Asian Avenue magazine - March 2016

magazine

asian avenue March 2016 Volume 11 Issue 3

Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

Samurai exhibit opens at Denver art Museum Restaurant Peek

Aloy Modern Thai

Sister Cities Link Colorado Communities with the World How to make potstickers

PETER PHAM

FOR THE LOVE OF LION DANCE

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Dear Asian Avenue readers, I had such a great time emceeing the Denver-Kunming Sister Cities Chinese New Year dinner on Feb. 21. Congratulations to the sister cities for celebrating their 30-year relationship in 2016!

Thank you to Jeanie Johnson, co-chair of the committee for inviting me! How lucky we are to live in such a connected, global society. In this issue, we feature the history of Colorado’s sister cities and how it all began. Thank you to Jaime Marston Cook and Sarah Shirazi for researching and sharing about the vibrant sister cities programs that connect our state to the rest of the world.

We are excited to feature Peter Pham as this month’s Rising Star. While a student at Regis University, he launched a fundraising event for the Moon Festival that raised $1000 for Bridging Hope, a nonprofit that helps Vietnamese women and children. Over the years, his passion to give back to others has grown, specifically in teaching lion dance to younger generations. Huge kudos to Peter for setting such a great example for how to keep our cultural traditions alive as we grow as Asian Americans!

Last month, Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year festivities livened up communities around the state. Thank you to many of you who attended our annual lunar new year dinner at Kings Land Restaurant. My mom and I were also invited to speak about the lunar new year on 9News and we had a blast!

As we look forward to spring, we will be kicking off our 8th annual Asian American Heroes of Colorado awards. We are calling for nominations for the unsung heroes in our communities! Please nominate deserving individuals at: tinyurl.com/aaheroes2016 by March 25. Thank you!

Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine

asian avenue magazine

staff & support Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Editorial and Marketing Manager: Sarah Shirazi Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Graphic Designer/Photographer: Anastasia Yagolnik Copy Editor: Jaime Marston Cook Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Staff Writer: Brenda Velasquez Marketing Coordinator: Chun Guo Marketing Coordinator: Mai Choua Lee Photographer: Trang Luong Intern: Akemi Tsutsui

advisors group General Counsel: Michael C. Song Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida

contributing writers Jamie Jennings

contributing photographers Asian Pacific Development Center, Nathan Yip Foundation

on the cover Colorado’s vibrant and growing sister cities programs are among the largest in the nation. All sister cities’ committees engage in some kind of exchange, including international travel, allowing members to get beyond the tourist experience and enjoy a deeper connection to the people and the culture.

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editorial To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or calendar events, e-mail editor@asianavenuemagazine.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 | Fax: 303.750.8488 www.asianavenuemagazine.com Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

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March 2016 | President’s Note

THE TR A IN TO THE PLANE 23

miles of commuter rail

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minutes from downtown to DIA

8

stations

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Park-n-Rides

4,329 parking spaces

arriving april 22

contents 9

RISING STAR: PETER PHAM 24-year-old Peter Pham is a natural born leader and entrepreneur. His passion for lion dance led him to establish the Colorado Qing Wei Lion Dance Cultural Troupe and organize the Colorado Lion Dance Competition. A graduate of Regis University, he has also been involved with Asian Student Alliance and Colorado Dragon Boat Festival.

SAMURAI AT DENVER ART MUSEUM The Samurai Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller is one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Japanese samurai armor and accouterments in the world, exploring the life and culture of the samurai from the 12th through the 19th centuries. The exhibition will be at the Denver Art Museum from March 6 to June 5.

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COVER: SISTER CITIES Colorado communities boast more than 50 sister cities around the world. Sister cities aim to build international relationships, foster friendship and understanding between nations, and encourage cultural exchange.

Denver claims the second-oldest sister city in the United States.

Restaurant Peek From Boulder to Denver, Aloy Modern Thai is making its mark as a mainstay for authentic Thai cuisine. Dedicated to serving only the most sustainable, local and seasonal food, Aloy Modern Thai works closely with local farms and distributors to deliver farm-to-table.

ON SCENE: LUNAR NEW YEAR Feb. 8 marked the beginning of the lunar new year and many celebrations took place in Colorado during the month of February. Nathan Yip Foundation and Asian Pacific Development Center hosted dinner galas, and the Confucius Institute and Denver Chinese School organized a celebration full of cultural performances

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March 2016 | Table of Contents

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EVENT CALENDAR INSIDE STORY The New Kid on the Block: Five Star Grow Supply helps growers in the booming cannibus industry ART Spotlight A Tale of a Teacher and His Student: Emil Gabrelov teaches Xiaoyue Liu many forms of art

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FOOD CULTURE Dumplings

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CHEF’S MENU Make your own potstickers BOOK REVIEW A Kim Jong-IL Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker by Paul Fischer

ON SCENE

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Asian Avenue magazine rings in the year of the monkey

Asian Pacific Development Center celebrates 35th anniversary and Lunar New Year

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The Confucius Institute and the Denver Chinese School co-host a Chinese New Year Celebration

Nathan Yip Foundation New Year Gala

Annual Mochitsuki Festival takes place in Colorado Springs

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NATiONAL NEWS

Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488

www.asianavenuemagazine.com

Find us @AsianAveMag

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events upcoming Above the Fold: New Expressions in Contemporary Origami

Now through May 1

Friends of the Longmont Museum 400 Quail Road, Longmont, CO 80501 Cost: $8 adults, $5 students/seniors (62+), free for under age 3, and the second Saturday of each month is a free day.

For more info, visit: longmontcolorado.gov.

The Longmont Museum presents the international exhibition “Above the Fold,” which is large-scale installations of contemporary origami sculpture. In the hands of nine international artists, what was once considered a children’s craft becomes a sophisticated global art form. Paper is transformed into breathtaking sculpture, large-scale origami installations and conceptual works that express contemporary social, political and aesthetic ideas. This event is supported by the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver.

Diversity Networking Event

Tuesday, March 15, 3pm to 5:30pm

Tivoli, Room 320 900 Auraria Pkwy. Denver, 80204 Cost: Free For more info, contact Soyon Bueno at soyon.bueno@ucdenver.edu.

This is an annual event for students to meet diverse professionals and understand the value and asset of their cultural background in the global workforce.

Rethinking Yuan Ink Painting and Calligraphy with Kealy Boyd Wednesday, March, 16, 12pm to 1pm

Denver Art Museum, North Building, Lower Level Cost: Free for Asian Art Association members, $5 students/teachers, $7 DAM members, $10 others For more info and tickets visit: denverartmuseum.org.

Join the Asian Art Association for a talk about “Rethinking Yuan Ink Painting”

by Kealy Boyd, a lecturer in Art History at Metro State University of Denver. In this talk, Boyd will explore the ideologies of a Yuan master and how and if they contribute to understanding Yuan dynastic style.

Asian Tapas - The Orient’s “Little Bites” Cooking Class

Wednesday, March 16, 6pm to 9pm Kitchen Table Cooking School 6380 S. Fiddlers Green Cir #108a, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Cost: $80 per person, plus tax Register at: kitchentablegv.com.

Tapas are not restricted to Spanish cuisine. Kitchen Table Cooking School is excited to introduce your palate to some very delicious Asian Tapas or “Little Bites” as they are called. “The Asian culture is famous for it’s “Little Bites” which are traditionally served on Sundays and features all types of small dishes from potstickers to shumai. At restaurants, carts filled with the various small plates stop by your table and you buy what tempts you. What a delicious way to try different things.

2016 SASE Regional Conference “Realizing Potential” Saturday, March 19, 8am – 8pm

University Memorial Center-Glenn Miller Ballroom 1669 Euclid Ave. Boulder, CO 80309 Cost: Free (lunch included) Register at: saseconnect.org.

For more info, contact David Leng, Chapter President at dale7480@colorado.edu.

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers will be holding a series of regional conferences throughout the spring. The West Regional Conference will be held at the University of Colorado Boulder with the theme of “Realizing Potential.”

SW Vietnamese Student Associations’ Apex Conference April 1 - 3

University of Colorado Denver 1250 14th St, Denver, CO 80217 Cost: $45 Register at: swuvsa.wufoo.com/forms/ swuvsa-apex-conference-registration The Southwest Union of Vietnamese Student Associations is proud to announce their first Apex Conference in Spring 2016! The event includes a series of workshops and team-building activities that will develop leadership capabilities, expand networks and inspire personal development.

