Ninja Ramen opens ghost kitchen Spirit of japan returns in september
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Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine
Connect with us! hello@asianavemag.com @asianavemag
On Sunday, August 24, we will be hosting a family health and wellness day at the Social Fabric Hub. Join for health screenings, vaccinations, and giveaways!
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, this issue of Asian Avenue Magazine invites us to reflect on history, savor delicious flavors, and look ahead to exciting community events.
Our cover story highlights the History Colorado Center’s “Where is Denver’s Chinatown?” exhibit, a long-overdue exploration of a vibrant community that was erased from the city’s memory more than a century ago. This exhibit not only honors the Chinese immigrants who helped shape Denver but also asks important questions about how we remember — and sometimes forget — the histories of Asian Americans in Colorado.
Food lovers will enjoy our restaurant features this month! Ninja Ramen, once a food truck favorite, now serves up comforting bowls from its new ghost kitchen in Park Hill (Denver), while Rising Tiger took its culinary talent to national television on Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race
Looking ahead, we are excited for the return of the Spirit of Japan event to Downtown Denver from September 12 to 14 — a celebration of Japanese food and drink culture, highlighting foods such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki, alongside a variety of sake and spirits tastings.
As the school year begins and fall peeks around the corner, we hope this issue inspires you to explore our city’s rich stories, support our local eateries, and connect with the events that keep our communities vibrant.
Across Colorado, neighbors are coming together to make life better — improving housing options, creating safer neighborhoods, and protecting the dignity of their work.
The Power in Community series shares real stories of people shaping the places they live — and why that matters for all of our health.
The series is presented by The Colorado Health Foundation and appears in partnership with the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange (CEME) Meet the people building something better at partner.ethnicmedia.co/powerincommunity.
If your home is enrolled in the Lead Reduction Program, be sure to use the water pitcher and lter provided for drinking, cooking and preparing infant formula. Boiling water does not remove lead, so lter rst.
JENEVERRE SCHULTZ
NGUYEN
on the cover
The “Where is Denver’s Chinatown?” exhibit at the History Colorado Center features historical accounts and artifacts of the forgotten Chinatown once a vibrant and welcoming area in downtown Denver.
Photo Credit: Act One Photography
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
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Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.
4 PRESIDENT’S NOTE
8 UPCOMING EVENT: Colorado Dragon Boat Festival heads into 25th year with new dates: September 6 and 7
9 EVENTS: Samsara documentary at Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver BrunchFest
10 SPOTLIGHT: Hua-Chu Huang plays viola for Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO
11 AMBASSADOR64 SERIES: Reflections of life in Colorado
12 COVER STORY: Where is Denver’s
AVENUE MAGAZINE
Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: hello@asianavemag.com www.asianavemag.com
Chinatown? exhibit closes soon at History Colorado Center - don’t miss it!
15 HEALTH: ACUVA expands Alzheimer’s resources in partnership with UCLA
16 FEATURE: Spirit of Japan shares Japanese food and drink culture
19 FEATURE: Experience with Denver Publishing Institute
20 FOOD: Rising Tiger goes on national food competition show
21 FOOD: Ninja Ramen opens ghost kitchen to complement its food truck
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Charlie Yang博士确保每位患者在就医过程中都能感受到理解、支持和妥善的照料。
Colorado Joint Replacement at Porter 南唐宁街 2535 号 100 号房间 科罗拉多州丹佛市 80210 720-524-1367 扫描二维码了解更多信息
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF), the largest dragon boat festival in the U.S. and the premier Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) cultural celebration in the Rocky Mountain region, is thrilled to announce its 25th Anniversary Festival will take place September 6–7, 2025 at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver. While the date shift comes by mandate from Denver Parks & Recreation, attendees can expect cooler temperatures and expanded programming as CDBF celebrates 25 incredible years of cultural heritage, athletic competition, and community impact.
