asian avenue magazine
Connecting Cultures Linking Lives
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PATIENTS AT
DAYTON DENTAL
July 2018 Volume 13 Issue 7
LISA NGUYEN
FULFILLS DREAM TO HELP FAMILIES FIND HOMES
DRINKING AROUND ASIA
with the Travel Channel’s Booze Traveler RESTAURANT PEEK NON LA THE EATING PLACE
Mortgages within your reach • • • • •
We have low rates and fees We have more flexibility to approve your loan We can close a loan quickly We offer several solutions You will work directly with a banker who makes the decisions
Chuwen Z Huang Banking Officer Mandarin & Cantonese NMLS: #1500849 303.660.7942 chuwen.huang@efirstbank.com
Ruby Wong Senior Loan Specialist Mandarin & Cantonese NMLS: #566210 303.456.2189 choi.wong@efirstbank.com
HuyenThi Le Assistant Vice president Vietnamese NMLS: #1174616 303.696.2912 huyenthi.le@efirstbank.com
Sean Choi Vice President Korean NMLS#832825 303.740.5346 sean.choi.@efirstbank.com
Lancy Liu Loan Rep Mandarin NMLS: #1717549 303.635.3167 Lanycy.Liu@efirstbank.com
Thuy Aragon Vice President Vietnamese NMLS: #583281 303.805.3803 thuy.aragon@efirstbank.com
LiMin DePenning Banking Officer Mandarin NMLS: #1379947 720.304.4910 limin.depenning@efirstbank.com
Tony Oum Senior Vice President Khmer NMLS: #566263 303.742.3062 tony.oum@efirstbank.com
Lynn Ngo Assistant Vice President Vietnamese NMLS: #1088892 303.742.3094 lynn.ngo@efirstbank.com
efirstbank.com/mortgage
Victoria Lam Banking Oficer Cantonese NMLS: #1632927 303.456.2184 victoria.lam@efirstbank.com
banking for good Member FDIC
THE MEDICAL CENTER OF AURORA IS PLEASED TO INTRODUCE
TYLER W. CHAN, MD ENDOCRINE SURGERY
Dr. Chan is board certified and specializes in endocrine diseases and conditions. Dr. Chan completed his endocrine fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical College, his surgical residency at Drexel University, and his medical degree from the University of Sydney. He specializes in: • Thyroid surgery and cancer • Cushing’s Syndrome • Parathyroid surgery • Pheochromocytoma • Adrenal surgery • Laparoscopic surgery • Hyperthyroidism • General surgery • Hyperparathyroidism • Hernia surgery • Hyperaldosteronism • Abdominal surgery
For appointments call 303-794-6747 Or visit: www.milehighsurgical.com
OPEN HOURS:
Mon - Sat: 11am to 10pm Sun: 12 to 9pm
3970 Buchtel Blvd Denver, CO 80210 Enjoy 100% fresh juices, smoothies, and bubble tea
tbaar.com
303.756.6176 Ingredients shipped from Taiwan
"Make Life Fresh"
BUY ONE GET THE SECOND FOR 50% OFF BOBA MILK TEA AND FRESH TEA ONLY
MENTION THIS AD. EXPIRES JULY 31, 2018.
Dear Asian Avenue readers,
magazine
This issue is all about food and drink! To begin, we present the On Havana Street Restaurant Week that takes place next month, August 1-8. The event celebrates On Havana Street’s global corridor in Aurora with many Asian restaurants participating. Experience cuisines all over the globe in just 4.3 miles. Also in Aurora is Non La the eating place, a Vietnamese-Cajun restaurant and event center. We visited with owner Diem Tran to learn more about what the restaurant has to offer which includes a seafood buffet, rice noodle bowls (pho) and other Vietnamese specialties. The unique space is also available for parties and business meetings of all sizes. After our staff writer Mary J. Schultz met Jack Maxwell at the Denver Travel and Adventure Show, he shared more of his experiences specifically in Asia with her. This month, we feature The Travel Channel’s Booze Traveler, Jack Maxwell, ‘drinking in’ the cultures of Asia. Several of the show’s episodes have shown things to do in Asian countries including the most popular drinks to try! Friend to the magazine, Lisa Nguyen, continues to see success as a RE/MAX realtor. We put the spotlight on her personal and professional journey, as she shares how she is living her dream of helping families find their perfect home. Enjoy the summer weather! Hope to see you at the largest pan-Asian event in our state, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival on July 28-29 at Sloan’s Lake! Christina Yutai Guo, Publisher Asian Avenue magazine | www.asianavemag.com
asian avenue www.asianavemag.com SUBSCRIPTION
magazine
Get each issue sent to your home or business
MORE THAN 60% OFF EACH ISSUE! 1 YEAR 12 Issues for $25
Payment Enclosed
2 YEAR 24 Issues for $40
Bill Me
Name Address City/State/Zip Cell E-mail Comments Please send a check payable to Asian Avenue magazine. Mail to P.O. Box 221748, Denver, CO 80222. Visit www.asianavemag.com/subscribe to pay with Paypal or credit card.
P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303.937.6888 Email: info@asianavemag.com Follow Us! @AsianAveMag
4
July 2018 | Publisher’s Note
asian avenue staff & support Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo VanDan Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Marketing Manager: Joie Ha Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Photographer: Trang Luong
contributing writers Wayne Chan Chona Palmon Stacey Shigaya
contributing photographers Andrew Bennett Jack Maxwell Cami Shigaya Peter Yoon
on the cover The Travel Channel’s Booze Traveler visits countries in Asia to drink with the locals and share cultural insights of the people he meets. Photo Courtesy of Jack Maxwell.
subscriptions To subscribe, e-mail info@asianavemag.com or visit asianavemag.com/subscribe. A one-year subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues. Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine. For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping/handling included.
advertising Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at marketing@asianavemag.com for our media kit and ad rates.
editorial To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or calendar events, e-mail info@asianavemag.com. Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.
Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | info@asianavemag.com
www.asianavemag.com
Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.
HENRY KAPONO “WELCOME 2 MY PARADISE!” feat. Henry’s “Dukes on Sunday” Band Thu 07.12
CONAN . THIS IS NOT HAPPENING
Joel Kim Booster JULY 19-22
$30 advance
more music less show Unplug and tune in. swallowhillmusic.org
The Confucius Institute More music. Less show.
at
Community College of Denver Where music resounds The Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver is a Chinese language and cultural learning center, established in 2007 with the support of the Chinese Language Council International (Hanban), Music for you. Music for all. to promote Chinese language training and intercultural understanding. Our programs and services include: n Noncredit Chinese language and Take a break from streaming cultural workshops and start experienceing. n Private Chinese language tutoring n Chinese language proficiency testing n Scholarships to study in China n China summer camps n Seasonal Chinese cultural events n Seasonal professional development training for Colorado K-12 Mandarin teachers n An educational resource center For more information about the Confucius Institute, contact: Jane Lim Jane.Lim@ccd.edu n 303-352-6510 CCD.edu/ci
Downtown in Larimer Square 1226 15th Street, Denver, CO 80202 comedyworks.com
Unique ideas and solutions can create great results for your business or organization 4921 S. Blackhawk Circle, Unit 1-B | Aurora, CO 80014
Office 303.690.3773 | Cell 303.669.5001
Barcode & Label Solutions Promotional Products Business Forms & Commercial Printing such as folders, stickers, brochures, etc. Countless products that can be labeled with logos, slogans and messages such as “thank you” to your customers
AL KAWAKAMI accentsolamk@comcast.net
www.accentsolutionsandmedia.com
CONTENTS
july 2018
EVENTS
8
Event calendar
SPOTLIGHT
10
Lisa Nguyen of RE/MAX fulfills dream to help families find homes
INSIDE STORY
11
Dayton Dental is committed to patient-centered care
COVER STORY
12
The Travel Channel’s Booze Traveler, Jack Maxwell experiences all aspects of Asian cultures as he visits with locals and enjoys the best drinks each country has to offer!