The mission is to progress the next generation of leaders within the Southwest region by instilling ideas of leadership, service and community. The conference is not limited to the Southwest region and is open to all regions.

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March 2016 | Upcoming Events

g

Rising Star

Peter Pham

Markets Old Traditions to Young Generations

By Brenda Velasquez

Age 24 Ethnicity Vietnamese School Grandview High

School; Regis University, B.S. Business Administration, Minor in History Hometown Aurora, Colorado Involvements Asian Student Alliance, President (2010-12); Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Gateway to Asia Chair;;Colorado Qing Wei Lion Dance Cultural Troupe, Coach/Director; Colorado Lion Dance Competition, Event Host; EP.ssentials, Chief Marketing Officer Peter in Three Words Innovative, Ambitious, Creative

Hobbies/Interests Lion dance, graphic design, website development and serving the community Dream job Chief Marketing Officer Quote he lives by “Men and women in the service of others.” – The mission at Regis University

P

eter Pham first encountered the art of lion dancing as a child at a Lunar New Year celebration, experiencing a deep curiosity that kicked off a life-long passion for the rigorous and creative sport. Today, this young entrepreneur strives to increase mainstream awareness of lion dance through well-known public festivals and sponsorships from popular name-brand companies.

In a society where trendy retailers often commit cultural appropriation, Pham emphasizes the importance of education and respect, enlightening performance observers on the dance’s significance and informing them of proper audience etiquette.

Pham explains, “I created the Colorado Lion Dance Competition to give the public an opportunity to learn that the lion dance is more than a cultural performance; it is becoming an international sport.”

Pham is referring to the annual event occurring on July 2, 2016 in which Denver will host teams from other states and countries, with dancers competing for a $1500 cash prize.

“The more exposure lion dance gets, the more people will become interested in it. Like karate, kung fu and other martial arts, lion dance needs some notoriety before the public will finally understand the sport and art.”

Although the dance is not limited to cultural events, these venues provide a fitting environment for teaching younger generations about the dance’s history and meaningfulness. Pham has spent two years delving into the history of the dance through his Asia-focused history minor. His concentration on Asia stemmed from a fervent interest in his own heritage. Pham spent his childhood days with his grandfather, Henry Pham, an award-winning cultural poet and author who penned notable works based on personal immigration experiences. These memories inspired Pham to research his family roots, ultimately discovering that the deeper he dug, the more he learned and the broader his mind became, opening his eyes to the struggles of marginalized groups.

Pham and business partner Ricky Al began the event planning and marketing company, EP.ssentials, as a tool for promoting oftenoverlooked small businesses and individual performers. Pham knows first-hand the struggles of gaining exposure through his experience with the burgeoning Colorado Qing Wei Lion Dance troupe. The 24-year-old has demonstrated his marketing skills in his sleek, edgy videography of diverse artists, including a Steam Punk juggling performer, a male pole dance champion, and a hypnotic Regis student flag dancer.

Beyond these local artists, Pham also reaches out to disadvantaged communities overseas, channeling his passion for civil service by incorporating charity into his cultural events. In 2011, Pham’s Asian Student Alliance launched an annual Chinese Moon Festival with the help of the university’s minister Fr. Hanh Pham S.J. They partnered with the nonprofit Bridging Hope to raise $1000, providing 500 meals for ill and disabled Vietnamese women and children.

Pham’s talent for producing tangible immediate support is facilitated by his troupe’s adherence to traditional Chinese virtues of respect and kindness as demonstrated by a humble attitude and ethics-driven philosophy.

His fundamental impact on these communities exemplifies how the act of reaching back into the past to reclaim old virtues and manifesting them through cultural traditions can create benevolent change in the modern world.

“What makes me very passionate about lion dancing,” confides Pham, “is that I am able to bring luck, happiness and blessings. I believe that when I perform, I bring good fortune and good omens to businesses and people, which help them grow stronger.”

Rising Star | asian avenue magazine

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Nominate 2016 Asian American Heroes of Colorado!

Now in our 8th year, we need your help to nominate deserving members of the Asian American community - the unsung heroes, the shining stars and the selfless leaders! Heroes will be featured in Asian Avenue and recognized at the 2016

Award Ceremony + Dim Sum Brunch Saturday, May 21, 2016 | 10am to 12pm

Empress Seafood Restaurant 2200 W. Alameda Ave. #44, Denver, CO 80223 Tickets: $30 Adult/General | $20 Student

Award ceremony will include recognition of 2016 Asian American Heroes of Colorado, acceptance speeches, acknowledgment of participating organizations, dim sum brunch and more!

Nominate at: tinyurl.com/aaheroes2016

Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2016

For more information, e-mail info@cacenetwork.org or call 303-937-6888.

This program is presented by the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network in collaboration with several APA organizations in Colorado.

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The New Kid on the Block Father and son duo open one of the first Asian-owned hydroponics stores in Broomfield

Colorado’s booming cannabis industry has inspired long- outdoor and indoor plant care, including a wide selection of time landscapers and father and son duo, Duoc and Tai Nguyen pots, soil, fans, filters, grow poles, dry racks, fluorescent lights to open a hydroponic store called Five Star Grow Supply in and nutrients. They offer top of the line brands like Canna, Broomfield. The store opened in December 2015 and things are House and Garden, Advanced Nutrients and more.

The store is filled with all of the latest plant care products, many off to a promising start.

The father and son pair entered the business with a wealth of which are from local distributors since the establishment of of experience and knowledge about plant care; they are the cannabis industry in Colorado. “Previously European brands also enjoying being first-time storeowners. Tai Nguyen says dominated the market, like Canna,” explains Nguyen, “but now enthusiastically, “It was not easy to get the store established we’re seeing a different trend with more local companies in but now that we’re up and running, we’re in this for the long Colorado and some from the west coast that are providing the market with new options.” haul.”

The Nguyen family emigrated from Nguyen says, “Asian landscapers are common, but Asians in the hydroponics Vietnam to the United States in 1986. industry are not as common, or at least Duoc and Tai previously worked tothat’s what I thought at first. People are gether for over 15 years as partners of less public about it, but I learned that a landscaping company. Witnessing the there are a lot more Asian families that demand for outdoor and indoor groware branching out into the business.” ing supplies convinced them to open a Whether you need help getting started store specializing in hydroponics. With with a hydroponic system, an organic current efforts set on marketing their garden, or need an extensive irrigation new store to individuals and businesses, and lighting system for a commercial the duo is optimistic.

Located at the intersection of 120th Five Star Grow Supply growth facility, Five Star Grow Supply Avenue and Main Street in Broomfield has the products and expertise to help 6650 W. 120th Ave near Pacific Ocean Marketplace, Five you succeed. Not only will Five Star Grow Broomfield, CO 80020 Star Grow Supply is a small but wellSupply match any price, they also offer 720.863.8740 stocked hydroponic store equipped custom delivery, setting this store apart www.fivestargrowsupply.com with everything you might need for from the rest.

Inside Story| asian avenue magazine

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Samurai

The Denver Art Museum (DAM) presents Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection, March 6 through June 5, 2016

The Samurai Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller is one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Japanese samurai armor and accouterments in the world, exploring the life, culture and pageantry of the samurai from the 12th through the 19th centuries. The exhibition tells the iconic story of the samurai through 140 objects, showcasing items of folklore, religion, nature and foreign influences.

Samurai demonstrates the duality of peace and war, as well as the beauty and artistic inspiration behind the elaborate suits of armor.

Samurai war regalia, including 20 full suits of armor, helmets (kabuto), face guards (mengu), weapons, horse trappings, and additional battle gear were heavily used in the Kamakura (1185-1333), Nanbokuchō (13331392), Muromachi (1392-1573), Momoyama (1573-1615) and Edo (16151868) periods, and will be on display at the Denver Art Museum (DAM).

“At the Denver Art Museum, we are fortunate to be able to offer the experience of exploring many different cultures under one roof,” said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director at the DAM. “The historic culture of the Japanese samurai offers visitors a rich experience to gain a deeper understanding of a history that includes emperors, warlords, shoguns and the art of the samurai.”

