Getting Ready for Summer in Alhambra

This ongoing series features Alhambra residents’ positive achievements, perspectives, and ideas. This month’s author is Alhambra resident Kesia Eng.

“COVID brought a major change to all of our lives. It interrupted our daily routines and made us reflect on how many activities we previously enjoyed, but took for granted. A devastating loss for me as an Alhambra native? At the height of the pandemic, my beloved dim sum restaurants stopped indoor dining service. I know for some people that doesn’t seem significant. However, I grew up in this city, where coming to these restaurants with my family has been a tradition. Sharing dim sum allowed me to bond with my parents over a delicious part of our Chinese culture. Because I was acutely aware of the importance of dim sum in my life, I wanted to help younger generations learn about this cultural treasure. So, I created and self-published a children’s book, Baby Bao at Dim Sum. I tell the story through handcrafted objects posed as charming characters. It’s a heartwarming story where the protagonist learns what dim sum is truly about. If you’re interested in learning more about my book, it’s available on Amazon. And, I hope to see you out enjoying dim sum in our city.”

If you have a story you would like us to consider for our “In Their Own Words” series, please submit it (with a photo if you like) to aa@alhambrachamber.org. We reserve the sole right to approve it for publication, as well as edit it and make revisions. Publication does not reflect endorsement.