Drinking around Asia with the Booze Traveler
RESTAURANT PEEK
17
12
Non La the eating place offers Cajun dishes like gumbo, as well as Vietnamese options like pho noodle bowls
17
COMEDY COLUMN
18
The Master Chef and the Case of the Missing Pasta by Wayne Chan
FEATURE
20
On Havana Street Restaurant Week August 1-8
ASIAN AMERICAN NEWS
22
National news about Asian American people and communities
BOOK REVIEW
24
25
The Mountain by Paul Yoon tells the stories of the brokenhearted The Cherry Blossom Festival shines on in Denver!
ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE, INC. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 | Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: info@asianavemag.com | www.asianavemag.com 6
July 2018 | Table of Contents
28
29
Filipino-American community celebrates annual Philippines’ Independence Day Denver Comic Con is one of the largest in the United States Aurora Sister Cities International teaches global leadership skills to youth
Nathan Yip Foundation celebrates with sushi
Suicide Club by Rachel Heng leaves readers wondering what it would be like to live forever
ON SCENE
26
27
27 Find us @AsianAveMag
#AsianAveMag
AKI Asian Hotpot ALL YOU CAN EAT
醉香鍋
12303 E Mississippi Ave Unit 127, Aurora, CO 80012 | Tel: 720.638.3193
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Sun - Thur: 11:30am – 9:30pm Fri - Sat: 11am – 10pm
WINE & LIQUOR AVAILABLE!
For Your Selection SOUP BASE: Hot-Spicy Broth, Herbal Broth, Corn w/ Bone Broth, Clear Broth, Beef Bone Broth MEAT: Lamb Slices, Beef Slices, Beef Manifold, Beef Tripe, Pork Belly, Pork Rind, Pork Blood Curd, Luncheon Meat, Chicken, Pork Intestine, Beef Meat Ball SEAFOOD: Squid, Mussel, Shrimp w/ Head, Clam, Fish Fillet, Fish Ball, Cuttlefish Ball, Fish Tofu VEGETABLES: Enoki Mushroom, King Oyster Mushroom, White Mushroom, Napa Cabbage, Watercress, Tong Ho, Lettuce, Lettuc Spinach, Taiwanese Lettuce, Lotus Root, Winter Melon, Chinese Yam, Pea Sprouts, Baby Bok Choy, Wood Ear, Taro Root, Sweet Corn, Pumpkin Slices, Kelp Knot, Sliced Potato SOY PRODUCTS: Tender Tofu, Silky Tofu, Fried Bean Curd Sheet,Yubu NOODLE: Udon Noodle, Instant Noodle, Rice Vermicelli, Green Bean Vermicelli, Korea Rice Cake
Kids age 3 and under: FREE Ages 4-6: $6.99 Ages 7-9: $10.99 Ages 10-12: $12.99 Seniors: $17.99
Adults: $19.99
upcoming events Henry Kapono “Welcome 2 My Paradise!” Concert Thursday, July 12 | Doors open at 7pm Daniels Hall - Swallow Hill Music 71 E. Yale Ave. Denver, CO 80210 Cost: $30 general admission For more info, visit swallowhillmusic.org.
ADVERTISE WITH US IN
ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE
Known as “Kapono”, the Hawaiian word for righteous, Henry is pure Hawaiian, born and raised in Kapahulu, a small town just outside Waikiki. He started singing in a children’s church choir at age 5. When he soared to the forefront of Hawaiian music in the 1970s with the duo Cecilio & Kapono, they became the first Hawai’i group to achieve a national recording contract (Columbia Records). Together they recorded 14 albums and gave contemporary and folk rock—and Hawaiian music—a new perspective. Always musically adventurous, Henry launched a solo career in 1981; he has released 17 albums to date. Henry’s newest CD release ‘Welcome 2 My Paradise’ celebrates the island vibe and aloha.
Asian Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event
WITH VARIOUS AD SIZES AND FLEXIBLE FREQUENCY, WE CAN WORK WITH YOUR BUDGET! MARKETING@ASIANAVEMAG.COM TEL: 303.937.6888 WWW.ASIANAVEMAG.COM ASK ABOUT OUR DISCOUNTS FOR NONPROFITS AND FIRST TIME ADVERTISERS!
8
July 2018 | Event Calendar
Wednesday, July 18 | 6pm to 7:30pm
Wasabi Sushi Bar in Belmar 433 S. Teller St. Lakewood, CO 80226 Cost: $15 members | $20 non-members For more info, visit www.acccolorado.org. Meet the wonderful team at Wasabi Sushi Bar in the Belmar Center and enjoy some awesome rolls and sushi! Network with the Asian Chamber of Commerce and fellow business owners; this is an annual favorite of our members!
Taiwan Investment Seminar Tuesday, July 24 | 12pm to 2pm
Maggiano’s Little Italy 500 16th St. Suite 150, Denver, CO 80202 No cost For more info or to RSVP, contact: Shirley Chang at cschang03@mofa.gov.tw or call 720-587-2949 #108. Join the Taipei Economic and Cultural Offies in Denver and the Los Angeles Economic Division and learn about business and economic trade opportunities between partners. A three-course lunch will be provided.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Weekend of July 28-29
Sloan’s Lake | 25th Ave and Sheridan Blvd Cost: Free and open to general public For more info, visit www.cdbf.org. Join Colorado’s annual celebration of Asian and Asian American heritage, the biggest panAsian Dragon Boat Festival in the US. Enjoy this family-friendly event for cultural performances, live demonstrations, diverse foods and the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boat racing! This year’s highlights include the interactive Obon dance, spicy ramen eating contest, and origami workshop. The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival debuted in 2001 and now features more than 20 food vendors in two Taste of Asia Food Courts, a huge Asian Marketplace of gifts, artisans and organizations, a Wellness Village where health is the focus, Dragonland interactive children’s area, and over 100 performances on five stages that feature traditional Asian to contemporary Asian American culture.
CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT! $45 for 50 pieces of sushi
NOODLES
SUSHI
RICE BOWLS
Thank you to chef and storyteller Anthony Bourdain for teaching us the importance of food to a culture and to appreciate each other’s differences.