The Nation’s Largest Dragon Boat Festival Returns September 6–7 with New Dates, Cooler Temps, and a Massive Milestone
What’s New and Not to Miss in 2025:
• Over 42 Dragon Boat Teams will race across Sloan’s Lake, including competitors returning fresh from winning gold medals at the 2025 World Dragon Boat Championships.
• 100+ marketplace vendors featuring AANHPI-, BIPOC-, and women-owned businesses.
• 35+ food vendors serving a diverse mix of authentic and mouthwatering Asian and global cuisines.
• Live art demos by 6 local AANHPI artists throughout the weekend.
• Celebrate creativity and community voice through our brandnew Haiku Contest and the return of our long-standing tradition, the Festival Poster Contest.
• Dragonland returns—with even more cultural, educational, and family-friendly programming for kids of all ages.
• Plus, enjoy vibrant cultural performances, engaging community booths, and a chance to give back through our beverage program. Proceeds from Pepsi/water booths, MolsonCoors beer stands, and cocktails/mocktails in the Spirit of the Dragon area support Colorado Dragon Boat and local nonprofits— and there’s even more to explore!
When:
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 10AM to 7PM Sunday, September 7, 2025, 10AM to 5PM Races begin both days at 8AM and run until dusk
Where: Sloan’s Lake Park (West Side) 25th Ave. & Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO
Cost: Free Admission
Donations encouraged to support Colorado Dragon Boat, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Transportation: No on-site parking. Please walk, bike, rideshare, or use our free shuttle from Auraria Campus.
Who’s Invited: EVERYONE!
For more information, visit www.cdbf.org.
Samsara Documentary
Friday, August 22, 2025 at 7PM
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Get tickets: dmns.org
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled sensory experience. SAMSARA is a Sanskrit word that means “the ever-turning wheel of life” and is the point of departure for the filmmakers as they search for the elusive current of interconnection that runs through our lives. Filmed over a period of almost five years and in twenty-five countries, SAMSARA transports us to sacred grounds (including Angkor Wat), disaster zones, industrial sites, and natural wonders.
Through powerful images, the film directed by Ron Fricke illuminates the links between humanity and the rest of nature, showing how our life cycle mirrors the rhythm of the planet. Presented by the DMNS as a bid farewell to their temporary exhibit, “Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia”.
Denver BrunchFest
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 1PM to 4PM
Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus Get tickets: brunch-so-hard.com
Denver BrunchFest is back and bigger than ever. This all-inclusive food and drink festival brings together local restaurants serving their most indulgent brunch dishes, plus a selection of bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, custom brunch cocktails, craft coffee, and non-alcoholic options to satisfy every attendee.
Highlights include: savor the best bites from Denver’s top brunch spots; cast your vote for “Best Bite” and other awards; experience the must-see Champagne Tiger Drag Brunch; dance along to all-day beats by DJ Prodigy; and enjoy the ultimate Saturday brunch experience with your crew.
By Mary Jeneverre Schultz
Audiences of Cirque du Soleil’s acclaimed ECHO production are being captivated by the masterful sounds of Hua-Chu Huang, a musician whose artistry adds an ethereal quality to the show’s fantastical world.
Huang joined the ECHO cast in October 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his classical training and extensive work in chamber and orchestral music. His journey—marked by significant achievements and a relentless pursuit of artistic innovation— perfectly complements the imaginative spirit of Cirque du Soleil, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.
“My friends said they weren’t surprised I got this opportunity—they all thought I was a perfect fit,” Huang shared.
A dynamic and versatile performer, Huang has excelled in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings. Passionate about both classical and contemporary music, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Carol Wincenc, Erika Raum, and Scott St. John.
As a dedicated advocate for new music, he has performed at prestigious festivals, including Toronto’s 21C Music Festival and the Banff Centre.
Born in Taiwan, Huang moved with his family to Halifax, Nova Scotia at age 15. Now 33, he still finds time to return to Taiwan to rest and recharge with loved ones.