Masterful craftsmanship will be highlighted through exquisitely decorated suits of armor such as the Mogamidō tōsei gusoku (armor), Hōrai Kunichika (helmet), and Myōchin Muneaki (mask) made of iron, lacquer, shakudō, gold, silver, copper, bronze, silk and leather. These detailed, functional and ornate suits often required many months of careful craftsmanship to complete. Samurai regalia from the late Muromachi and Momoyama period, including the

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February 2016 | Artist Spotlight March 2016 | Art

Tachidō tōsei gusoku (armor), late Edo period.

Bagai (horse armor), Momoyama to Edo period: 2nd half of 19th century. Bamen (horse mask), late 16th century. Bagu (horse tack), 17th century. Iron, wood, lacquer, leather, brocade, horsehair, gold.

Photograph by Brad Flowers. ©The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, Dallas.

skillfully crafted Eboshi kabuto (helmet) and menpō (half mask), made of iron, lacquer, gold, bronze, horn and horsehair, represent armor used for warfare purposes.

Samurai will incorporate captivating large-scale murals, lighting and spirited sounds to create an immersive exhibition experience. The exhibition begins with an epic battle scene featuring full-scale samurai on horseback, elements that encourage slow-looking at the details of war regalia, a special area highlighting the armorers’ workshop and remarkable craftsmanship, and a final section dedicated to the identity, power and inspiration behind samurai armor.

“Standing face-to-face with one of these incredible suits gives you the feeling of pure awe and wonder, knowing a real samurai once wore the armor,” said Danielle St. Peter, experience and interpretation specialist at the DAM. “Interactive opportunities in the exhibition will add to the marvel of the legendary samurai.” The exhibition is curated in collaboration with the DAM and The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection.

The Barbier-Muellers have collected samurai armor for more than two decades and their admiration for these objects led to the creation of the museum in Dallas.

Samurai is a traveling exhibition that has previously been on view at the Los Angeles County of Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, the Portland Art Museum, the Musée de la civilisation in Québec and the musée du quai Branly in Paris.

The exhibition will be on view in the Anschutz Gallery on level two of the Hamilton Building at the DAM. Samurai tickets start at $22 for adults with audio; DAM members receive the best ticket prices. Tickets are on sale at denverartmuseum.org.

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The tale of an art

teacher and his student

By Sarah Shirazi | Asian Avenue magazine

hen Emil Gabrelov emigrated from Armenia to the United States with his wife and children, he left behind a career as a respected artist and a college art professor. For years, Gabrelov kept busy teaching students and immersing himself in painting. His subjects included landscapes, neighbors, family and local art ambassadors like Louise Sharpe, director of the Denver Art Museum (1989-2009). For Gabrelov, painting has always been a relaxing, daily activity. Knowing the value of being raised in a family of artists, he also taught his daughter Karina how to paint.

A little over a year ago, Gabrelov started giving art lessons to his next-door neighbor’s daughter.

He describes her enthusiastically in a thick Russian accent as “one of the best [artists] in America.”

Chinese-born Xiaoyue Liu, who also goes by the nickname “WenWen,” is just 16-years-old. She is soft spoken and shy, but a typical teenager nonetheless.

Xiaoyue is a junior at Cherry Creek High School and volunteers for the Denver Chinese Language School once a week as a teacher’s assistant. She plays several musical instruments including the pipa, a four-stringed Chinese instrument.

Sitting in the Liu’s family room, which has been converted into an art studio, Gabrelov asks Xiaoyue to play the pipa for us. When Gabrelov looks at Xiaoyue his face simply beams. His admiration for her could not be more apparent. “Mentoring students is something I enjoy,“ says Gabrelov. “If I could work with her everyday I would, but she’s busy.” He says this smiling, dramatically throwing his hands up in the air.

Xiaoyue had always enjoyed art class in school and had never taken private lessons until working with Gabrelov. Exploring various mediums over the past year, her skills and talent have blossomed under Gabrelov’s tutelage. She has received lessons in oil painting, gouache, watercolor and sculpture.

Gabrelov is impressed with how far Xiaoyue has progressed as an artist in just one year; eventually he plans to teach her how to create illustrations for books, an area of his expertise. Gabrelov believes it is important for her to explore different mediums so that she may develop as an artist.

At times the pair has run into communication mishaps as both of them speak English as a second language. “Still, they manage to communicate with each other and things have improved over time,” says Xiaoyue’s father.

Xiaoyue says that she observes things differently now because of her lessons in art with Gabrelov; painting has become her favorite medium so far.

Her parents like to think that art has helped her deal with stress and pressure from school. One thing is certain, Gabrelov has helped awaken her inner artist. Xiaoyue aspires to be a doctor one day and says that she will continue to study and practice art throughout her life.

Artist Spotlight | asian avenue magazine

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Sister Cities Link Colorado Communities with the World

By Jaime Marston Cook

The concept of sister cities is worth celebrating, and perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the United States. Colorado’s vibrant and growing sister cities programs are among the largest in the nation, and many are still led solely by volunteers. The assortment of non-profits, committees, and programs that make up Colorado’s sister cities network are unique in that there is no competition among groups – each is built on strong relationships and international ties, supported by its municipal leaders, organizational members and donors, and there is abundant room for growth.

All sister cities’ committees engage in some kind of exchange, often including international travel, allowing members to get beyond the tourist experience and enjoy a deeper connection to the people and the culture.

Asian Avenue magazine recognizes that there are many active and engaging sister cities programs throughout Colorado; this article is focused primarily on the programs happening in Denver and Aurora. See the current list of sister cities throughout Colorado on page 20.

History The sister city concept originated toward the end of World War II as a way to build international relationships, foster friendship and understanding between nations, and encourage cultural exchange.

If a sister city was established between nations previously at odds, the partnership was intended to create an act of peace and reconciliation, and to encourage trade and tourism. More recently, sister city alliances have grown to include strategic international business ties, encouraging commerce and financial support.

Denver claims the second-oldest sister city in the United

States. In their essay, “A Study of Sister City Relations, “ Donald Bell-Souder and Shanna Bredel say, “The first mention of a sister city relationship in the US was in 1946 between Dunkirk, New York, and Dunkirk, France, when Dunkirk, New York, developed a program to help its French namesake recover from World War II.” Denver’s relationship with Brest, France, began in 1948 when Amanda Knecht, a teacher from East High School, visited Brest and saw the damage the war had done. Upon her return, Amanda encouraged her students to take action. Together,

Former Denver Mayor Hickenlooper meets with former Axum Mayor Hagos to dedicate the Axum city park in Denver.

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March 2016 | Cover Story

they raised more than $30,000, which was used to help rebuild the children’s wing of the hospital there. This gift was the stimulus for a much larger project that grew into a sister cities relationship between Denver and Brest that thrives to this day.

Denver residents may have noticed the City of Brest Park at Cherry Creek Drive South and Colorado Boulevard. Nearly every sister city has a park named in its honor, just as there are many Denver, Aurora, and Boulder parks in other parts of the world. This has grown into an important feature of the sister cities plan.

Students gather in a classroom in Axum, Ethiopia.

Axum is a sister city to Denver.

In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower created a new program called People to People International, in an attempt to foster relationships between the United States and nations abroad. The notion of a sister city became so popular through the People to People program that in 1967, Sister Cities International branched off to form an independent organization to specialize, facilitate, and assist in the efforts to grow these global alliances.

STRUCTURE

There are four pillars of strength supporting Sister City relationships: arts and cultural exchange, business and trade, youth and education, and international development and humanitarian aid.

Sister city projects began as efforts to help other nations rebuild after the second World War; since then, they have blossomed into robust, mutually beneficial international relationships.

Projects can include, for example, economic and business development, municipal training, youth engagement, art, commerce, education, health care, and environmental conservation efforts. Sister city exchanges can be economic, academic, or informational, and are always cultural exchanges.

Sister Cities International is the national governing body that oversees and provides support to local sister cities organizations throughout the United States.

Under the tagline, “connect globally, thrive locally,” Sister Cities International unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in 545 communities in 145 countries on six continents.

The official mission of Sister Cities International is “to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation — one individual,

one community at a time.”

Locally, sister cities start with a personal relationship, and grow to include official recognition to help give the program momentum and clout, either through city council support or a mayoral connection.

The relationship must then be processed through the Washington, D.C. national office to make it official. The Board of Directors for each local sister cities organization is charged with raising funds. In Denver, for example, the Board of Directors is approaching colleges and universities for support because of their robust language study and exchange programs.

