Third course: Choice of Ramen  

**[Dope! Asian Street Fare (Anderson)](/restaurants/dope-asian-street-fare-anderson)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Dope Wings or Dumplings  
Second course: Choice of Salad  
Third course: Choice of Ramen  

**[Fusabowl (Clifton)](/restaurants/fusabowl-clifton)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Crab Rangoon or Egg roll  
Second course: Sunday Morning roll  
Third course: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl  

**[Fusabowl (Colerain)](/restaurants/fusabowl-colerain)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Crab Rangoon or Egg roll  
Second course: Sunday Morning roll  
Third course: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl  

**[Fusabowl (Mason)](/restaurants/fusabowl-mason)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Crab Rangoon or Egg roll  
Second course: Sunday Morning roll  
Third course: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl  

**[Fusabowl (Western Hills)](/restaurants/fusabowl-western-hills)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Crab Rangoon or Egg roll  
Second course: Sunday Morning roll  
Third course: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl  

**[Fusabowl (Woodlawn)](/restaurants/fusabowl-woodlawn)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Crab Rangoon or Egg roll  
Second course: Sunday Morning roll  
Third course: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl  

**[Grand Oriental (Mason)](/restaurants/grand-oriental)**  
*Dim Sum*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Egg Roll or Spring Roll  
Second course (Choose one): Wonton Soup or Hot and Sour Soup  
Third course (Choose one): Moo Goo Gai Pan, General Tso's Chicken  

**[Guru India (Crescent Springs)](/restaurants/guru-india)**  
*Indian*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Plain Naan  
Second course: Chicken Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice  
Third course: Mango Custard  

**[Hi-Mark (East End)](/restaurants/hi-mark)**  
*Bar*  
**$20 for three-course meal**   
6 wings, Chili Mac, Wanderer beer  
or  
Cup chili, Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Wanderer beer  
or  
12 KBBQ wings, Cup of chili, Wanderer beer  

**[Kampuchea Kitchen (Fort Thomas)](/restaurants/kampuchea-kitchen)**  
*Cambodian*  
**$30 for three-course meal**  
First course: Num Krouk (Khmer chive rice cakes, served with a spicy sweet fish sauce & crushed peanuts)  
Second course: Amok Trey (Traditional Khmer steamed fish curry with a sweet & spicy custardy curry)  
Third course: Sesame Balls (filled with mung bean and sweetened red bean)  

**Secret Menu Item**  
“Banh Xeo Rolls” (turmeric rice crepes rolled up in rice paper and filled with pickled papaya, noodles, medley of herbs, cucumbers, and your choice of crispy pork, shrimp, lemongrass chicken, or tofu)  $8

**[Kiki College Hill (College Hill)](/restaurants/kiki)**  
*Japanese*   
**Secret Menu Item**  
Vegetarian Thai Curry Ramen (Khao Soi) $12  

**[Lalo Chino Latino (Downtown)](/restaurants/lalo)**  
*Asian / Latin American Fusion*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one): Spring rolls, or Chips & dips  
Second course (Choose one): Asian Taco Plate, Mexi Pad Thai, or Mexi Bibimbap  
Third course (Choose one): Asian Pudding or Asian cake  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Mexican Bao Buns: 2 steamed buns filled with protein of your choice and pickled veggies $9.50  

**[Maki Express Ramen House (Clifton)](/restaurants/maki-express)**  
*Japanese* 	   
**Secret Menu Item**  
Tonkatsu Rice for $10  
Beef Curry for $10

**[Milk Jar Cafe (Hyde Park)](/restaurants/milk-jar-cafe)**  
*Taiwanese*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Blueberry Matcha Latte - Regular $4.85  
Blueberry Milkies - Regular $4.75  
 
**[Milk Jar Station (West Chester)](/restaurants/milk-jar-station)**  
*Taiwanese*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Blueberry Matcha Latte - Regular $4.85  
Blueberry Milkies - Regular $4.75  

**[Mochiko (East Walnut Hills)](/restaurants/mochiko)**  
*Japanese*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Cincinnati-Style Mazemen $15

**[Oriental Wok (Hyde Park)](/restaurants/oriental-wok-hyde-park)**  
*Chinese*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Hong Kong Curry Fishballs $12  
Canton ginger chicken $12  
Liuzhou Spicy Bamboo Noodles $15  
Cumin Lamb $21  