Lisa Nguyen of RE/MAX fulfills dream to help families find homes
By Annie Guo VanDan In Denver’s competitive real estate market, LISA NGUYEN of RE/MAX, rises to the top as a realtor in both residential and commercial real estate. This means she helps with the buying and selling process of properties as well as commercial leasing. Her competitive advantage as a born and raised Colorado native has given her incredible knowledge, history and expertise of the mile-high region. Additionally, Nguyen has always been a go-getter. Prior to joining RE/MAX, she helped her family run four Subway shops and worked in retail for five years at Victoria’s Secret and Michael Kors. As a mother of two, her son Nathaniel (age 10) and daughter Natalie (age 6) are her top priority. After Natalie was born, she took a break from real estate to work an 8-5 job with Kaiser Permanente that allowed more time with her family. “Once my daughter started school, I followed my dream of being a RE/MAX agent,” said Nguyen. “RE/MAX is a brand that I respect and am so honored to be with. I could never imagine myself working for any other real estate company.” This past February, Nguyen was invited by RE/MAX world headquarters to speak as a panelist at the 2018 R4 RE/MAX National Convention at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. She was honored to sit alongside two other agents from Tennessee and California to provide their experiences working with minorities in real estate
10
July 2018 | Spotlight
in the panel titled “Demographics Are Changing. Are you?”. They also presented about changes in their respective markets and how to make business adjustments to adapt to the changes ahead in this next decade for the US. When asked about trends in the Denver market, Nguyen said: “Right now, I think it is important to keep an eye out for the tech companies, the I-70 highway expansion, and the marijuana industry. The tech companies that are purchasing huge facilities will eventually affect our market with new jobs created. The I-70 highway expansion is a huge undertaking that will affect the infrastructure to support our rapidly growing state.” She continued, “Many people do not know this, but the marijuana industry has stamped its footprint on commercial and residential real estate in our market. It is important to stay educated about the topic to protect your rental properties and to stay within the laws of the state, as many of those laws do not apply federally. Since Colorado was the first to legalize, we will also be the first to eventually see the impact and affect it will have on real estate.” While she has spent her entire life in Denver, her family is originally from Vietnam. Her father was a soldier for the US in the Vietnam War. Her parents immigrated to the US and first started their lives in North Carolina in the 1970s. They later moved to Denver, where Nguyen was born. Passionate to serve her community, Nguyen is very active with a number of organizations. She is currently the Treasurer of Asian Real Estate Association of America Greater Denver Chapter, Board Member of the Community Alliance
Group at Denver Metro Association of America, Board Member of the School Advisory Committee at Notre Dame Parish School, Member of the Asian Chamber of Commerce. Nguyen shares that what she loves most about her job is putting together all of the puzzle pieces to get a deal to the closing table. “I can’t tell you how many times someone has said a home could not be sold at a certain price or that the deal was not possible, and I made it happen,” said Nguyen. “I have resurrected deals from
Lisa Nguyen with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Denver First Lady Mary Louise Lee-Hancock
death through reaching out to everyone in my network or using out-of-the-box thinking to find a solution.” As she looks to the future, she is making plans for her next venture “LL International Group at RE/MAX Professionals” to launch in 2020.
At the 2018 R4 National RE/MAX Convention, Nguyen speaks on a panel at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Dayton Dental: Committed to Patient-Centered Care By Patricia Kaowthumrong
2020 S. Parker Road, Suite #F Denver, CO 80231
720. 477. 1449
L
ike many, Dale and Michelle Kim were lured to Colorado by its endless sunshine, proximity to the mountains and parks, and unparalleled quality of life. But the couple has something unique to offer the community in return: a patient-centered dental practice. After living in Los Angeles for many years, the husband-and-wife dental team decided to relocate to Denver and open Dayton Dental. “The goal we had in mind when we started Dayton Dental was to create a space where we would be comfortable sending our own spouses and children,” says Dr. Dale Kim. “We take our time to get to know each patient and want every patient to always feel as if he/she is the focus of our time.” Dr. Dale Kim earned his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles, while Dr. Michelle Kim earned a chemistry degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. They both acquired their Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at University of Southern California. Dayton Dental is equipped with three chairs and two dentists — meaning patients never have to wait for a dentist to finish up in another room or feel like they’re receiving rushed treatment. “That’s a promise,” says Dr. Dale Kim. “The special patient-dentist relationship we make with every individual sets us apart.” Both dentists also possess the patience and expertise to deal with nervous patients and can offer an array of techniques and products to help someone overcome their fear of treatment. It also helps that they have in-office distraction amenities like noise-cancelling headphones and Net-
flix-equipped operatories. “Fear and anxiety about dental treatment is very common, and we understand how you feel,” says Dr. Dale Kim. “Please give us a call if you suffer from dental anxiety, we truly believe we can help and will do everything we can to make your visit pleasant.” When Dale and Michelle Kim aren’t in the office, they love exploring Colorado’s great outdoors, trying out new restaurants and traveling. They also made it a yearly goal to use their skills as dentists to help underserved populations around the world. Last year, they spent two weeks in Mongolia on a dental mission trip, and the couple has finalized plans to do outreach in Cambodia this year. “We believe in serving our local community and welcome opportunities to do so,” says Dr. Dale Kim. “Please feel free to contact us.” Dayton Dental staff are fluent in Korean, Thai, and Lao. They offer evening and weekend appointments; and accept most insurances, including Medicaid.
Learn more about Dayton Dental at: www.daytondentaldenver.com.
Inside Story | asian avenue magazine
11
Drinking Around Asia with the
Booze Traveler By Mary Jeneverre Schultz
Imagine drinking different drinks, libations, cocktails, one-of-a-kind flavors around the world, or even just in Asia. Travel Channel’s Booze Traveler Jack Maxwell does just that—drinking all over the world as a profession. After his live appearance at Denver’s Travel and Adventure Show last March, Maxwell sat down with me to talk about his past adventures to 60 countries over the last four years. “Travel should be about inspiration,” Maxwell said. “It’s always about the people—to be a better person, after the encounter.” He explained, “No tour book could ever take the place of person-to-person encounters, experiences within the country, enjoying a drink with a stranger.” In his television series introduction, he shares that he travels the world searching for adventure. From Tennessee to Tahiti, he discovered drinking is the universal language shared by many. “A toast, in any language, is a passport to a whole new world.” While the premise is drinking, the episode includes off-the-cuff conversations with locals and Maxwell participating in sporting activities for television’s sake. There are also thought-provoking insights about his encounters with the natives and, of course, there’s drinking! “I’m not an expert,” confessed Maxwell. “I just love to travel.”
“A TOAST, IN ANY LANGUAGE, IS A PASSPORT TO A WHOLE NEW WORLD.” - Jack Maxwell, The Booze Traveler
12
July 2018 | Cover Story
Asia
“Everyone thinks Asia is a homogenous space but it’s as diverse as any land on earth,” said Maxwell. “Asian culture is so fascinating. It might not be what you think but better.” He never dreamed he would travel to Asia but he knew he wanted to travel outside of the United States.” Some of his travels to Asia include: Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Japan, Cambodia, and Tahiti.
Maxwell takes a selfie before heading into a winery on Matsu Island with tunnels previously used as a military bunker. Here, he sampled Kaoliang for the first time.
Taiwan (Season 4)
Let’s take a look at Taiwan. Maxwell coins Taiwan as “the greatest hidden gem of East Asia,” the name of the episode. He drinks with the Taiwanese ghostbusters, experiences a dazzling natural light show deep below the earth and finds his zen at a private spa with a slightly, intoxicated monk. His favorite memory of Taiwan is getting an invitation by a stranger to experience the culture. He shared this story as advice to not make too many plans when traveling. “Just explore,” he said, promising a memorable encounter. “I love the energy of meeting new people.”
must, since it is considered one of the holiest and most sacred places in Asia and even the world. He learned a new game while drinking beer, of course, comparing it to the game of Bocce Ball. But drinking wasn’t the only activity, he recalls hunting tarantulas, and then eating and drinking these insects including the crunchy spines, tendrils and hair. Here, he loved getting an invitation from a new friend to his wedding and experiencing the cultural etiquette of this huge family celebration. Mongolia (Season 1) “Mongolia was one of the most exotic places I’ve ever traveled,” he said. “I hung out with the nomads and found camel tracks.”
The Philippines (Season 2)
In the island-country of the Philippines, he drinks the San Miguel Beer (favorite brew of the Filipinos), plays street basketball with a make-shift game that includes a basketball player recruited to the national team of the Philippines, rides tricycles, hops on the infamous jeepney on the top of the vehicle with no seatbelt or helmet, and meets members of the Ifugao tribesmen. He admitted sampling Balut, a fertilized duck embryo. This street food is consumed along with San Miguel beer, a pale ale created by a brewery that existed in the Philippines since 1890. “It’s a different custom,” said Maxwell, who is 54 years old. Cambodia (Season 3)
In the episode, entitled “Drink in the Zen,” Maxwell found it fascinating to walk the same areas as the “killing fields” of Cambodia. He shared, “It’s a wonderful and surprising country.” Of course, a visit to Angkor Wat was a Photos Courtesy of Jack Maxwell
Maxwell learns about camel milk, another libation of Mongolia. One of the alcoholic libations included camel milk vodka passed down from generations. Arkhi, or milk vodka, is made when vodka is distilled with fermented yogurt, usually done at home or in a nomad’s tent. Usually cow’s milk is used, but it can also be made with mare’s or camel’s milk, he described. The taste resembles slightly bitter cheese. If the thought of the sour taste alone isn’t enough to test your gag reflex, it’s also drunk warm, as soon as it’s been distilled as a home brew.