Local Alliances Help Sister Cities Thrive

The International Advisory Council is made up of 30 leaders around the Denver. Their ultimate goal is to make Denver a more welcoming place for visitors from around the world, and their focus is to determine how Denver is seen from the outside looking in. Are we a cow town? Or are we a cosmopolitan metropolis? Or are we both of those things, and then some?

The Office of International and Immigrant Affairs works closely with the Aurora Sister Cities, and the Aurora City Council helped to establish this relationship. Sharing space in the same building also eases communication and collaboration among the organizations.

GeoTech and the World Trade Center are helping trade to become a stronger pillar among sister cities programs, specifically connecting Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI) with the World Trade Center. The World Trade Center sees value in the work done by DSCI, and invited the organization on as an official partner

and wrote this partnership into its official development plan for international business – currently, they are housed in the same office building in north Denver.

The World Trade Center provides import and export support for sister cities’ growing trade operations. Soon, Denver will welcome a state-of-the-art World Trade Center campus along the new light rail line to Denver International Airport.

Denver Programs

In the mid-1980s, former mayor Wellington Webb moved to protect Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI) from the whims of government by helping to form a designated 501(c)3 non-profit organization standing freely on its own.

To this day, there is a mayoral liaison appointed who serves on the Board of Directors for DSCI. Programs are often citizen-led and diaspora-based. A sister city relationship is only made official when Mayors sign an agreement. Relationships may be based on geographical similarity, such as cities that are both a mile high, or demographic similarity if there is a substantial group represented. For example, Colorado has the largest population of Mongolians found anywhere in North America, leading to a natural sister city relationship with Ulaanbaatar (another mile high city).

Beth Hendrix, Executive Director of Denver Sister Cities International, says this demographic is changing quickly, “Many are going back to Mongolia because the economy there is growing substantially right now.”

Mongolia’s President and Prime Minister were both educated here in Colorado, adding to the natural connection drawn between both places.

“To promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation — one individual, one community at a time.”

City of Kunming Park is located on Harvard Avenue and Grant Street in Denver.

Denver Sister Cities International hosts an annual picnic and international festival in Denver.

Sister Cities | asian avenue magazine

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Takayama, Japan

Cultural/Trade/Humanitarian After the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, Kaiser Permanente provided a grant for four students from the affected regions of Japan to join DSCI’s students on their trip around the island nation.

These four students were able to travel around to high schools, sharing their stories of loss and survival among youth their age, and to experience a change of scenery and some relief. DSCI also engaged in a substantial fundraising effort, raising over $30,000 in relief funds for Japan.

The student exchange program established between Denver and Takayama is already growing. In 2014 there were only seven students who studied in Japan; in 2016, 27 students applied. In odd years, Japanese students come to Denver and stay with host families. Homestays are organized through a personal connection through DSCI, and typically last 2-3 weeks.

The students who go to Takayama are already studying Japanese in high school here – Denver’s school system has an impressive array of Japanese classes for students. With a glimmer of respect in his eye, Steve Comstock, Chair of the Denver-Takayama Committee with DSCI, says, “This is a unique bunch of kids who choose to study Japanese – they’re a cool group!” DSCI is working on building its resource list for such things as language immersion programs for adults as well.

On adult trips, there are usually at least one or two adults who speak Japanese fluently, so language proficiency is not a

KUNMING, CHINA

Region: Capital of Yunnan Province in southwestern China Population: 7.26 million Sister Cities Formalization:1986, Denver’s 8th Sister City To do: Golf courses, restaurants serving Yunnanese cuisine and shopping areas like the Bird and Flower Market, a busy bazaar.

Did You Know? Because of its year-round temperate climate, Kunming is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring.”

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March 2016 | Cover Story

an ardent commitment to ensuring the survival and growth of these programs throughout the state.

Axum, Ethiopia

Humanitarian/International Development Beyond Japan, Denver Sister Cities International has been involved in a 10year effort to send a clean water truck to another sister city in Axum, Ethiopia.

The Takayama Denver Friendship Association Axum, Ethiopia is an example of one joined DSCI’s Takayama Committee for a dinner.

Sister Cities International award-winrequirement to travel abroad with DSCI. ning humanitarian program in 2015 Orientation sessions that precede any for a population greater than 500,000. trip do include basic language training Denver polled citizens of Axum about so people feel confident embarking on what would be most beneficial for their their adventure. city; the response was a septic truck to DSCI is working on establishing more assist with public sewage issues. Denbusiness connections – they are in the ver Wastewater sold Axum a used truck process of starting a sake-import busi- for $20,000 – Beth Hendrix says, “It took ness with Takayama, as well as the lac- years to raise that money.” quer ware they are well known for. MayThe US Military and US AID partnered or Hancock is on a mission to turn Denver with DSCI to ship the septic truck to into a more international city, on par with Ethiopia, which constituted more than the national and international trend for a $32,000 fundraising effort. When the fostering trade between sister cities. truck finally arrived, the people of Axum Mayor Hancock was an exchange stu- ignited a parade welcoming the truck dent in Takayama, Japan while he was and the Denver delegation to town. in high school. He has been making an These are just a few examples of the effort to visit all of Denver’s sister cities, hard work going into Denver’s sister and is an avid supporter of the program. city programs, fortifying relationships at The Takayama relationship was instru- home and abroad. mental in opening up a direct flight route Sister cities programs are a great way between Denver and Tokyo. When those to get involved in local, grassroots comflights started, Mayor Hancock made it a munity and culture and the world at the priority to visit his host family from his same time. Steve Comstock says, “It’s a Takayama exchange program. Mayors two-way street, for sure,” indicating the from Peña, to Webb, to Hancock have flow of information and people in both been ardent supporters of DSCI; there is directions.

Similar to its Mile High sister city, Denver, Kunming has an altitude of 6,200 feet, but with a closer proximity to the equator, Kunming enjoys a mild and temperate climate and is famous for its year-round floral displays. The committee will send two Denver students to Kunming Foreign Language High School in March. Congratulations for celebrating 30 years!

The Denver-Kunming Sister Cities Committee celebrated its 30th anniversary on Feb. 21, 2016.

A delegation from the Denver-Kunming Sister Cities visited Kunming in 2010.

Aurora Mayor Hogan visits sister city Seongnam City, South Korea.

aurora programs

When Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan took office in 2011 he set his aim on turning the city of Aurora into an international hub of culture and commerce, engaging the international communities there to work on global issues together. Hogan is proud of the fact that Aurora is the most diverse city in Colorado, more diverse than Denver, Pueblo, or Grand Junction, representing 140 different cultural communities, and speaking more than 130 different languages at home. Aurora’s sister city program is an example of people coming together, being productive, and contributing to the global good.

When Mayor Hogan was asked why he focuses so much on international relationships, he says, “It’s personal to me: my wife is Korean, my daughter-in-law is Hispanic and American Indian. I was raised to respect diversity and see it is an opportunity and a positive, not a challenge or a program. I start from there.”

In 2013, Hogan assembled a task force to engage Aurora’s diverse communities and grow international business opportunities. Aurora Sister Cities and the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs were two initiatives that resulted from the task force, and were designed to complement each other. Then, sister

city programs were revitalized in Aurora in 2014 when Aurora Sister Cities International (ASCI) hired full time Executive Director Karlyn Shorb. Currently, ASCI maintains relationships with two sister cities: Seongnam City, South Korea and Adama, Ethiopia. Mayor Hogan says Aurora will likely add 3-5 more sister cities in the next few years.

Similar to Denver, ASCI is a non-profit organization. The organization receives a grant from the city of Aurora, and is focused on developing its self-sufficiency via various other funding sources, including donations from the public and other grant making institutions. City council members are closely involved with ASCI and serve as liaisons with the Board of Directors. Board members are engaged in conversation with local colleges and universities, advocating for economic development programs and partnerships like Denver.

Sister cities programs were previously driven entirely by volunteers. As effective as those volunteers have been at building these programs, the need to establish more organizational structure became clear. Previous sister cities in Costa Rica and Poland lost momentum over the years because they lacked an established system of support. Today, Aurora

is dedicated to making sure that doesn’t happen again.

Mayor Steve Hogan believes strongly that sister cities have been a major part of the overall plan to grow Aurora’s international image and ability to foster relationships with diverse cultures. One example is the city’s commitment to continue Global Fest in August. Hogan says, “This event is a celebration of the diversity of Aurora. It is a celebration of us.”