**[Pho Lang Thang (Over-the-Rhine)](/restaurants/pho-lang-thang)**  
*Vietnamese*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
Bo Luc Lac Special (1. Cháo Ga (Chicken Congee) or Cháo Nam (Mushroom Congee), 2. Side Salad, 3. Bo Luc Lac)   

**[Pin Toh Asian (Anderson Township)](/restaurants/pintoh-asian)**  
*Thai*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Thai style Pineapple Curry with shrimp $15  
Thai street Fried Rice with combination of meat $15  

**[Poke Hut (Over-the-Rhine)](/restaurants/poke-hut)**  
*Poke*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose two): Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, Cheese Wonton, or Veggie Spring Roll   
Second course (Choose one): Chicken Hibachi, Shrimp Hibachi, or Regular Signature Poke Bowl  
Third course (Choose one): Mango Fruit Tea or Taro Milk Tea  

**[Quan Hapa (Over-the-Rhine)](/restaurants/quan-hapa)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$25 for three-course meal**  
Papaya Salad 
3 KFC wings 
Choice of Specialty Ramen or Bowl  

**[Queen's Bakery (Mason)](/restaurants/queens-bakery)**  
*Bakery*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Tea: Fruity Fantasy $6.98, Roll: Not a plain roll $9.98, Combo set Tea + Roll $16  

**[Raja India (Mason)](/restaurants/raja-india)**  
*Indian*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Aloo Tikki  
Second course: Chicken Makhani with Garlic Naan and Basmati Rice  
Third course: Gulab Jamun  

**[Ramen Hachi (Oxford)](/restaurants/ramen-hachi)**  
*Japanese*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
1 Choose one from Signature ramen bowls  
2 Tuna poke sampler  
3 Japanese gyoza dumpling  
4 Hachi Pork Bun (1 piece) new recipe  
5 Mochi ice cream of your choice  
$22 per set

**[Sago Eurasian Cuisine and Rotisserie (Mount Lookout)](/restaurants/sago)**  
*Malaysian / Eurasian*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose one):  Pork Bun or Chicken Curry Puff or Vegetarian Samosa  
Second course: Choice of Rotisserie Meat  
Third course (Choose one): Mango Rice or Sago Gula Melaka  

**[Saigon Noodle Bar (West Chester)](/restaurants/saigon-noodle-bar)**  
*Vietnamese*   
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First Couse (Choose One): Milk tea (with choice of boba/jelly), or Vietnamese iced coffee (with choice of boba/jelly)  
Second Course (Choose One): Egg rolls, or Spring rolls  
Third Course (Choose One): Beef Pho, or Chicken Pho  

**[Sawasdee Thai Cuisine and Sushi (Fairfield)](/restaurants/sawasdee-thai-cuisine)**  
*Thai*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Thai Papaya Salad set (Papaya salad, sticky rice, and grilled chicken): $12.99, or  
Bento Box: $12.99

**[Sichuan Palace (Clifton)](/restaurants/sichuan-palace)**  
*Chinese*  
**$30 for three-course meal**  (Choose One set)
1. Red Dry Chili Chicken, Green Beans, Sichuan Mung Bean Noodle   
2. Map Tofu, Red Dry Chili Fish, Wonton with Chili Oil  
3. General Tso's Chicken, Green Beans, Crab Rangoon  
4. Twice cooked pork, General Tso's Chicken, Crab Rangoon
5. Sichuan Individual Hotpot, Green Beans, Sichuan Mung Bean Noodles 

**[Stone Bowl Sushi, Ramen, Korean (Oakley)](/restaurants/stone-bowl-sushi-ramen-korean-restaurant)**  
*Korean, Japanese*  
**Secret Menu Item**  
JapChe Combo Set (JapChe, Salad, Vegan Dumpling, Edamame, Yogurt, Organic fruit): $16 ~ $16.80

**[Swagat India House (West Chester)](/restaurants/swagat-india-house)**  
*Indian*   
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Chicken Biryani  
Second course: Chicken Tikka Masala & Garlic Naan  
Third course: Mango Custard  

**[Tea ‘n’ Bowl Asian Fare and Bubble Tea (Clifton)](/restaurants/teanbowl)**  
*Asian Fusion*  
**$25 for three-course meal**  
First course (Choose One): Steam Dumpling, Takoyaki, or Lucky Bao  
Second course (Choose One): Japanese Curry w. Chicken Katsu, Korean Spicy Tofu, or Thai Pineapple Fried Rice (Chicken or Tofu)    
Third course (Choose One): Crispy Sesame Balls, Crispy Sweet Potato Balls, Slice of Cassava Cake