Hong Kong (Season 2)
Of course, Hong Kong was one of his most memorable trips. In this episode, he sails on the harbor, learns kung fu, plays darts and drinks brews with his kung fu master artists. He also visits the horse track with a renowned jockey and meets the Cobra Queen to sample cobra wine and sake. South Korea (Season 3)
In Season 3, he has a selfie moment when he takes a photo at the DMZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone). “I wasn’t scared,” admitted Maxwell, even while gunshots could be heard in the distance. To avoid insults, he ate a live octopi on the episode called “South Korea Mind Your Manners.” Koreans drink more than Americans, Brits and Russians combined. Maxwell shared that it’s probably because Koreans, in general, find it impolite to refuse a drink. In addition to octopi, he sampled Bokbanja Wine with flavors of plum and berries; Samhaeju (drink of royalty); Poktanju (blend of soju and beer with flavors of apple cider); Gamhongro (drink of kings); and Baekhwaju (100 dried flowers fermented with wine). Japan (Season 1) In 2015, Japan was featured in an episode called “Japan Uncorked.” Maxwell hung out with the natives by joining them in a sake-filled bath. He shared the cultural way of drinking sake as part of watching sumo wrestling in Sumida Ward. He confessed
Booze Traveler in Asia | asian avenue magazine
13
to studying martial arts as a kid but did not realize this wasn’t the same thing as sumo wrestling. Outfitted in black wrestling gear, Maxwell attempted sumo wrestling. He shared their daily regimen of practices, meals of high-caloric food, and of course sake drinking. For example, sumo wrestlers consume about 10,000 calories a day to reach an average of 325 pounds. Walking through the streets of Ginza District, Maxwell finds the warehouse that houses huge blocks of ice. He meets up with the award-winning bartender of Bar High Five, a veteran of 20 plus years in mixology.
Other notable Asian and Pacific Islander destinations included: Nepal (Season 1), Hawaii (Season 2), and India (Season 2). Maxwell, who could be a doppelganger or stunt dou-
ble for actor Jason Bateman, reminisces about an episode in Nederland, Colorado to check out the annual Frozen Dead Guy winter festival. Titled “The Roarin’ Rockies,” he visited the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park and the famous mountain town of Aspen. With his film and production crew of five, he is able to capture off-the-script cityscapes and daily living of the people captured on film, raising cultural awareness. He admits his dry humor in providing observations adds a few corny laughs for television viewers and fans of the show. But his snarkiness enhances the show as viewers learn more about the country’s culture and idiosyncrasies. Booze Traveler is produced by Karga Seven Pictures in association with White Reindeer Productions. In one season, 16 episodes are filmed for the Travel Channel. Personally, he has brought his own mother to Sicily, where his ancestors are from but Maxwell hails from south Boston. As mentioned in his introductory trailer of the series, he grew up in a neighborhood, where he shined shoes starting at eight years old. He traced his hunger for travel back to those bar days when he would hear stories from the bar patrons.
Maxwell kicks it up with students in South Korea.
Maxwell met lovely ladies from the Ifugao tribe in the remote areas of the Philippines.
Tahiti (Season 4)
On the beaches, he plays an impromptu football game using a coconut with a group he just met at a nearby bar. Then, he loses a pearl but doesn’t dwell on it too long because he felt like he gave back to the land.
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS IN ASIA CAMBODIA • Tarantula Libation • Mekong Whiskey • Angkor Beer • Singha Beer • Tiger Beer HAWAII • Mai Tai • Tropical Itch • Bahama Mama 14
July 2018 | Cover Story
• Coconut Mojito • Captain’s Demise HONG KONG • Cobra Wine/Sake • Milk Tea • Sugar Cane Juice INDIA • Lassi (yogurt and spices like cumin)
• Sugarcane Juice • Jal-jeera • Darjeeling Tea JAPAN • Sake • Soju • Amazake (sweet sake) • Awamori (Okinawan sake)
• Nigori (type of sake) • Umeshu (ume fruit) MONGOLIA • Arkhi (vodka) • Kamis (fermented horse milk) • Tarag (cow milk yogurt) • Acider (yogurt) • Camel Milk Vodka
Ghost-catching bodyguards protect the deity in the temple in the Songshan District in Taipei. They drank brandy with Maxwell.
Maxwell learns how to play bowls with a monk in the Wulai District, Taiwan; these are both musical and meditative.
Becoming the host of Booze Traveler
Travel & Adventure Convention Show. As a California resident, he is staying temporarily in Phoenix with family as a way to get healthy. “I didn’t lose hair,” said Maxwell, attributing it partly to his attitude about his life and the experiences of travelling all over the world.
By profession, he is an actor. For the past 25 years, he starred in popular television series such as 24, Lost, Beverly Hill’s 90210, and even a commercial with former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway. He simply auditioned for the host of Booze Traveler and the production team asked him if he would eat rocky mountain oysters with vodka. Admittedly, in his mind, he thought better to answer yes, to get the job rather than a no and be denied the part of the host. Personal battle
Last December 2017, Maxwell publicly announced his fight with cancer. He was diagnosed early last year with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that originates in white blood cells. He announced at the second annual Denver Travel & Adventure Show last March 2018 that the chemo treatment has cleared him. But he is still trying to get healthy after all the treatments. He accredited his positive attitude has helped him through the illness. He also thanked publicly some of his friends, who attended his talk at the annual Denver
NEPAL • Aeylaa (distilled version of Chhyang, tastes like tequila) • Chhaang (fermented rice) • Tongba millet) • Corn & Millet Chhyang PHILIPPINES • San Miguel Beer
• Lambanog (coconut wine) • Dragonfruit Wine • Gin Pomelo SOUTH KOREA • Bokbanja Wine • Samhaeju (soju) • Poktanju (soju dropped into beer) • Gamhongro (medicinal herbs & spices)
What’s next?
After two seasons of Booze Traveler, he was offered a chance to host an offshoot show called Booze Traveler: Best Bars on the Travel Channel. The series of ten halfhour episodes features Maxwell searching for the best bars in the U.S. The first season premiered last spring 2017. The globe-trotting, intoxicating one-hour show draws viewers, ranging in ages 25 to 54. After four seasons of the Booze Traveler, Maxwell doesn’t know if the Travel Channel will renew for another season. It’s still a wait-and-see game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------Follow Mary Jeneverre Schultz on Twitter and Instagram @Jeneverre.
• Baekhwaju (floral distillations) TAHITI • Hinano (Tahitian lager beer) • Tahiti Drink (pine- apple, passion fruit, oranges, vanilla and cane) • Vin de Tahiti
TAIWAN • Taiwan Beer • Kaoliang (distilled from sorghum) • Snake Blood Wine The Booze Traveler has mentioned some of these libations on his show. These are some of the most popular drinks in each country.
Booze Traveler in Asia | asian avenue magazine
15
1147 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219 Tel: 303.993.7444 www.drinkbambu.com HOURS: Sun - Thur: 10am to 10pm Fri - Sat: 10am to 11pm
Unmatched Chè, Incredible Tea Selection, Bold Coffee Drinks and Exotic Fruit Smoothies & Juice
Pandan Waffle
Taiyaki Fish Cake Coming Soon!