The Mayor has also worked hard to establish an international roundtable, gathering advice from the community.

Hogan says, “For me it’s the right thing to do, the smart thing to do, and part of what I view as a journey for the city of Aurora. As long I’m the mayor we will continue this work. Future administrations must see the value and take the next steps.”

Seongnam City, South korea

International Development/Business A satellite city of Seoul, Seongnam City is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of South Korea. Aurora’s Mayor Steve Hogan travelled to Seongnam City in May of 2015, met with the Mayor there, and began conversations regarding Korea, Colorado, and the importance Sister Cities | asian avenue magazine

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of trade. Upon Mayor Hogan’s return, he worked hard to put the sister city committee back together between Aurora and Seongnam City, and today the relationship is strong.

At the moment, both Mayors are preparing for a trade mission March 2730, 2016, when a group of 25 will visit Aurora, composed of representatives from the private sector as well as South Korean government officials.

The nature of their visit will be educational, informational, and business-related. The visiting delegation plans to tour parts of Aurora to see the infrastructure of the Anschutz Campus and Buckley Air force Base among other destinations, informing their work at home. Their visit will focus specifically on local innovations in the biotech industry, IT services, and small-scale manufacturing.

Adama, Ethiopia

Arts/Cultural/Education Adama is Aurora’s newest and most active sister city, created in allegiance with the sizable Ethiopian population in Aurora. Both Aurora and Adama have populations of about 350,000 citizens, creating one natural connection for their sister city relationship.

Aurora hosted the first delegation from Adama in 2014, and established an official sister city relationship together in February of 2015, sealing the deal with an Aurora delegation to Adama the same

year. The Denver group toured the city, learned its needs, and determined what types of projects the sister cities should collaborate on moving forward. One example of the outcome from that visit is the photography exhibit showing at the Aurora History Museum from May 3 to Sept. 11, 2016 called “A Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Ethiopian Community.”

Following that initial trip, Aurora collected, donated and sent more than 5,000 books to Adama’s public library and recreation center in 2015 in a symbolic gesture of friendship.

This center serves more than 600 people, and previously lacked any books in its library. Now, the Adama group in Aurora is looking at starting a long-term medical supply drive.

Overall, Aurora Sister Cities International is aiming to continue to build their volunteer program, engage committee members, and grow local business ties and trust between sister cities, ultimately growing business-related activities and the overall economy of Adama and Aurora together.

Currently, ASCI is exploring opportunities for new relationships with Mexico, Japan, and China. Beyond the two established relationships, Mayor Hogan believes that Aurora can handle up to 6 sister cities partnerships. He acknowledges, “This requires hard work, financial strength, and emotional support to be successful.”

Aurora Mayor Hogan is welcomed in Adama, Ethiopia.

Conclusion

It is clear that programs like sister cities have been mutually beneficial both at home and abroad since their inception in the late 1940s. Since then, international ties here in the United States have grown stronger – and the need continues to nurture healthy relationships with cultures abroad. These relationships help engrain support for local and international business, education and cultural exchanges, and empower international advocacy, ultimately providing benefits beyond that which we can grasp. The power of these relationships is enduring, engaging individuals and communities in building relationships built on trust.

Aurora Avenue sign in Adama, Ethiopia

The streets of Adama, Ethiopia

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March 2016 | Cover Story

How Can I Get Involved with DSCI?

• Become members. This is especially important for anyone wanting to travel internationally as membership provides additional benefits to those involved.

• Join the mailing list of these different organizations to learn about events and opportunities for engagement.

• Participate in local cultural events, meet people, ask questions, try new things.

• Host someone in your home. Typically homestay visits last 2-3 weeks. Contact Denver Sister Cities International to learn more about becoming a host family for a visiting student or adult.

• Donate.

Denver Sister Cities International invites individuals, students, couples or families, and even businesses and corporations to become members of DSCI. Membership benefits vary for each category, and generally provide access to the trips, events, activities and plans of the organization – a great way to show support and to get involved! Those who choose to become “friends of a committee” have access to a more exclusive email list.

DSCI Membership Fees The annual membership fee is affordable and tax-deductible.

• Youth (ages 0–13): Free • Student (ages 13-21): $15 • Non-profit: $100 • Patron: $125 • Corporate Silver: $500 • Corporate Gold: $1000

• Individual: $30 • Ambassador: $250

• Couple/Family: $50 • Benefactor: $500

Members enjoy opportunities for international friendships, participate in the cooperative global family designed by Sister City programs for the purpose of fostering world peace, discover solutions that help improve the quality of life of all citizens, and better understand their own community by sharing their local way of life with the people of another culture. Visit denversistercities.org or follow DSCI at: facebook.com/denversistercities.

How Can I Get Involved with ASCI?

VOLUNTEER When you become a volunteer at Aurora Sister Cities International (ASCI), you have an unprecedented personal reach into global affairs and the opportunity to touch the lives of people around the world.

As a volunteer, you’ll play an important role in helping to organize crucial activities and events that encourage international cultural understanding and which advance Aurora as a global city For more information, contact Karlyn Shorb at kshorb@auroragov.org.

BECOME A MEMBER: Students $15 | Individuals $30 | Families $50 Are you interested in participating in sister city activities such as committee planning, local cultural events, homestays, delegation planning, and volunteering? Are you interested in an opportunity to participate in such activities both locally and abroad?

If so – this is the right place for you. All members in good standing are invited to a yearly members only event to help create the vision and leadership for Aurora Sister Cities International and help build a neighborhood that stretches across the whole world.

Non-profit Partners ($100) Aurora Sister Cities International welcomes partnership from all community partners! Member partners have the opportunity to participate in all delegations coming to Aurora, and for networking and organizational promotion and participation during all sister city events. Non-profit partners can register an unlimited number of contacts to receive member updates and each partner will receive two complementary tickets to the yearly members only event to help create vision and leadership for partnership planning.

Corporate or Institution Partners ($1,000+) Are you a business in Aurora or anywhere in the US that is looking to develop international contacts and introductions to global partners? Do you want to learn more about how to do business or develop trade in a foreign country? If you are a corporate partner looking to join sister city delegation activities locally or have the opportunity to join international events across the globe – join as a Corporate or Institution Partner and create an individual package that meets your giving level. Corporate and Institution members may also apply to be a preferred host for incoming delegations.

Visit aurorasistercities.org or follow ASCI at: facebook.com/Aurora-Sister-Cities-International- 466206540156512.

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Sister City Events in 2016 Takayama, Yamagata and Tokyo Trip April 16 - 26, 2016 Join the Boulder-Yamagata and DenverTakayama groups for this special trip that includes visiting Takayama, Yamagata and Tokyo. The public is invited for this terrific introduction to Japan or to get reacquainted with Japan. This is your chance to get beyond the tourist façade and connect with everyday Japanese people and culture. Contact Eiko Fisher for more info: eiko8585@hotmail.com or 303-499-6988.

Sister Cities Day at the Capitol Friday, April 29, 2016 State Rep. Paul Rosenthal will again sponsor Colorado Sister Cities Day at the Colorado State Capitol. A legislative commendation will be presented to each sister city group, and there will be a light breakfast and fun global entertainment at the Colorado State Capitol. For more info: denversistercities.org

Aurora History Museum Art Exhibit, “A Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Ethiopian Community” May 3 - Sept. 11, 2016 A Mosaic of Cultures exhibit will focus on Aurora’s diaspora communities.

The grand opening reception will be on May 12 from 5-7pm and is open to the public. There will also be a series of coffee ceremonies and events planned in conjunction with the art exhibit, including brown bag lectures featuring Aurora’s diverse Ethiopian communities.

For more info: aurorasistercities.org “The Great Run” Family-Friendly 4-Mile Run Saturday, May 21, 2016 A celebration of Aurora’s thriving Ethiopian community, many of whom are runners! This fundraising event will benefit the Adama, Ethiopia Sister Cities program. For more info: aurorasistercities. org/event/the-great-run

Global Fest at the Aurora Municipal Center Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, 1-7pm This event celebrates world cultures with an array of international cuisines, dancing, a fashion show, and more.