His path to Cirque du Soleil was serendipitous—he wasn’t even aware the company was hiring.
He had only intended to accompany a friend to an audition but decided to try out himself.
After three rounds, he secured his place in the cast.
“Growing up, I thought Cirque du Soleil shows were the coolest,” he recalled.
Huang is a graduate of the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music, where he studied under Paul Kantor and Barry Shiffman, after earning his Bachelor of Music at Dalhousie University with Phillippe Djokic.
Huang began touring with ECHO in September 2024.
“It took some time to get used to the touring life,” he admitted.
During his downtime, he enjoys photography and hiking, capturing scenic views from every city he visits. So far, Vancouver and San Jose have been his favorites.
Huang’s exceptional musicianship has earned him numerous accolades:
• First place in the Glenn Gould School Chamber Competition with Chu-Yi Duo
• Top prizes in the Canadian Music Competition and Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra Competition
• Solo performances with Symphony Nova Scotia, Chebucto Symphony Orchestra, and Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra
He has also graced the stage at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and completed three separate performance contracts on Holland America cruise ships, each lasting four to five months.
In ECHO, Huang performs with a seven-member live band, wearing black head pieces, dark make-up and black costumes to distinguish them from the show’s other characters. As a violist, he not only plays but also performs mouth percussion, a uniqun e addition to his repertoire.
“I never thought I would be singing and playing at the same time,” he said with a smile. “I’m not sure where life will take me. I never knew it would take me here.”
Audiences in Denver have a limited time to witness Huang’s artistry before ECHO departs on August 17. Don’t miss this mesmerizing fusion of live music and breathtaking acrobatics—visit Cirque du Soleil’s official website to get tickets!
Rocky Mountain Public Media, the home of Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and TheDrop303 has a partnership with Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange to launch this monthly essay series, as part of our vision to co-create a Colorado where everyone feels seen and heard. These stories are sourced from community members across the state—told in their own words and selected from our 64-county community ambassador program. They are not editorial products of our journalism team,
I was born in May of 1997 in a rural town in Southern China. Time unknown. Weight unknown. Length unknown. First fifteen months of life unknown.
In August of 1998, I was adopted by Italian and German parents from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My parents were and are the best parents that could’ve adopted me. I found support in every corner of my life growing up.
However, a throughline of my childhood, teen years, and still sometimes in my adulthood is the resistance and refusal to acknowledge my Chinese background. Jokes were made to my friends that I was 100% Italian and 0% Asian. Arguments were had between my mom and me about not wanting to go to Chinese dance class and instead go to cheerleading, or gymnastics, or any other activity like all the other girls my age attended.
Growing up, I also only surrounded myself and became friends with white kids, thinking that was popular, mainstream, accepted, and beautiful. Not accepting my natural hair, I dyed it
but are first-person reflections on life in Colorado - building bridges through empathy. Learn more about all of our brands and content at www.rmpbs.org/about
We’re starting the series with a piece written by one of our team members, JJ Caric, who relocated to Grand Junction over two years ago for a job with us and found so much more…
blonde from the age of 13 until this past year, when I was 28.
During this time of life, I also resisted and hated living in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh wasn’t a “real” city…I was destined for Los Angeles or New York City, which were the only cities where I applied to college. I ended up going to New York for my first year.
Maybe it was the movies I watched as a kid, but ever since I was little, New York was like a fever dream. It was exciting, fast, entertaining, glamorous, and full of energy.
Quite honestly, up until recently, the past three or four years, I think I was chasing what everyone else considered beautiful or “the dream.” It’s glorified on social media, magazines, and celebrity culture to look a certain
We’re inviting community members across the state to share their own stories of living in Colorado —of identity, discovery, and what it means to belong. Tell us about a moment or a place in Colorado that changed how you see yourself or your community.