Golden Shanghai Asian Restaurant
● The Best Chinese Restaurant by 710 AM Restaurant Show ● The Best Chinese Restaurant by the 1430 KEZW Restaurant Show ● Voted 2007 Top 100 Chinese Restaurant in the US
1412 S. Parker Rd. A-134 Denver, CO 80231 (303) 743-7666 (303)743-9079 (303)743-8210
Non La, The Eating Place, a Vietnamese and cajun restaurant and event center is located at one of the busiest intersections of Aurora at Potomac and Mississippi Avenues. After a year, owner Diem Tran (age 35) realized the location of her restaurant had changed hands so much that it confused patrons. “Ceiling to floor, we remodeled everything in this location,” said Tran, who wants to entice diners from all over the community in Aurora and surrounding suburbs in for authentic Vietnamese cuisine plus a touch of Cajun flavors. As a way to lure more diners, she is offering an all-you-can buffet on Fridays for $25 per person. The buffet offers options for everyone, even if you don’t like seafood. Diners and foodies can opt for offerings from the menu that includes a wide range of appetizers, fried baskets, fried rice dishes, specialties, salad, rice paper wrap options, noodle soup (pho), noodle bowls, rice plates, fondue or hot pot (lau), seafood boil and of course, desserts. The flavors of Vietnam are intertwined with Cajun spices. The medium heat kicks it up but not so much that it’s unbearable to consume the delicious menu. Seafood is picked up daily from Denver International Airport to offer
NON LA
the eating place restaurant & event center
13250 E Mississippi Ave, Aurora, CO 80012
720.335.6604 www.facebook.com/ AsianConicalHat
HOURS: Mon - Sun: 10:30AM - 10PM a wide array of fresh crawfish, shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, snails and oysters. In addition to a huge menu, a full bar is being set up that will offer daily specials such as the mixed cocktail called Paradise made of orange juice, rum, grenadine and blue curacao. The restaurant space, with a capacity of 450, allows for concerts, recitals and banquet facilities to accommodate large parties such as formal debuts, weddings and anniversaries. The VIP room can hold up
to 60 people, which is a great place for small gatherings to party or for business meetings. While other restaurants have to close for events, Non La is able to keep the restaurant open while hosting its events. This isn’t Tran’s first foray into the restaurant business. Already, she and her husband own another restaurant in Westminster called Pho Bay at 2841 West 120th Avenue, which opened four years ago. They take turns managing the two restaurants. Her gusto for expansion allowed her to check locations in Aurora, closer to home where she lives with her family of two children. Born in Vietnam, Tran moved to the U.S. at 14 years old. Since her move, she has taught herself how to cook family-style dinners. She plans to do more with her culinary skills in expanding her Aurora restaurant for the local community which include residents, church-goers and hospital workers, looking for a place to eat after Sunday service or even between shifts at Aurora Medical Center. Reasonably priced, lunch platters start at $6.95 while dinner entrees range from $9.95 to $11.95. Non La also offers delivery service through Door Dash. Check out the restaurant at www.Facebook.com/ AsianConicalHat. Written by: Mary Jeneverre Schultz
MENU HIGHLIGHTS BUFFET INCLUDES: Live Crawfish with medium Cajun Spice Corn on the Cob covered with Cajun Spice Red Baby Potatoes | Baby Clams in Thai Soup Wings | Crab Cheese Wontons Vietnamese Egg Rolls | Steamed Dumplings Sweet Potato Fries | Bird Nest Lotus Root Salad | Vietnamese Dessert
SHRIMP GUMBO $9.95 Louisiana shrimp, stew, sausage, celery, bell peppers, thyme, cayenne, tomatoes and onion. Served with steamed rice.
STEAMED CLAMS $15.95 Topped with fried onions, green onions, crushed peanuts, and laksa leaf. Served with special house sauce.
SHAKING BEEF $12.95 Cubes of top sirloin steak marinated in black pepper and oyster sauce stir-fried with bell peppers and onions.
Restaurant Peek | asian avenue magazine
17
The Master Chef
and the Case of the Missing Pasta By Wayne Chan
I am a master chef. That’s the only conclusion I can come to after what happened yesterday, which I’ll get to. It doesn’t matter that I’ve never been a chef in a renowned restaurant, or any restaurant for that matter. It doesn’t matter that instead of taking the time to precisely measure ingredients for a given recipe, I tend to eyeball it and just think, “That’s a good amount of that.” It doesn’t even matter that I’ve come to the conclusion that substituting bacon for any ingredient seems to make the recipe better, regardless of what that missing ingredient is. No parmesan cheese for my vegetarian pasta dish? I’ll just sprinkle a little bacon on top… No, the reason I know that I am a master chef is because over the last week, someone has literally stolen food I’ve made, three times! And if someone is going to steal food, then I really must be doing something right. Let me count the ways. Theft #1: The case of the missing buns A few days ago, it was up to me to get our three kids out of bed and ready for school. After waking the kids, the next thing I do is look in the freezer and find that we have a bag of pork and vegetable buns that simply need to be steamed or microwaved to be served. My daughter Savannah is the first to come out, and sits at her place at the table, looking very cute in
18
July 2018 | Comedy Column
an oversized sweatshirt and white pants. I put a steamed bun on three separate plates, and place one in front of Savannah, and the other two at the table to be ready when the boys come out. I then go back into the kitchen to wash the steaming pot I used. A few minutes later, I go back to the dining table and notice that Savannah is nearly done with her bun, but the buns on the other two plates are gone, even though the boys have yet to emerge from their bedrooms. “What the heck happened to the other two buns?”, I asked. My little girl stared back blankly, mouth still stuffed with her bun. I go back to the boy’s room, and see that they’re still busy putting on their clothes. As I finished steaming two more buns, I look over to the side and see Ally, our golden retriever, wagging her tail, suspiciously licking her lips as I go over to place the buns on the table as she no doubt views as “round number two”. Theft #2: The case of the disappearing pasta Yesterday, my wife Maya had a video conference at 5 pm so it was up to me to make dinner for the kids. I made chicken and pasta, and as before, I served it on three plates. My son Ethan was in his room and I hadn’t called him out for dinner. I think he was taking a nap. Our other son Tyler and Savannah were seated at the table with Ethan’s plate of food in between them. As I did before, I went back to the kitchen to clean up, and when I went back, I saw that Tyler and Savannah were nearly done, but Ethan’s food
was gone, and he was still in his room. Having learned my lesson, I looked for Ally and noticed that she was asleep in the living room. Having narrowed down the culprit to one of Ethan’s siblings, I decided to let it go and put more food on Ethan’s plate. Apparently not having learned my lesson, I left the dining room for no more than 30 seconds only to discover that either Tyler or Savannah had done it again! This time, I brought Ethan out, put more food on his plate, and sat there watching him eat it, like a security guard protecting a bank’s daily cash deposits. Which brings me to: Theft #3: The case of the televised food heist At the same meal I had just made for the kids, I made a plate of food for Maya as well and left it on the kitchen counter so that she could eat it after her conference call. But, seeing what Tyler or Savannah was doing with Ethan’s food, I figured leaving the food on the kitchen counter was just asking them to swipe it again. So, I picked up Maya’s plate, and walked over to her office, opened the office door, and placed the plate on the counter behind Maya.
Maya was seated at her desk, speaking to a group of people on video conference, and I placed the food behind her on the cabinets. OK. Mission accomplished. Everyone is fed, and I could head off to do whatever I had to do and no one would be swiping any more food. Except... As Maya is making a presentation and undoubtedly saying something truly profound, the folks on the conference call see some activity behind Maya on the countertop, whereby a certain golden retriever is standing on her hind legs and proceeds to grab an entire chicken quarter off the plate and begin devouring it, in front of a live audience. As Maya is attempting to make a serious point, her video conference partners begin cracking up by watching a mini episode of “Wild Kingdom” on their computer screens. If that doesn’t prove that I’m a master chef, I don’t know what does.