Aurora’s Mayor Hogan expects more than 4,000 people in attendance this year; four times the size of the first Global Fest. For more info: auroragov. org/ThingsToDo/Events/GlobalFest Worldwide Festival at the Tivoli Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016 This event will include a sister city summit and an incoming delegation of mayors from other sister cities coming here. Like any great international festival, this one will include art, food, crafts, dance, and cultural representation from all 10 of Denver’s sister cities. Entrance to the daytime fair is free. For more info: denversistercities.org

Colorado’s Sister City Relationships by City Arvada

Jinzhou, China Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan Mechelen, Belgium

Aspen

San Carlos De Bariloche, Argentina Chamonix, France Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany Shimukappu, Japan Queenstown, New Zealand Davos, Switzerland Seongnam City, South Korea

Colorado Springs

Boulder

Lhassa, China Yateras, Cuba Yamagata, Japan Kisumu, Kenya Ciudad Mante, Mexico Jalapa, Nicaragua Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Brighton

Ziebice, Poland

Broomfield

Ueda, Japan

Canon City

Valday, Russia

AURORA

Adama, Ethiopia Seongnam City, South Korea Zielonagora, Poland Jaco, Costa Rica

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March 2016 | Cover Story

Bankstown, Australia Ancient Olympia, Greece Fujiyoshida, Japan Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Nuevo Casas Grandes, Mexico Smolensk, Russia Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Denver

Kunming, China Axum, Ethiopia Brest, France Akureyri, Iceland Chennai, India Karmiel, Israel Ramat HaNegev, Israel Potenza, Italy Takayama, Japan Nairobi, Kenya Cuernavaca, Mexico Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

EStes Park

Ueda, Japan

Monteverde, Costa Rica

LAKEWOOD

Sutherland Shire, Australia Stade, Germany Chester, United Kingdom Portsmouth, UniteD Kingdom

Pueblo

Weifang, China Bergamo, Italy Lucca Sicula, Italy Chihuahua, Mexico Puebla, Mexico Maribor, Slovenia Lucca Sicula, Italy

Steamboat Springs

San Martin de los Andes, Argentina Saasfee, Switzerland

VAIL

Delatite Shire, Australia Saint Moritz, Switzerland

Bringing the ramen culture to Denver!

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Golden Shanghai Asian Restaurant

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Aloy Modern Thai

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am- 11pm Happy Hour Everyday 3-5pm

A

loy Thai in Boulder had already established itself as a mainstay for authentic Thai cuisine when Denver was graced with its own version in February 2016. Aloy Modern Thai opened just a few blocks from Coors Field in the old location of Trillium. Dedicated to serving only the most sustainable, local and seasonal food, Aloy Modern Thai works closely with local farms and distributors, as well as organizations like Eat Denver and Monterey Bay Seafood Watch to deliver on their farm-to-table concept.

The brick exterior hosts a spacious modern dining room, complete with a central bar, a sleek fireplace, high ceilings and modern wood block paintings adorned in gold. The owners commissioned the paintings from an artist in Thailand to include a series of

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March 2016 | Restaurant Peek

Community Night: Mondays all night long www.aloymodernthai.com

2134 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80205 303. 379. 9497

By Sarah Shirazi | Asian Avenue magazine Photos by Anastasia Yagolnik

fireballs, the restaurant’s name, and a series featuring common ingredients in Thai cuisine: chili peppers, limes and herbs. Still, it’s the combination of the classy atmosphere and creative food that makes Aloy Modern Thai so special.

Owner Bo Bean and her partners, (including her sister and mother), travelled to Thailand to interview kitchen staff. They wanted to present Denver with their ideal type of Thai fusion cuisine, and needed expert input.

Bean says, “Our chefs were waiting for an opportunity like this: Thai fusion that takes traditional Thai food to the next level.”

For starters, try the Bam Bam Clams that features delicious littleneck clams and Jasmine rice cakes, all severed on top of house-made chili sauce. The rice

cakes are the perfect choice to soak up all that delicious extra sauce. This dish has the right amount of spice to awaken your palate for what comes next. Also recommended is the Tom Yum Goong soup with shrimp, herbs, mushrooms, chilies, kaffir lime, and whole pearl onions. The Tom Yum soup delivers some of the more authentic Thai flavors.

It would be a real shame to miss out on the Hot Durango River Rock, featuring Hokkaido Scallops. The scallops arrive raw, simply topped with lemon rind and sea salt. The hot Durango river rock sits on a bed of peppercorns and sea salt, and then the scallops are cooked on the rock for about 5-10 seconds on each side. On their own the scallops are so fresh and delicate one may forget about stopping to dip them in the side of ponzu sauce.

Many dishes have creative and interactive elements; the Smoked Verlasso Salmon is another great example. Upon opening the Mason jar, a smooth waft of smoke escapes, allowing diners to discover the beautiful melody of raw salmon, Asian pear, yucca chips, orange aioli, micro greens, dried cranberries, and green onions inside. The citrus from the orange aioli helps tie the delicate flavors together.

Curries also sit at the top of list. The Green Curry is served in a deconstructed manner starting with pieces of Boulder Farms all-natural chicken breast marinated in lemongrass, coconut milk, and turmeric. Adorning the plate are a variety of seasonal vegetables like Asian

pumpkin and colorful bell peppers, as well as a side of mixed black and jasmine rice that results in a pretty purple hue. To top it all off, there is a shot glass filled with the delicious curry broth to pour over everything. This dish has all the elements of freshness, flavor and presentation to make a person smile.

Aloy’s drink menu offers a variety of choices, including house-made (nonalcoholic) medicinal tonics like the Heart Tonic, a mixture of Chinese hawthorn and chicory root. The cocktails are also big stars on the drink menu. For a purely seductive coconut experience, try the Coco Curry, served in a martini glass with house-infused jackfruit vodka, lemon

juice, Huana, chartreuse, Leopold’s Three Pins, all topped with coconut curry foam and polished with a 24-karat gold leaf from Thailand.

Aloy’s ingredients may change depending on what is in season, providing patrons with fun and delicious surprises throughout the year. There is something for everyone at Aloy Modern Thai, including a considerate list of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as a happy hour menu. Aloy is currently developing a brunch menu that will be available in April. Truly, this newcomer is a great addition to Denver, and we’re willing to bet that if you go once, you’ll be back.

Sample Menu Small Plates Corn Fritters, $6 Served with plum sauce

Wicked Wings of the East, $8 Red Bird wings coated caramelized spicy sauce

Smoked Verlasso Salmon, $12 Asian pear, yucca chips, orange aioli (gluten free)

Cracking Tofu, $9 Shitake bacon, miso sauce

Bam Bam Clams, $9 Thai basil, house made chili paste

Alligator, $14 Thai herbs, spicy black pepper sauce

Curries Duck Curry, $20 Pineapple, grape tomatoes, red curry sauce

Massamun Rack of Lamb, $22 Beets, sweet potato, peanuts, massamun sauce, flaky pastry (gluten free) or black rice

Green Curry Kai, $15 Thai basil, lime leaf, green coconut curry sauce

Large Plates Pad Mee Tofu, $15 Egg Noodle, seasoned vegetables, house-made soy (gluten free)

Captain Cobia, $20 Seared cobia, medley greens, spicy cilantro, squash puree

Wagyu Tendertail, $25 Grilled shishito, chili jam, seasonal vegetables

Aloy Modern Thai | asian avenue magazine

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Wrap it up!

From Poland’s pierogi and Italy’s ravioli to Spain’s empanada and India’s samosa, every country seems to have its own version of the filled dumpling.

The incredibly adaptable delights often consist of bite-sized pieces of dough wrapped around a savory or sweet filling. The steamed, boiled or fried packages come in all shapes and sizes, and are particularly popular in many Asian cuisines.

By Patricia Kaowthumrong

T

he Chinese were the first to devour filled dumplings with the oldest version and still one of the most common in Chinese cuisine — called jiaozi — dating back nearly 2,000 years. According to one legend, the inventor was a man who returned to his ancestral village in the wintertime to find that many of the residents were suffering from frostbite.

To aid his neighbors, he prepared a mixture that consisted of meat, spices and healing herbs and wrapped mini portions in scraps of dough, which he folded into the shape of little ears before he boiled them. While the story doesn’t indicate whether the dumplings cured the villagers’ frostbite, they fell in love with the dish that still continues to satisfy appetites all over the world.

Recipes for dumplings are also recorded in ancient Roman cookbooks, and their popularity in various cuisines likely grew due to their versatility and potential to feed a crowd. For example, a pound of meat or poultry can be stretched to feed more people if mixed with vegetables and wrapped with dough.