Share your reflections at ambassador64@rmpbs.org
This is part of Ambassador64, our statewide listening initiative to ensure public media reflects the voices of all 64 counties in Colorado—starting with yours.
By JJ Caric
way and live a certain lifestyle.
Little did I know, about two and a half years ago, my impulse decision to accept a job and move to Grand Junction, Colorado, would have everlasting and profound positive effects on the way I see myself and the world. To have a chance at happiness in Colorado, I decided to say yes to everything. Mountain biking, climbing, skiing, hiking, camping, you name it. I also decided to make friends with anyone and everyone I had a connection with. My first Asian friend was someone I met in my first week in Grand Junction. She’s still one of my closest friends today, and funny enough, she’s in New York now getting her Master’s.
My time so far in this beautiful Rocky Mountain state has been beautiful, messy, confusing, and peaceful, and it has made me discover and meet myself for what seems like the very first time.
Who knew, I do enjoy camping and skiing, and large city crowds actually give me anxiety. Who knew, I felt the most comfortable in my skin for the first time, so I decided to change my hair back to black.
My Colorado journey is not over yet, but so far, my time on the Western Slope has been transformative in the most budding and blossoming way.
By Annie Guo VanDan
When cousins Linda Lung and Heather Lung Clifton first reached out to the Mayor’s Office of Civil Rights and Community Partnerships, they had a simple question: Why was there no mention of Denver’s historic Chinatown on the I Am Denver website?
That question sparked a powerful journey of rediscovery, storytelling, and advocacy—culminating in a landmark exhibit at History Colorado. Through their work with Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU), the I Am Denver documentary team, and History Colorado Center, the Lungs have played a central role in uncovering and preserving the rich yet often-overlooked legacy of Denver’s early Chinese American community.
In their initial outreach, the Lungs connected with I Am Denver producer Roxana Soto, who—like many Denver residents—had never heard of Denver’s Chinatown. Working with Soto, Rowena Alegría, and Emily Maxwell, Linda and Heather helped shape a documentary project that centered the stories of Chinese families like their own.
At the same time, both of them joined CAPU’s storytelling committee. The stars aligned, as Linda describes it, and together with I Am Denver and CAPU, the group completed a documentary chronicling Denver’s lost Chinatown— featuring the Lungs, the Chins, and other Chinese American families.
The film was widely screened and well received, offering a rare glimpse into a chapter of Denver’s history long erased from the city’s official narrative.
The success of the documentary led directly to a collaboration between History Colorado, CAPU, and CU Denver’s School of Architecture to develop Where is Denver’s Chinatown?, an immersive museum exhibit. The Lungs were invited to serve on the planning committee.
“There was so much interest and enthusiasm at History Colorado,” Linda shared. “They welcomed our ideas and provided strong leadership in designing a meaningful, memorable experience.”
Their contributions included family artifacts, stories, storyboard content, and photographs. Linda worked closely
with members of the Chin family to ensure their history was honored. She gathered menus, matchbooks and photos of Esther and Frank Fong from the iconic Lotus Room Restaurant and even Chin Lin Sou’s original chair from the Central City Opera House.
Linda also reached out to Hop Sing Tong leaders Rebecca Ly, Harry Jong, and Kevin Leung to ensure that the story of the Hop Sing Tong was presented alongside the Lung family’s Bing Kong Tong legacy—adding depth and complexity to the exhibit’s portrayal of Chinese community life in early Denver.
“This work isn’t just about the past. It’s about protecting the future of our community’s stories.”
“We are extremely proud and humbled,” said the Lungs, reflecting on how their family’s story now lives on through the exhibit, documentary, and other community initiatives.