**[Teak Sushi and Thai (OTR)](/restaurants/teak-otr)**  
*Thai*  
**$30 for three-course meal**  
First Course (Choose one):  
Dynamite Roll: Crab stick with shichimi on top, baked in the oven.  
Spring Rolls: Two paper thin rolls filled with fresh vegetables, fried served with sweet & sour, hot & musted sauces.  
Ginger Salad: Arugula, lettuce & tomatoes with Teak’s famous ginger dressing.  

Second Course (Choose one):  
Salmon Red Curry: Green beans, baby corn, bell peppers, Thai basil, bamboo shoots, cauliflower & Salmon stewed in spicy Teak red curry sauce.  
Noodles Thai style(Pad Thai): Chicken, rice noodles, roasted peanuts, egg, bean sprouts & green onion.  
Beef Pepper Garlic:  Beef, peas & carrots stir-fried in a pepper garlic sauce surrounded with steamed broccoli.  

Third Course (Choose one):  
Passion Fruit Crème Brule  
Fresh Mangoes  

**[Thai Express (Clifton)](/restaurants/thai-express)**  
*Thai*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
Choose one set  (due to the set menu items, we cannot mix and match items)  
Set 1 (Salad with peanut dressing, Duck curry with rice, Sticky rice and mango dessert)  

Set 2 (Sticky Rice, Papaya salad, Fried chicken thigh, Thai custard)  

**[Uncle Yip's (Evendale)](/restaurants/uncle-yips)**  
*Chinese*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First Course (Choose one): Sesame Chicken or Hot & Spicy Chicken or Spicy Sizzling Beef or Mongolian Beef  
Second Course (Choose one): Stuffed Tofu w/ Shrimp or Stuffed Eggplant w/ Shrimp or Stuffed Chilli Pepper w/ Shrimp or Steam Gailan (Chinese Broccoli)  
Third Course (Choose one): Crab Rangoon (2 pcs) or Sesame Ball (1 pcs) or Chicken Egg Roll (1 pcs) or Vegetarian Spring Roll (2 pcs) or Pork Pot-Sticker (2 pcs)  
**Secret Menu Item**  
Green Beans Roast Pork $18.95  
Green Beans Shrimp Cake $15.95  
Curry Chicken Hong Kong Style $15.95  
Soy Sauce Leek Stir-Fried Noodle $14.95  

**[Yat Ka Mein Noodle House (Oakley)](/restaurants/yat-ka-mein)**  
*Chinese*  
**$20 for three-course meal**  
First course: Shanghai Dumpling  
Second course: Hong Kong Wonton Mein  
Third course: Dan Dan Noodle  

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Asian Food Week 2021

Asian Pacific American Heritage (APAHM) is an annual celebration and recognition of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans and their achievements and contributions throughout U.S. history and to present day. 

Throughout the month of May, celebrate APAHM with events and activities across Cincinnati. All events are free unless otherwise noted. *Check individual event details for most accurate information.*

### APAHM Kickoff
May 1  
4-8pm   
Five Points Alley (2425 Gilbert Ave, 45206)  

Join us as we kick off Asian American Pacific Heritage Month. Grab a drink from Comfort Station and meet us at Five Points Alley in historic Walnut Hills for food, music, and community. Music by the Andrew Lin Quartet. Food by Kealoha's Kitchen Food Truck. Brought to you by Cincy Nice, Asianati/AACAC, and Afrochine. Sponsored by P&G.  [More details on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/2894863947453963)

### Asian Food Week 2021
May 3-9  
Participating Greater Cincinnati Restaurants  

Visit participating restaurants May 3rd through May 9th to explore all the culinary offerings Cincinnati has to offer. Restaurants may offer a 3-course “prix fixe” menu for either $20 or $30 and/or a “secret menu item” not typically offered. 
[https://asianati.com/afw](https://asianati.com/afw)

### Story Tree Time with the Cincinnati Museum Center
Starting May 5
Online

Bring your little one and join us as we play, dance, sing and listen to a new story every Wednesday (virtually) at 11 a.m. For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we’ll be reading books by Asian-American authors. Available on the Cincinnati Museum Center’s YouTube channel and the [Story Tree Time playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKg_QLggSmtj4DoWG4sd4v7PbqJkh-6S5). A new video is released every week. 