LUCKY CHINA
CHINESE RESTAURANT 2000 S. Havana St. Aurora, CO 80014 Tel: 303.745.1373
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-9:30pm Closed Tuesdays
Northeastern Steamed Bun Pickled Cabbage with Pork Pot Seaweed Shrimp Dumpling Soup Taiwanese Style Braised Beef Noodle Pan Fried Pork Dumpling Pan Fried Buns with Beef H Hot and Spicy Beef Pot Steamed Twisted Roll Fried Leek Dumplings
HANDMADE DUMPLINGS WITH A VARIETY OF FILLINGS
ORIGINAL TASTE OF NORTHEASTERN CHINA
UNIQUE, DELICIOUS, UNFORGETTABLE! The Master Chef | asian avenue magazine
19
Celebrate Global Aurora
RESTAURANT WEEK ON HAVANA STREET
August 1-8, 2018
Explore, Experience and Eat
Travel the world through global cuisines On Havana Street. Taste the most unique, traditional fare at an affordable cost. Celebrate On Havana Street’s Global corridor and experience cuisines all over the globe in just 4.3 miles. It’s all about discovering the most authentic, global cuisines and immersive experiences of On Havana Street.
FEATURED ASIAN RESTAURANTS KOREAN
Angry Chicken 1930 S Havana St, Unit 13 Aurora, CO 80012 p: 303-353-2680 angrychickenco.com Dae Gee Korean BBQ
Muse Noraebang and Cafe 2222 S. Havana Street D Aurora, CO 80014 p: (720) 389-7807 musecafeco.com
Snowl 1930 S Havana St #5-6 Aurora, CO 80014 p: (720) 542-9902 snowlcafe.com
Tofu House 2353 S Havana St, D-1 Aurora, CO 80014 p: 303-751-2840 Yong Gung 2040 S Havana St Aurora, CO 80014 p: 720-748-3003
KOREAN & JAPANESE 1910 S. Havana St., Unit 1 Aurora, CO 80014 p: 303.873.6800 daegee.com 20
July 2018 | Feature
Seoul BBQ & Sushi 2080 S Havana St Aurora, CO 80014 p: 303-632-7576 seoulkoreanbbq.com
NEPALESE
Chutney Restaurant 2640 S Havana, Unit K Aurora, CO 80014 p: 720-644-6677
CHINESE
Happy Tea 2790 S Havana Street Aurora, CO 80014 p: (720) 592-0977 yelp.com/biz/happy-teaaurora
Mr. Panda Super Buffet 2852 S Havana St Aurora, CO 80014 p: 303-338-9891 mrpandasuperbuffet.com
Katsu Ramen 1930 S Havana St, Unit #5, Aurora, CO 80014 p: 303-751-2222 ramendenver.com
JAPANESE
VIETNAMESE
Pho 99 1080 S Havana St Aurora, CO 80012 p: 303-344-0752
Lucky China 2000 S Havana St Aurora, CO 80014 p: 303-745-1373 luckychinaaurora.com
Sushi Katsu 2222 S Havana St, #H Aurora, CO 80014 p: 303-368-8778 denver-sushi.com August 1-8 is the week to celebrate Global Aurora in support of the global residents and visitors coming to Colorado for the Sister Cities International Conference 2018 and to be the preliminary kick off of the City of Aurora’s Global Fest on August 18, 2018. Follow and tag #OnHavanaStreetRestaurantWeek
OTHER RESTAURANTS Italy – Bertolla — Coming Soon Summer 2018! American – Cody’s Cafe and Bar Healthy – Coco Loco Mexico – Seafood – El Camaron Loco Mexico – El Tequileno Egyptian – Koshari Time Somalia – East Africa – Maandeeq East Africa Restaurant Mexico – Mariscos el Rey 2 Honduran – Maya’s Sports Bar and Grill Ireland – McDonough’s Irish Pub Mexico – Molcajete Ethiopia – The Nile Restaurant American – The Salvage Restaurant International Market – Solomon’s Grocery & European Deli Middle Eastern – Sudan Cafe & Khairat Injera Bakery Kevin Negandhi Entertainment – Turn of the Century – BINGO Cafe Middle Eastern Alfa Grill/Iraqi Cuisine – Yemen Grill
On Havana Street, is a special district in Colorado created in 2007 by business and neighborhood leaders and Aurora city staff working together to build a stronger, better community. We really are making a difference by focusing on unique, culturally diverse events and fun new things to do to make the lives of our residents and visitors more interesting, at the same time as adopting the goals of clean, safe and beautiful for our new business district. Learn more at:
onhavanastreet.com
Restaurant Week On Havana Street | asian avenue magazine
21
AsAm Family separation policy draws comparisons to Japanese incarceration camps
W
hile politicians and American citizens have criticized the Trump administration’s family separation policy calling it unethical and cruel, some critics have even compared the policy to Japanese American incarceration camps. Former First Lady Laura Bush compared the policy to Japanese Internment in a Washington Post op-ed. In her piece, Bush wrote that the images of children being separated from the border were “eerily reminiscent of the internment camps for U.S. citizens and non citizens of Japanese descent.” Bush’s comments gained support from politicians on both sides of the aisle as well as from Asian American activists like George Takei. Takei tweeted a photo of Bush’s comments with the caption “Indeed.” Mae Ngai, Asian American studies and history professor at Columbia University, told TIME that, while she thought the comparison between family separation and Japanese Internment wasn’t an “exact analogy,” she applauded Bush for “pointing to a racially motivated attack on people’s human rights.”
Japanese internment camps were established during World War II, from 1942 to 1945, by President Franklin Roosevelt.
The former first lady hasn’t been the only person to see parallels between family separation and Japanese internment. Satsuki Ina, a psychotherapist who has visited family detention centers in Texas, said that the stories behind family separation were “so resonant” of what her family and her community experienced. Ina herself was born in the Japanese incarceration camp Tule Lake.
Those who have drawn comparisons between family separation and Japanese incarceration also note that there is and was public support for both policies during the time they were implemented. In her interview with TIME, Ngai noted that there was “widespread support” for Japanese incarceration and that it took decades for apologies and reparations to be granted.
For Asian Americans, smoking is linked to leading causes of death
F
or Asian Americans, all the leading causes of death — lung cancer, heart disease and stroke — are linked to cigarettes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Studies show that Asian Americans who are less assimilated are more likely to smoke than those who are “more familiar” with American culture.
22
July 2018 | National News
In Asian culture, there is a strong social connection which can carry an expectation of smoking, whether at a family or social gathering, or in a work setting. For example, it’s common in Asian culture for business deals to be made while partners smoke and drink together. There can also be expectations based on age or position in the workplace. Younger or junior-level staff are expected to accept cigarettes offered by elders or senior staff. Rejecting a cigarette can feel more socially isolating than simply kicking an unhealthy habit. “Every cigarette can be harmful to cardiovascular health. And, even if people smoke only a little, they are still exposing themselves to nicotine.” said, Dr. Zhu, professor of family medicine and public health at UC San Diego. However, the tight-knit bonds that put
Asian Americans at greater risk of social smoking might also be the community’s greatest strength in getting people to quit. Dr. Gary Tedeschi, who is the clinical director for ASQ, said that when one person quits, it can have a domino effect on their community: “They can begin to see that even occasional smoking can get in the way of having the healthiest lifestyle possible. And even more, by quitting altogether they can be a great example for their children, grandchildren or other family members.” ASQ is a free service funded by the CDC to help Asian Americans quit smoking. They provide multi-lingual services (Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean) to create tailored plans for individuals and for those eligible, provide a free starter kit of nicotine patches. More info at: www. asiansmokersquitline.org.