Through CAPU’s continued advocacy, the Lung family’s legacy is also featured at Denver International Airport, in photographs at MAKfam restaurant, and through a growing number of public art and kiosk installations. These include two murals—one at the firehouse on 19th and Lawrence and another at CU Denver—and a series of artistically painted traffic bollards highlighting important dates in Chinatown’s history. Painted by Jasmine Chu, a CAPU volunteer, and designed with students from Asian Girls Ignite, the bollards adorn the symbolic alley once known as Hop Alley, where the Lungs’ great-grandmother once ran her shop.
The Lungs still hold out hope for an AANHPI community center and museum, modeled after Denver’s Blair-Caldwell African American Research
Library—a space to honor and study Chinese American history for generations to come.
Still, much remains unknown. A 1929 photo of a Bing Kong Tong meeting, now displayed at History Colorado Center, features only a few identifiable faces. It has appeared in news stories and the documentary, but the rest of the men remain unnamed.
“We believe that by sharing these images more widely, we can uncover more stories—more names and more connections that have been forgotten,” Linda said.
Their journey has also helped them understand their family’s experience in the broader context of exclusion and discrimination. They learned how, before the Supreme Court overturned housing restrictions in 1943, Chinese families were barred from owning property in many neighborhoods. That ruling reshaped where their parents were allowed to live—and by extension, where the Lungs grew up.
The exhibit has been warmly received. The Lungs have led personal tours for family, friends, and special events, and audiences consistently express not only appreciation for the history but curiosity about what’s next. Many visitors have asked: Could this become a permanent exhibit?
History Colorado Center has plans to host additional events that will engage more members of the AAPI community. However, as with any downtown location, accessibility remains a challenge— especially when it comes to parking.
Ultimately, the Lungs hope the exhibit educates and inspires. “The more people understand about ethnic communities, the harder it is for whole groups to be labeled, misunderstood, or hated.”
The resurgence of anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic reminded them of what their ancestors endured more than a century ago. The racism and violence aren’t just echoes of the past—they are part of an ongoing story. “After the COVID pandemic, it
was heartbreaking to see hate rise again—just like it did generations ago.”
They urge visitors to take action—to learn, remember, and help preserve what remains of Denver’s Chinese heritage. Two original Chinatown buildings, located at 2015 and 2019 Market Street, are still standing. But their future is uncertain; 2015 Market was the headquarters for the Bing Kong Tong and 2019 Market was a store that was owned and operated by Ahmoy Lung, their great-grandmother.
“The owners of the View House Restaurant could one day sell those buildings to make way for new high-rises,” they warned. “We’ve sounded the alarm. These buildings need to be preserved as historic Chinese American landmarks.”
In honoring the past, the Lungs are shaping the future—a future in which Denver’s Chinatown, once erased, is remembered, protected, and celebrated. “If we don’t learn from the past, communities like Denver’s Chinatown could disappear all over again.”
See the Where is Denver’s Chinatown? exhibit before it leaves the History Colorado Center on September 1, 2025
Where is Denver’s Chinatown? Stories Remembered, Reclaimed, Reimagined displayed at the History Colorado Center invites visitors to uncover the history of the neighborhood, discover what happened to it, and help imagine what it might become.
Once located in the area known today as Lower Downtown (LoDo), Denver’s Chinatown was one of the largest in the American West during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It provided a welcoming space for Chinese people in Colorado who built a community and celebrated their culture against a backdrop of frequent ignorance, hostility, and violence. Explore the thriving cultural community through historic personal family photographs and objects, artifacts from the museum collection, a portrayal of a typical home, and artistic reimaginings of the neighborhood.
Created in collaboration with Colorado Asian Pacific United and the University of Colorado Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning, Where is Denver’s Chinatown? reveals the Chinese community that flourished here, the racist efforts to erase it, and the resilience of the community today.
The Alliance Care United Volunteer Association (ACUVA) and the Junwei Children Cancer Foundation are proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
This collaboration aims to translate UCLA’s highly regarded Alzheimer’s care video series into Chinese, significantly expanding access to trusted, research-based caregiving resources for Chinese-speaking families.