### Inhale/Exhale - Healing after Atlanta and Indianapolis  
May 6  
7:00-8:30 PM  
Online  

Join Ohio Voice and OPAWL - Building AAPI Feminist Leadership for a collaborative Inhale/Exhale session open to progressive organizers and activists of all genders who identify as AAPI (Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander). [Facebook Event](https://www.facebook.com/events/2947205368825839/)

### Sake Tasting with Certified Sake Sommelier (Virtual)
May 7  
5-6 PM  

Join Certified Sake Sommelier Akisa Fukuzawa on Friday, May 7th, for a virtual event that is certain to put a smile on your face! She will teach us about sake and the culture behind the drink. We will be tasting 3 types of sake - Sparkling (Mio brand), Daiginjo (Dassai brand), and Ginjo (Kikusui brand). This event is 21+. [Register here](https://jasgc.org/en/events/#!event/register/2021/5/7/-virtual-sake-tasting-with-certified-sake-sommelier)

### Opening Reception: Yoshi Nakamura
May 8    
Wave Pool Gallery (2940 Colerain Ave)     

Japanese artist Yoshi Nakamura has been in residence at Wave Pool since August 2020. Nakamura will be displaying a collaborative exhibition with Mark Harris and Froghole? in Wave Pool's upstairs space and solo exhibitions exploring communication and accessibility at The Welcome Project and Visionaries and Voices.  Gallery will have limited attendance to ensure social distancing. Masks required. [Facebook Event](https://www.facebook.com/events/823213941876885)

### Black and Asian Solidarity
May 10  
7-9pm  
Online

Join Urban Consulate Cincinnati for a virtual salon conversation about transracial identity, solidarity & healing. Featuring a live music performance by Steven Shinji Whipple and interactive dialogue with special guests Sulin Ngo (OPAWL), Angela Jo White (Debatable), and Ronnie Iquina (AACAC and NAAAP). Hosted by Naimah Bilal and Meg Trischler. Presented by Urban Consulate, AACAC, Afrochine, and the Mercantile Library. [Register at Urban Consulate](http://www.urbanconsulate.com/events/2021/05/10/cincinnati)

### Early Japanese-American Settlers in Cincinnati: Beyond the WWII Incarceration Camps (Webinar)  
May 12
6:00-7:15 PM  
Online

Join Cincinnati native Denny Kato, born to Japanese-American parents who arrived in Cincinnati after their release from a WWII incarceration camp, as he discusses the lives of early Japanese settlers in Cincinnati and shares his personal story of growing up in Cincinnati during a period when there were very few residents from any Asian country.  [Register through Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati](https://jasgc.org/en/events/#!event/2021/5/12/early-japanese-american-settlers-in-cincinnati-beyond-the-wwii-incarceration-camps)

### Cincinnati "Unity Against Hate" - We are Cincinnati  
May 16  
2-4 PM  
Fountain Square  

Join the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association - Ohio State Chapter invites you to celebrate with the API community. Food and entertainment will be provided. This part of the "Unity Against Hate" national event.  Please wear a mask, keep social distance. [Facebook Event](https://m.facebook.com/events/3561996130572814)


### Virtual Performance – Kamishibai (Paper Theater)
May 19  
4 PM 

Join the Cincinnati Public Library for a virtual program to enjoy a vibrant form of storytelling popular in Japan, Kamishibai or “paper-theater.” Part of a long tradition of picture storytelling in Japan, Kamishibai flourished as a street-performance art from the 1920s to the 1950s and has seen a revival in recent years. Presented by the Japan America Society. [Register through the Cincinnati Library](https://cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/search/index/event/60902b57f5e5392f00ea8d37)

### Cooking & Conversation: The Truth Behind MSG  
May 19  
7-8 PM    
Online

In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, we are breaking down the stereotypes surrounding MSG (monosodium glutamate). We will learn the art and science of the umami powerhouse, MSG, its craveability and tainted reputation,  along with its cultural nuances and link to Asian cuisine. Grace Yek, Program Chair of the Culinary and Food Science program at Cincinnati State, and author of the blog, Our Kitchen Roots, will lead us in conversation as she prepares okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). [Facebook Event](https://www.facebook.com/events/209765564034775/)