Unfilled dumplings, which are commonly made from dough that’s been combined with another ingredient and served with a sauce or in a soup, are also popular worldwide (think: gnocchi).

Asia is home to a wealth of delicious dumpling recipes — with different cultures offering their own variations. The

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March 2016 | Food Culture

most common dumpling you might encounter in the U.S. is the Chinese jiaozi , which includes ground meat or seafood like pork, chicken, shrimp or fish enveloped in dough skin; then deep fried, steamed or boiled.

Another common variation in Asian cuisine is the wonton, a meatier dump-

ling wrapped in a thinner dough skin and can be boiled and served in a broth or fried and served with a dipping sauce.

There are tons of other varieties, including endless versions of Chinese filled dumplings, some of which you can get an excellent sampling of at traditional dim sum restaurants.

8 Asian Dumplings to Try 1.

Turkish manti Popular in many central Asian countries, this lamb- or beef-stuffed steamed dumping can be found topped with yogurt and garlic in Turkey.

5. The Korean mandu Served steamed, fried or boiled, common mandu ingredients include kimchi, cellophane noodles and ground pork.

2.

6.

The Chinese guotie Commonly known in the U.S. as the potsticker, this beloved side dish is steamed and fried briefly to create a crispy bottom.

3.

The North Indian gujia This sweet dumpling is loaded with khoya (a milk product used in Indian, Nepalese and Pakistani cuisine), coconut and dry fruits.

4. The Japanese gyōza Japan’s version of jiaozi is prepared with a thinner dough skin, has more of a garlicky flavor and often includes a dipping sauce of soy, rice vinegar and chili oil.

The Mongolian khuushuur Ground beef or mutton sautéed with onion, garlic and spices is the base of this fried meat pastry.

7.

The Nepalese momo The fillings of this steamed or fried bun varies; some common ingredients include goat, buffalo, pork, onions, garlic, ginger, soft cheese, pureed tomatoes and potatoes.

8.

The Indonesian pangsit goreng Often filled with chicken, shrimp, pork or beef, this fried favorite is best dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.

DYI Dumpling:

Make Your Own Potstickers You can’t go wrong with our easy recipe for guotie or potstickers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground pork

• 1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger

• 2 scallions, thinly sliced • 2 gloves garlic, minced • 1 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce • 1 tsp. sesame oil • 1/2 egg lightly beaten • 1 tsp. white or black pepper • 1/4 tsp. salt • 3 dozen potsticker or gyoza wrappers (If you can’t find these round wrappers, which are typically available at Asian markets, square wonton wrappers will work but your dumplings might be thicker-skinned) • Water for cooking

Method Combine pork, ginger, scallions and garlic. Gently fold in soy sauce, sesame oil, lightly beaten egg, pepper and salt.

To form the dumplings, remove 1 gyoza wrapper from the package and cover the others with a damp cloth until you’re ready to use them. Place 1 rounded teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper, then lightly moisten halfway around the edge of the wrapper with water using your finger or a pastry brush.

Fold over, seal the edges gently and shape as desired.

Place wrapped dumplings on a plate or sheet plan and cover with a damp cloth until you’re ready to cook.

Repeat with the rest of the filling.

Heat a 12-inch sauté pan over medium heat (nonstick works best). Brush with vegetable oil and add 8 to 10 potstickers at a time to the pan. Let them cook for 2 minutes without moving them. Then, carefully add 1/3 cup of water to the pan, turn the heat down to low, cover and cook for another 2 minutes to steam dumplings.

Repeat with the rest of the prepared dumplings (clean the pan in between batches with a paper towel, if you’d like). Serve with dipping sauce (recipe below).

Note: The versatility of dumplings supports their wide-reaching popularity. Customize this recipe or design your own. Whether you like them filled with sautéed veggies and steamed, or stuffed with cheese and minced meat and fried — the sky’s the limit!

Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. soy sauce

• 1/2 c. rice vinegar • 1 tsp. sesame oil and • 1 to 2 tbsp. sambal oelek chili paste (available at most grocery stores and Asian specialty stores)

Method

In a medium bowl whisk soy sauce with rice vinegar, sesame oil and sambal oelek.

Chef’s Menu | asian avenue magazine

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303-692-8752

303-432-0600

WWW.KOKORORESTAURANTS.COM

We welcome elderly individuals and couples with Medicaid to join us for fun and care at Happy Living!

We provide free lunches, social activities and transportation to Aurora each day. We take care of seniors by providing health care services, a comfortable environment and translation services. Our partner, CAHEP, provides medical and dental services for all adults at Happy Living.

Please contact us ASAP due to limited space.

Tel: 303-937-6888

12201 E. Mississippi Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

Coming Soon!

Book Review A Kim Jong-Il Production

By Paul Fischer

Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz

E

veryone has heard the phrase, “The truth is stranger than fiction.” Never has that adage been more real than in the story that unfolds in author Paul Fischer’s A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator’s Rise to Power. History buffs and those enamored with both North and South Korea will find this book fascinating.

Kim Jong-Il was the movie-obsessed head of North Korea’s Ministry for Propaganda before he became leader of North Korea.

Frustrated by the lack of talent at his fingertips, Kim decided to take matters into his own hands. In 1978, he kidnapped the South Korean Dictator, Shin Sang-Ok, and his ex-wife, the most famous South Korean actress, Choi Eun-hee. Choi was kidnapped first and when Shin went looking for her, he was taken into custody as well.

Placed in isolated luxury, Choi was given the finest accommodations and often trotted out for parties. Shin, after attempting to escape more than once, was beaten, jailed, and forced to eat grass for survival. Their ordeal went on for nearly five years, away from their children, their home and their country, stuck in North Korea not knowing that the other was so close by.

The story behind the movie-making, or rather propagandamaking, allows the reader to access background information on how both Koreas were enamored with filmmaking and the players behind the scenes.

For example, on one memorable night in 1983, Shin was brought to a party held in Kim’s honor. Reunited and emotional, Choi and Shin embraced as Kim announced to the gathered photographers and guests that the couple would remarry. The good news: they fell back in love and stayed together until Shin’s death in 2006.

The bad news: they were still hostages of North Korea and, as dictated by Kim, forced to make seven films for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Kim served as the executive producer for each of these films before the couple’s escape in 1986.

Engrossing, shocking, and at times bizarre, the book titled A Kim Jong-Il Production offers readers an inside look into the world’s most secretive government from the perspective of its hostages.

A Kim Jong-Il Production is depicted through the main character, Choi, who has told her full story only to Fischer over the years. Difficult to put down, the book brings readers to haunting scenes of Europe, grimy prisons of North Korea, and the luxurious backdrop in which the couple stays throughout their imprisonment.

In addition to being a relentless researcher and captivating writer, Paul Fischer also works as a filmmaker. Several of the book’s scenes naturally lend themselves to the silver screen.

From the dramatic kidnapping of Shin and Choi to the escape that becomes a high-speed chase through the streets of Vienna, the book is as cinematic as Argo and as haunting as The Orphan Master’s Son.

Book Title: A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator’s Rise to Power Author: Paul Fischer Pages: 331 Publisher: Flatiron Books ISBN: 9781250054265

About the author Filmmaker and author Paul Fischer studied the social sciences at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris and film at the University of Southern California and the New York Film Academy. Fischer’s first feature film, the documentary Radioman, won the Grand Jury Prize at the Doc NYC festival and was released with critical and commercial acclaim.

Book Review | asian avenue magazine

27

Asian Avenue magazine Rings in the year of the monkey

Asian Pacific Development Center celebrates Lunar New Year and 35th anniversary The Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC) hosted its 2016 Asian New Year and 35th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the beautiful Cable Center on the University of Denver campus. The silent auction was held on the second floor with a wide selection of donated items displayed in organized baskets.

All proceeds raised from the event benefit APDC’s programs that serve Colorado’s Asian community.

Members from Delta Airlines and the Asian Chamber of Commerce enjoyed the dinner and festivities.

Congressman Mike Coffman (middle) and APDC board vice chair Lily Shen (right) attend the APDC 35th anniversary dinner.

APDC Youth Educator Dao Than (left) and Publisher of Asian Avenue Christina Guo (right) celebrate the new year with APDC.

Duc Nguyen gives money to the lion dancers.