As the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate education continues to grow, this initiative marks a critical step toward reducing disparities in healthcare access and support. By making these essential tools available in Chinese, the partnership will empower caregivers and families affected by Alzheimer’s with knowledge, confidence, and community.
ACUVA (Alliance Care United Volunteer Association) was established in 2020 to serve Asian communities in the areas of childhood cancer and other public health issues.
ACUVA hopes to maximize relief resource sharing, at the same time to inspire AsianAmerican volunteers to flourish. alliancecareunitedvolunteer.org
“Providing culturally relevant care resources is essential for empowering families and caregivers,” said Yan Shao, Founder and President of the Junwei Children Cancer Foundation. “We’re honored to work with UCLA to make these valuable tools available in Chinese and help reduce the stigma and isolation often experienced by caregivers in immigrant communities.”
The video series explores key topics such as understanding dementia, effective caregiving strategies, safety at home, communication techniques, and managing difficult behaviors. The translated series will be available to the public free of charge later this year through both UCLA’s and the Foundation’s online platforms.
Together, we are committed to advancing inclusive, informed care—and ensuring that no family navigates Alzheimer’s alone.
BRING YOUR APPETITE AND RAISE A “MASU!
Spirit of Japan is back by popular demand!
This unique outdoor event, featuring Japanese street and festival food and Japanese spirits, will light up Sakura Square on September 12, 13, and 14, 2025.
The event is presented by Colorado nonprofit Sakura Foundation and Japan Taste Marketing. In 2024, its inaugural year, the event brought together a unique group of vendors who highlighted traditional and contemporary aspects of Japanese cuisine and spirits. The sold out weekend was packed with those who love and/or were curious about Japanese food, treats, spirits, and culture.
“We’re very grateful for the positive response we received last year. It was great to see everyone enjoying the delicious food, unique spirits, and upbeat atmosphere.”
- Stacey Shigaya, Executive Director of Sakura Foundation
Here is a sampling of the mouthwatering food that will be available at Spirit of Japan, in addition to a wide variety of premium Japanese spirit options:
• Kaki-Gori: fluffy shaved ice
• Baby Castella: golden-crusted mini sponge cakes with a hint of sweetness
• Yakitori: Skewered, grilled, and juicy chicken pieces
• Sweet Cream Pan: golden-brown Japanese pastry filled with smooth, rich custard
• Udon: noodle delicacy served in a savory, light broth
• Osakana Zangi: unique blend of fried chicken with fish
• Yakisoba: stir-fried noodles bursting with umami flavors
• Takoyaki: golden, battered fried octopus balls, drizzled with tangy sauce
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH
FROM 6 PM - 1 0 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH
FROM 11 AM - 9 PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
FROM 11 AM - 5 PM
• Reserve offices (175-205 sq feet) or shared desks monthly, weekly, or daily, which include a mailing address, utilities, internet, and other benefits
• Check out books from the community library featuring AANHPI books and authors, and join a book club
• Sign up for wellness activities (tai chi, yoga, martial arts), or ride bicycles that help power the building
• Join as a member to enjoy access to solo pods (for meetings/calls) and conference rooms, discounts to local restaurants/vendors, discounted Social Fabric events and space rentals, and giveaways ($50/month)
• Book event space for gatherings of all sizes such as meetings, conferences, and markets/festivals
Social Fabric Hub is operated by Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (CACEN), a 501c3 organization that serves Colorado’s AANHPI communities.
We could use support with funding for our renovation costs, donations (furniture, books, supplies, etc.), and getting the word out about the hub! Volunteers are also needed!
or
After surviving undergrad at the University of Iowa with a bachelors in English and Creative Writing and a focus on publishing, I emerged from the haze of college burnout and began applying for internships at several publishing houses. That tale ends abruptly— I failed to get into one. Now I had two plans for postgraduation. One was to try for an internship at a publishing house. The other was to apply to the Denver Publishing Institute (DPI), an opportunity a speaker from a class mentioned as part of her journey to working at a publishing house.