### Virtual Seminar: Home Design Fusion | Asian Influence on Interior Design
May 20  6-7 PM  
May 22  11AM-12PM  
Online 

An engaging and interactive home design workshop focusing on Asia’s influence on interior design, diving into design elements from the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East. Hosted by Kirii Design. 
[Register here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-seminar-home-design-fusion-asian-influence-on-interior-design-tickets-153576877575)

### (Not) Knowing Asia: Why Stereotypes Emerge and Persist
May 21  
1-2 PM  
Online  

Join the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library for a critical conversation to learn interesting facts about Asia, and how you can help eliminate stereotypes and contribute to the sense of belonging of Asian Americans in our communities. Presented by Professor Gergana Ivanova, interim director, Asian Studies, University of Cincinnati. [Register here](https://cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/607f275fd0c14b45007c224d)  

### Intro to Japanese Calligraphy Session 1 (Virtual)  
May 21  
6:30-7:30 PM  

Join instructor Emiko Kuisel, a native of Japan and is excited to introduce you to the world of Japanese Calligraphy and brush, ink and paper. [Register at JASGC.org](https://jasgc.org/en/events/#!event/2021/5/21/japanese-calligraphy-session-1-virtual-workshop)

### Summer Cinema's Cultural Family Movie Series: *Moana*  
May 26  
5-10 PM  
Washington Park  

Free movie screening at Washington Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and join us for a fun, relaxing evening over on Washington Park's civic lawn. Movie begins at 9pm. Drinks and alcohol available at The Porch. Food available for purchase from S.E.A. Cuisine. Join us from 7-8 PM for a pre-film discussion. Presented by 3CDC, Keng Enterprises, and AACAC. [Facebook Event](https://www.facebook.com/events/825288178073791)

### Origami for Kids (Virtual)  
May 28  
4 PM  

In this workshop presented by Teruko Nesbitt, kids will learn how to make one or more easy origami designs using basic materials commonly found at home including paper (printer paper or newspaper) and scissors. [Event Info](https://jasgc.org/en/events/#!event/2021/5/28/origami-for-kids)

### APAHM Closing Celebration
May 30  
4-8 PM  
Five Points Alley (2425 Gilbert Ave, 45206)  

Music by Daybreaker Trio. Food by Mahope food truck. Brought to you by Cincy Nice, AACAC, and Afrochine. Sponsored by P&G. [More details on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/467757761131472)

*Want to submit an event to this list? [Email Asianati](mailto:caitlin@asianati.com) with your event information.* 

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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2021

Kate Zaidan

## Tea n Bowl in Clifton takes a creative approach to overcoming pandemic challenges

*[editor's note: We conducted this interview with Ms Chew before recent events where Tea n Bowl was targeted for harassment over the course of a week. It breaks our hearts that this horrible behavior persists. We encourage you, friend of Asianati, to [continue](https://www.asianati.com/articles/StopAsianHate) speaking out against all racist behavior whether it's coded language or "harmless" pranks. Racism and injustice persists only so long as we allow it. -JP]*

“I just literally don’t know what else I would do,” says Yvonne Chew, owner of Tea n Bowl on McMillian. “This is my home”. 

[Tea n Bowl](https://www.asianati.com/restaurants/teanbowl) has been a Clifton Heights staple for 15 years. The restaurant is a mainstay in the university neighborhood, serving bubble tea and noodles to hungry UC students and authentic Malaysian dishes from Chew’s home country. But the pandemic’s capacity rules hit this tiny restaurant hard. With student traffic nearly non-existent, Chew had to find other options. 

![2021-03-20 Tea N Bowl Cookies0178.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/aacac/image/upload/v1617565260/2021_03_20_Tea_N_Bowl_Cookies0178_de2cd74caf.jpg "Yvonne Chew (Photo: JP Leong)")
*Yvonne Chew (Photo: JP Leong)*

Discouraged but undeterred, Chew has mastered the art of the entrepreneurial side hustle. Tea n Bowl is available on all the delivery platforms but the fees cut into their already slim profit margins. To compensate, she added a selection of Malaysian groceries and handicrafts, which now decorate the bar once occupied by satisfied slurpers of curry laksa and duck soup. They have also experimented with small plates, ghost kitchens, and holiday specials. 