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Asian Avenue magazine hosted over 200 community members on Friday, Feb. 5 at their annual Lunar New Year dinner held at Kings Land Chinese Restaurant. The event featured a 10-course feast, a lion dance performance by the Qing Wei Lion and Dragon Cultural Troupe, a silent auction and lunar new year games.

After the lively dance performance, attendees were invited on stage to try on the lion dance costumes. Asian Avenue magazine President Annie Guo shared the publication’s mission to connect cultures and link lives and accepted a legislative commendation presented by State Rep. Paul Rosenthal.

CU Regent Michael Carrigan was also invited to say a few congratulatory words. The dinner is an annual fundraising event for Asian Avenue magazine, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network and Rocky Mountain Chinese Weekly.

Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan is presented an award at the APDC celebration on Feb. 6 at the Cable Center.

Qing Wei Lion and Dragon Cultural Troupe performed at the Asian Avenue lunar new year dinner and taught guests how to lion dance.

Adele Arakawa of 9News served as the Master of Ceremonies and the celebration was kicked off by a lion dance by the Qing Wei Lion and Dragon Cultural Troupe. Christine Wanifuchi, CEO of APDC welcomed attendees and introduced a 35-year anniversary video on APDC’s incredible work in the community.

APDC also presented several awards to: Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan; Pat Cortez, Vice President of Wells Fargo’s Community and Affairs; and MillerCoors for their outstanding service in the Asian-American community.

The 10-course dinner was catered by Pho Asian Fusion and featured delicious dishes like walnut shrimp. Towards the end of dinner, pianist Jeremy Reger played while Juliet Petrus and Yunpeng Wang sang beautiful Chinese songs.

March 2016 | On Scene

Nathan Yip Foundation raises $300,000 for schools

Nathan Yip traveled the world with his parents, Jimmy and Linda, and had dreams of starting a foundation to give scholarships to children in need. But, after Nathan passed away in 2001, it was up to Jimmy and Linda to carry out his dream.

15 years after Nathan’s death, the Nathan Yip Foundation rang in the Year of the Monkey by raising over $300,000 for its projects in Colorado and throughout the world. With over 500 guests in attendance, including many of Nathan’s former Kent Denver classmates, this year’s event was the most successful to date. The evening was led by event CoChairs Skip and Jane Netzorg and honored Dr. Richard and Linda V.G. Kelley of Outrigger Resorts, all fellow Kent parents. Through tears, Jimmy Yip addressed the Kent community in attendance, saying “Nathan loved Kent, and I want to say to all of his friends here tonight that I love you, too.”

Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu students led the booming Lion Dance and guests participated in the traditional salad toss for good fortune. Baritone Matt Peterson and pianist Margo Hanschke treated the audience to “The Impossible Dream,” and 17-year-old Chinese piano prodigy Simon Su gave a dazzling classical performance.

A new video highlighted the impact that the Foundation has made throughout the world. Featured in the video was Father Thomas Kemmler of the Shitan Salesian School, an orphanage in China, who was at the event for the first time.

He spoke of Nathan’s visits to the school and thanked the foundation for its support, allowing him to open a second orphanage just outside of Beijing.

In the video’s final scene Linda Yip reflected, “Deep down in our hearts, we know we did make a difference,” to which Jimmy added with a smile, “Nathan would be very proud of us and what we do – and I think he is happy.”

Schools host chinese new year performance The Chinese New Year celebration co-hosted by Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver and Denver Chinese School was a great success this year. The event took place on Feb. 6 at Calvary Temple in Cherry Creek.

It began with a community-centered cultural fair in the gym, allowing participants to learn hands-on Chinese culture through fun activities. Followed by Chinese cultural performances such as lion dance, face changing opera, folk and traditional Chinese dance, Chinese kung fu, magic show, Chinese flute solo and Beijing opera. Over 1,200 people filled the auditorium and enjoyed the performances. In attendance were Congressman Mike Coffman, Consul Xiaohui Lu from Consulate General of PRC in Chicago, Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams, Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, and Mayor of Aurora Steve Hogan.

Annual Mochitsuki festival in

By Jamie Jennings colorado springs

On Jan. 23, the annual Mochitsuki Festival was hosted by Japan America Society of Southern Colorado (JASSC) members and volunteers at Colorado College.

Mochitsuki is a New Year’s tradition from Japan in which people get together and enjoy mocha or pounded rice. The Japanese people believe that mochi brings a longer life and overall happiness to the New Year. Initially the rice is soaked overnight in order to bring out the stickiness, and then it is pounded with a wooden mallet, until it is tightly condensed so it can be consumed.

There are several different ways it can be enjoyed. It can be prepared with soy sauce and seaweed, sweet red bean paste, roasted soybean flour, sesame seeds, and with many other toppings.

These traditions were brought over to Colorado College by JASSC so that the local people of Colorado Springs could experience the same traditions that are held in Japan.

This year, due to the warm weather, many families attended the festival, with over 250 attendees. Participants were able to pound the mochi outside or eat the mochi that was prepared inside.

Mile-High Happenings | asian avenue magazine

29

AAPI voters help propel Hillary Clinton to Nevada victory

T

he Nevada caucus was a real test of the candidates’ ability to woo minority voters, who in that state made up almost 40 percent of the electorate.

Asian American voters approach almost 10 percent of Nevada’s registered voters.

Both campaigns for Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Sec. of State Hillary Clinton placed a heavy emphasis on outreach to Asian American voters.

On the voting day, Sanders people based early claims of winning over Latinos on entrance and exit polls. At last, Clinton won over Sanders by 52.6% to 47.3%. Same analysts thought that Clinton could have a win for a strong turnout among AAPI voters.

All the campaign workers – even those from Sanders’ camp – agreed that the Clinton campaign, with a robust staff in the state for months, has had the most sustained outreach with a series of Asian

American themed events.

Last month Clinton kicked off her national outreach to Asian Americans with an event in Los Angeles.

At a recent caucus training for Asian American Democrats in Las Vegas, the Clinton campaign’s national director of Asian American and Pacific Islander outreach, Lisa Changaveja argued that the former secretary of state was uniquely positioned to appeal to Asian Americans.

“She’s been in Thailand more than I have, and my mother lives in Thailand.”

Overall, the turnout for Nevada caucus may present a worry for the Democrats.

Only 80,000 Democrats voiced their preference compared to 2012 when the presidential elections drew 120,000 Democrats. Of course, this was just a primary and the vote in November is expected to attract more attention and participation.

The Shibs win first U.S. figure skating title

I

t’s been a good start to the year for Alex and Maia Shibutani.

The siblings have stood on the podium together every year that they’ve competed at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

After 12 years of skating together and competing in multiple national and world events, the ice dance duo have won their first U.S. Figure Skating gold medals.

“In the periphery, you hear people that doubt your abilities and what our potential was as brother and sister,” the 24-year-old Alex Shibutani said. “What we have is very special. We have never really doubted what our potential was and I think that is what has gotten us to this point. We are confident that there is so much more we can accomplish on the ice and that’s what we are really looking forward to doing.”

Two Asian Americans among most mentioned possible candidates for Supreme Court

T

he death of Supreme Court Justice Antonio Scalia has opened up the possibility that President Obama could nominate an Asian American to succeed him.

An article by Reuters names two possible nominees, Federal Judge Sri Srinivasan who sits on the court of appeals in the District of Columbia, and Jacqueline Nguyen who has been on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco since 2012.

Sri Srinivasan is the first Indian American on the court of Sri Srinivasan appeals in the District of Columbia. Just three years before, the Senate confirmed Srinivasan for the DC Circuit Court by a 97 – 0 vote. Many analysts say he is a nominee that would force the Republicans to explain why they are blocking his nomination, if they carry out their threat to do that.

Jacqueline Nguyen, a Vietnamese American, escaped South Vietnam near the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and lived in a refugee camp in California. She has been a federal prosecutor and superior court judge in Los Angeles. She is the first Asian Jacqueline Nguyen American woman federal judge.

Republicans are likely to do everything to block anyone President Obama nominates. Several GOP presidential candidates have called for President Obama to leave the seat open until a new president is elected, but the President has made it clear he intends to fulfill his constitutional duty.

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March 2016 | National News

Jordan Norwood, a Filipino American, runs for longest punt return in Super Bowl history

J

ordan Norwood of the Denver Broncos returned a punt 61 yards, the longest punt return in Super Bowl history.

The Hawaii-born Norwood’s mother is a Filipina-American.

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