Source: asamnews.com
NEWS
Indian-American boy Karthik Nemmani wins National Spelling Bee title
A
14-year-old boy from a suburb of Dallas is the new National Spelling Bee champion. Karthik Nemmani took the crown with the word “koinonia” which the dictionary defines as an intimate spiritual communion. The door opened for Nemmani when fellow Texan Naysa Modi, 12, of Frisco, mispelled the word “bewusstseinslage.” Nemmani and Modi were the final two contestants out of a field of more than 500, the largest number of competitors ever. This isn’t the first time Nemmani and Modi had dueled. Modi beat Nemmani in the regional competition, but Nemmani was allowed to compete under new rules.
Young Jean Lee will be first Asian American woman to debut a play on Broadway
K
orean American playwright Young Jean Lee will be the first Asian American woman to have a play debut on Broadway. Her play, Straight White Men, originally opened Off-Broadway in 2014. Now the play will make its Broadway debut at the Helen Hayes Theater on June 29. Although this is the first time her work will debut on Broadway, Lee has received praise for her work before. In 2012, her Off-Off-Broadway play, Untitled Feminist Show, received high praise. Theater critic Hilton Als said the piece was “one of the more moving and imaginative works [he had] ever seen on the American stage.” Charles Isherwood, a theater critic for The New York Times, called Lee “the most adventurous downtown playwright of her generation.”
Asian American drafted by Cleveland in fifth round of Major League Baseball draft
O
regon State outfielder Steven Kwan went in the fifth round in the Major League Baseball draft. Cleveland selected the center fielder who has been an outstanding lead off hitter for the Beavers. Kwan is from Fremont, California where he attended Washington High School. He’s batting .349 and has 38 RBIs. His father Raymond Kwan said, “Steven will report to the Cleveland minor league system while continuing to work in the off season to complete his college degree.”
AsAm News | asian avenue magazine
23
bookreview SUICIDE CLUB:
A NOVEL ABOUT LIVING Author: Rachel Heng
24
EL HEN H C
Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz
Imagine living an immortal life. What would life be like knowing one could live forever albeit with restrictions? Would different choices be made? Would regulations be tighter on lifestyles? In this science-fiction fantasy, Suicide Club: A Novel About Living, readers will get a chance to read about a future where everyone could live forever but with conditions. Singaporean writer and short story author Rachel Heng captivates readers with a fantasy most people dream about as they get older. In Heng’s debut set in near future New York City --where lives last three hundred years and the pursuit of immortality is all-consuming --- the main character, Lea, must choose between her estranged father and her chance to live forever. Lea Kirino is a “Lifer,” which means that a roll of genetic dice has given her the potential to live forever --- if she does everything right. And Lea is an overachiever. She’s a successful trader on the New York exchange – where instead of stocks, human organs are now bought and sold --- she has a beautiful apartment, and a fiancé who rivals her in genetic perfection. And with the right balance of HealthTech™, rigorous juicing, and low-impact exercise, she might never die. But Lea’s perfect life is turned upside down when she
spots her estranged father on a crowded sidewalk. His return marks the beginning of her downfall as she is drawn into his mysterious world of the Suicide Club, a network of powerful individuals and rebels who reject society’s pursuit of immortality, and instead chose to live --- and die --- on their own terms. In this future world, death is not only taboo; it’s also highly illegal. Soon Lea is forced to choose between a sanitized immortal existence and a short, bittersweet time with a man she has never really known, but who is the only family she has left in the world. On sale July 10, 2018, this novel encapsulates anxieties and ambivalence towards the health industry. Heng’s characters live in a dystopian reality where immortality is possible, conforming to a shadowy health ministry is the new careerism, and no one seems to be happy. This is Heng’s first book, but she already seems to have the magical ability to distill some of society’s most pressing problems --- from an endless rat race to conspicuous consumption to estranged modern families --- and allow her characters to struggle with them without finding easy answers. Rachel Heng’s fiction has won Prairie Schooner’s Jane Geske Award and was nominated for a Pushcard Prize. An extract from Suicide Club was included in The Huffington Post’s “5 Stellar Short Stories You Can Read Online” list. She graduated from Columbia University with a BA in Comparative Literature & Society and Economics and is currently a James A Michener Fellow at the Michener Center for Writers, University of Texas in Austin.
July 2018 | Book Review
G
RA
Price: $27 | Pages: 352 ISBN: 978-1250185341 Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Publication Date: July 10, 2018 Website: www.rachelhengqp.com Follow Rachel Heng on Twitter @rachelhengqp and Instagram @rachelhengwrites
Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @Jeneverre
Photo Credit: Andrew Bennett
bookreview THE MOUNTAIN Author: Paul Yoon Price: $25 | Pages: 256 ISBN: 978-1501154089 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Website: www.paulyoon.com Follow Paul Yoon on Instagram: @oscarvdy
Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @Jeneverre
Photo Credit: Peter Yoon
nections are the sparks that ignite these otherwise meditative, reflective narratives. The result is a spectacular display of intelligence and feeling. Yoon’s restrained voices and perceptive observations about violence is found throughout this collection. Yoon realizes his worlds with the quiet, insightful, gorgeous, and distinctly literary voices that has made him a standout critical darling. Paul Yoon was born in New York City. His first book, Once the Shore, was selected as a New York Times’ Notable Book, a Best Debut of the Year by National Public Radio and won a 5 under 35 Award from the National Book Foundation. His novel, Snow Hunters, won the 2014 Young Lions Fiction Award. He is a former fellow at the New York Public Library’s Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers, and his stories have appeared in Harper’s Magazine, VQR, the Pen/O, Henry Prize Stories, and the The Best American Short Stories. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he is currently a Briggs-Copeland Lecturer at Harvard University along with his wife, the writer Laura van den Berg.
PAUL YO
N O
The Mountain is a luminous collection set across several continents—from the Hudson Valley to the Russian Far East—and periods of time after World War II, populated with characters, who are connected by traumatic pasts, newly vagrant lives, and quest for solace. Though singular, they are united by the struggle to reconcile their pasts in the wake of violence, big and small, spiritual and corporeal. A morphine-addicted nurse wanders through the decimated French countryside in search of purpose; a dissatisfied wife sporadically takes a train across Spain with a much younger man in the wake of a building explosion; a lost woman emigrates from Korea to Shanghai, where she aimlessly works in a camera sweat shop, trying to outrun the ghosts of her past. The writing style is artistic, poetic and moving as readers peek into the lives of the forlorn and lonely. The collection of stories feature heartbroken, fragile, and abandoned people trying to find their way through this life. Linked by pain and suffering, each character is involved with a traumatic event and/or traumatic pasts. Uprooted lives lived without a place to call home, each person on a quest for the peace they believed in their heart they were worthy of, and could hope to attain. Themes include the meaning of nationhood and the universality of the migrant experience. Meant as montages of inner experience, moments of con-
Book Review | asian avenue magazine
25
The Cherry Blossom Festival Shines on in Denver! By Stacey Shigaya Photos by Cami Shigaya
One World Taiko performs at the Cherry Blossom Festival.
26
Drums! Dancing! Delectable food! Dozens of merchants! Droplets of rain! There was plenty of action and excitement at the Cherry Blossom Festival on June 23 and 24. Sakura Square in downtown Denver was packed with festival goers who celebrated Japanese and Japanese American culture with food, entertainment and merchandise. Now in its 46th year, the festival is co-presented by TriState/Denver Buddhist Temple (tsdbt.org) and Sakura Foundation (sakurafoundation.org). There was a mix of brand new elements including a dozen new marketplace vendors, along with long-standing favorites—teriyaki chicken, gyoza, sake and dancing. Inside the temple, visitors were treated to displays of bonsai (miniature trees) and ikebana (floral arrangements), as well as talks on Buddhism in the Hondo (main hall where services take place) and Japanese food prepared with care and dedication by the temple sangha (congregation).