Chew and her husband bought the storefront at 211 W. McMillan Street in 2006 and wondered if an Asian bakery could flourish here in Clifton. Instead, they took a safer route: a restaurant with some tried and true staples like bubble tea and ramen. They were right to do so, as evident by the “Best of Cincinnati” plaques lining the walls and the Yelp reviews singing their praises. But the idea of the bakery lingered, and the pandemic presented an opportunity to try something new. So, just last month, Tea n Bowl launched Mookie Cookie, a line of handcrafted sweet and savory pastries with authentic Malaysian recipes. Mookie Cookie was born of that long-held dream of running a bakery. 

Chew uses recipes she remembers from her home and include ingredients that tell Malaysia's complex and storied history of trade and colonialism. 

The Parmesan cookies are particularly surprising to anyone unaccustomed to the nuances of Malay cuisine. The Dutch colonial influence on Indonesian and Malaysian pastry persists — it’s not uncommon to see gouda and parmesan added to sweets. The result is sublime, especially when this sweet and salty cookie is paired with homemade pineapple jam. When asked if parmesan is a common ingredient in Malaysia, Chew said simply, “Sometimes, but it’s expensive back home.” She was delighted that the ingredient is so readily available here in the states. Chew sees tea and cookies as a natural pairing and hopes customers will grab a few packages to enjoy with their award-winning boba. 

And at this point, every dollar is helping this family business stay afloat. When asked if they’ve experienced any Anti-Asian sentiment, Chew nods in familiarity, indicating that this is not a new phenomenon for them. She fends off the comments and racist jokes with humor. “People sometimes call us and ask if we serve dog,” she says, eyes rolling. “I say, 'No, we serve DRAGON' and that shuts them up.” 

Thankfully, supporters of Tea n Bowl run wide and deep. Saturday evening is Malaysian Night. A few regular families come by to enjoy a familiar feast. Kids can be found jumping for joy over pancakes stuffed with pork and egg and exchanging smiles with Chew’s own pre-teen children, who are often posted at the back table working on homework and checking their iPads. A family business in the truest sense, Chew raised her kids in the restaurant. Her husband is the head chef. But the aesthetic is anything but provincial, and college students find themselves equally at home as local Malaysian families. Lucky cat figurines pose against plastic moss walls, and clothes-pinned Polaroids of happy customers are draped next to fairy lights. It’s clear that Chew has given a lot of thought to her audience and customer base and worked hard to appeal to them all. 

Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic has put this carefully crafted dining experience in jeopardy. Even with the side businesses, Chew worries about the future of the restaurant her family worked so hard to build. Mookie Cookie is only one of Tea n Bowl’s creative approaches to survival. If successful, the venture might well be a blessing that emerges from pandemic challenges. Regardless, Chew’s passion and pride in her culinary heritage will hopefully guarantee Tea n Bowl a lasting place in Cincinnati’s Asian restaurant scene.                                                                                                                  


*Top Image: Collection of Mookie Cookie's latest offerings.*
*Photo: JP Leong*

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Not Gonna Let This Cookie Crumble 

**We are angry and grieving.**

On March 16, 2021 a white man opened fire on three different Asian spas in Georgia killing eight people, including six Asian women.  

Violence and discrimination against Asians is not a new phenomenon, but the United States has seen an intense rise in anti-Asian hatred and hate crimes -- nearly 3,800 reported incidents in one year alone -- since the pandemic started. Of those incidents, 68% were committed against women. 

Asianati was created as a platform to celebrate Asian stories and culture through food — an urgent call for joy in a time when rhetoric about the pandemic has demonized and blamed our communities. 

Food is a powerful connector. It’s our love language, the way we show we care about each other. And we will continue to lift up our stories and histories about our food.

But right now — and always — we are urging you to do more than embrace our food and culture. 

*Read* about Asian American History — not only our contributions to this country, but also the anti-Asian language, imagery, and violence that has been and continues to be a significant part of the American legacy. 

*Talk* to your friends and family about the injustices against the Asian community, and bring more attention to this week's act of violence. 

*Speak out* against all forms of hatred and violence against Asians and all people of color.

Here's a list of resources to check out:  

[Stop AAPI Hate](https://stopaapihate.org/)

[Asian Americans Advancing Justice](https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/covid19)

[Safety Tips for Those Experiencing or Witnessing Hate](https://stopaapihate.org/safetytipsenglish/)

[Bystander Intervention Training to stop anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment](https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/)

We are hungry for a different kind of future -there is always an open seat at our table.

#StopAAPIHate


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