The live stage was packed with Japanese entertainment: instrumental and vocal musicians, martial arts demonstrations of judo, karate and aikido, ukulele players and young hula dancers. Five lively Taiko performances played to admiring crowds throughout the weekend. In Arts and Eats Underground located under the temple, festival goers cooled off with somen (chilled noodles) and caught some anime flicks. They also met local artists from Manga Taisen who gave free sketches and art demos and Kezurou-kai USA who shared amazing Japanese woodworking techniques. Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple and Sakura Foundation send their sincere thanks to the volunteers, temple sangha, attendees, generous sponsors and festival partners who make the festival a success each year. Stay tuned for the 2019 festival dates to be released soon at cherryblossomdenver.org.
A festival goer enjoys a masu, a Japanese square wooden box used to measure rice, filled with sake.
The Denver Buddhist Temple’s Minyo Kai presents a Japanese folk dance on the live stage.
July 2018 | On Scene
filipino-american community celebrates annual philippines' independence day
By Chona Palmon
The temperature was well into the 90s and it was all about the halo-halo!* The weather was just right, and yes, the halo-halo was the perfect fix for such a day during the Filipino-American Community of Colorado’s (FACC) 23rd annual Philippine Festival on June 9th. Each year the FACC celebrates the Philippine’s Independence Day on the second Saturday of June. The focus was all about the Philippines. The event was unique in its own way as it celebrated a culture with such a rich history along with some amazing performing arts. From dancing to singing, the event promoted local talents, with an exception of Parangal Dance Company, a group from California. Also, the vendor stalls varied from local Filipino business owners to donors that promoted the Philippines and to agencies and nonprofit organizations that help and serve the Asian community. Now let us talk about the food, food, and more food. When you think of the Philippines, you associate it with great food. FACC delivered just that, serving up some of the more well-known authentic Filipino dishes, desserts and drinks—lumpia, pancit noodles, adobo, skewers, or cassava cake, anyone? Although the community itself may not be the largest in Colorado, it sure does feel like a big family as seen by the familiarity and closeness of the guests and hosts. But in truth, it is the Filipino’s hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome. It’s all about the culture, the camaraderie, and family. Look forward to another great event next year! *Halo-halo is a popular Filipino shaved ice dessert.
Mile High Happenings | asian avenue magazine
27
Denver Comic Con 2018 stands as one of the largest in the United States By Mary Jeneverre Schultz
28
With an estimated attendance of 100,000, it was three days of fun during Father’s Day weekend at Denver Comic Con. Something was available for everyone, young and old. Touted as family fun, activities were available for all age groups. Fans of science fiction, fantasy and movie favorites turned up in full force. Even if you did not watch television or stay on top of your favorite characters, people watching those dressed in cosplay was absolutely fun. Twelve-year-old J. Owen Schultz loved using his camera to capture all the different costumes and cosplay. “It’s one of the best,” said Schultz, Filipino American, who lives in Aurora and is a faithful viewer of Stranger Things.
Convention goers confessed spending up to $500 in the exhibit halls full of vendors selling comic books, movie paraphernalia, costumes, posters, collectibles and books. But most fans were lining up to see their favorite television actors/actresses and movie stars such as Val Kilmer, Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy. Fans pay up to $100 for autographs and up to $80 for photographs. More than 35 film and television guests were selling their autographs and photo sessions at this year’s Comic Con. Cult fans and collectors were lining up for a chance to talk with their favorite stars. With so much to do, fans and collectors would just look for their favorite movie and television series characters
and focus on those specific genres. It would be hard to check out everything, even in three days. Fanatics purchased fast passes that were valuable to those who wanted to bypass huge lines and crowds to get into sessions early. Three-day passes, which were sold out before the event started on Friday, cost $93.50. While daily passes were set at different price points: Friday cost $44, Saturday at $60.50 and Sunday at $49.50, accommodating last-minute attendees. Already, organizers have set up 2019 dates. Save the date from May 31 to June 2, 2019. To learn more or attend next year, visit www.denvercomiccon.com.
Kris Kehasukjaven exhibits at the convention to share her artistry.
Wesley Sun of SunBros. Studios sells his comic book, Chinatown. It is his first comic.
Stephanie Kao brings her artistry to this year’s convention show.
July 2018 | On Scene
Aurora sister cities international teaches global leadership skills to youth By Mary Jeneverre Schultz
The Aurora Sister Cities International completed two one-week leadership camps for high school teenagers interested in learning more about becoming a global leader. In its second year, Aurora Sister Cities International implemented a program called Global Youth Leaders camp, engaging Aurora youth ages 13 to 15 in an interactive week-long curriculum designed to give them the skills and
competencies to act as global leaders, entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and pursue higher education opportunities. Students gathered at Aurora History Museum for interactive learning with local leaders and to learn about global competencies of character, citizenship, communication, creativity, and culture. “Every day was unique and taught a valuable lesson,” said one of the participants. Interested in other opportunities? The
organization is sponsoring a Youth Leadership Summit from Aug. 1 to 5 at the University of Denver. In the same week, the organization is hosting the 62nd Annual Sister Cities International Conference from Aug. 2 to 4 at Aurora’s Hyatt Regency Hotel and Conference Center to network, discuss world issues and share programs and innovations in citizen diplomacy. For more information, you can visit the website at www.aurorasistercities.org.
nathan yip foundation celebrates with sushi
With more than 170 supporters this year, the Nathan Yip Foundation’s annual sushi dinner is growing! For the event, chef Miki Hashimoto, owner of TOKIO, lovingly prepared delicious sushi for guests with the sponsorship support of Seattle Fish Company. Two years ago at the 2016 Sushi Party, the foundation announced its new direction investing in rural schools throughout Colorado.
“We didn’t know what we’d do or where we’d go, but we knew our rural communities needed support so we hit the road and started visiting, listening, and learning,” said Executive Director Tarika Cefkin. To date, they have granted over $150,000 to a dozen projects all around Colorado - ranging from technology resources to curriculum, textbooks, community building initiatives, and profes-
sional development opportunities for teachers. Each year, the foundation celebrates Nathan’s birthday in the month of June. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 19, but today his legacy of helping others through education lives on through the Nathan Yip Foundation founded by his parents, Jimmy and Linda. For more information, visit www. nathanyipfoundation.org.
Mile High Happenings | asian avenue magazine
29
LISA NGUYEN 143 Union Blvd. Suite #120 Lakewood, CO 80228 Direct: 303-985-4555 Cell: 303-669-5255
Bilingual in Vietnamese
WWW.LISA-LA.COM
ltn303@yahoo.com
“
Cherish the hours when you walk in sunshine. Cherish the little things you need in your life. Cherish friendship in commerce. Don’t waste breath on the ignorant. HUMBLE TABLE, WISE FARE By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Miracle Touch 30 min Foot Massage $20 30 min Back Massage $20 60 min Foot & Back Massage $30 60 min Combo Massage $35
Our massages soothe aches and relax your body. Restore balance and rejuvenate your energy at an affordable price!
Massage & Reflexology
Open 9am to 9pm
HYL Health-Youth-Life Foot and Body Massage
720.929.2222 www.HYL-MASSAGE.com
3945-B East 120th Ave. • Thornton, CO 80233 • Mission Trace Shopping Center
Tel: 303-359-2622
12203 E. Mississippi Ave. #137 Aurora, CO 80012
$ 5.00 Off
for Deep Tissue Massage with this coupon Expires: 7/31/2018
Open 7 days a week • Appointments/Walk-Ins Welcome