That’s the technical reason I applied for DPI. The truth behind that technicality, however, is a bit simpler. I love books. Always have, always will, and after taking a book design class in my undergrad, I fell in love with the production side of things. I want to create books. I’m not just interested in the manuscript, but in the frame for that manuscript— the physical product. Interior design, jacket design, and cover art are just some of the aspects of book design I adore, but I had few opportunities to speak to professionals about how to get into these jobs.
So, my expectations for the Denver Publishing Institute were clear cut: networking opportunities and informative lectures. I knew little about the industry before the start of the program despite being on the publishing track in undergrad. The scope of the speakers they brought in was narrowed by my instructors’ connections and the University’s connections.
Thus far, I haven’t been let down in either networking chances or breadth of information. Unfortunately, I have been
having some difficulty finding opportunities to talk to our speakers. I’m not the best at interacting in a big group environment and prefer conversations in smaller gatherings. Lunch, which is supposed to be the opening to have that conversation in a more casual setting, has become a gamble on where to sit to be closest to the speaker. Regardless of proximity, it’s hard to get a word in between others who are just as eager to have that conversation. Thankfully, most have been kind to offer their emails for more questions and opportunities to connect.
Even only a week into the program, I’ve learned quite a bit. One of my biggest revelations has been just how subjective and unpredictable the publishing industry can be. We had the opportunity to go over some book proposals during Karl Weber’s editing workshop and books my class collectively thought would do badly did well while others we thought would do well haven’t even been picked up yet. Needless to say, I’ve learned the formula for a book’s success is rarely so clear cut. Moreover, I’ve learned about each role individually, and how they operate in tandem with the rest of the publishing process.
I’ve also realized the importance of empathy in the publishing industry. I came from an undergraduate environment where editing people and being edited was common. However, I’d never done it in front of the writer.
During Christine Pride’s workshop, while tasked with editing and considering notes on our writing in pairs, I was confronted with the vulnerability of sharing pieces and having it audited in real time. There’s something special in being trusted with someone’s hard work, so it’s essential
to remember the person behind the manuscript.
As I consider the future, I feel most confident about taking away knowledge on the process overall. I love that we aren’t just dipping our toes into each of the roles but learning in depth about the processes and subtleties of each. While I might not wear all the hats in a publishing house, knowing about each of these hats gives me a better idea of how to interact with each role. Certainly, I’ll be able to use the information I’ve gained to tailor my future cover letters and resumes to encompass the skills I need to stand out for different roles.
One of the benefits of talking in-depth with each of these incredible people has been learning what was important about their former experiences that was integral to getting their current publishing job. All mentioned first and foremost a love for books, but also, specifically, a demonstrated knowledge about the current landscape of books.
To anyone considering applying to DPI — be proactive! The experience is what you make of it. At its base, the program introduces amazing people within the industry to you who are willing and offering to open a professional relationship. Take the open hand! You never know where it might take you.
This reflection was written by Raezel Valencia, a participant of the Denver Publishing Institute. To learn more about the DPI’s four-week program, including the 2025 tuition of $5,178 (plus optional housing and meal plan costs), visit liberalarts. du.edu/publishing or contact them directly at pi-info@du.edu or (303) 871-2570.
The Great Food Truck Race premiered August 3, 2025 kicking off another epic road trip. This season host Tyler Florence pushes nine talented teams to the culinary limit as they travel up the Atlantic coast in pursuit of food truck glory and a $50,000 grand prize.
From a NASCAR raceway and packed beach boardwalk to a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the teams visit landmark locations to face unprecedented challenges, demanding celebrity judges and some of the biggest crowds ever seen on the race.
Representing Colorado is the Rising Tiger Team (Devin Keopraphay, Ashley Morris, Orian Muniz).
“We are an Asian-ish diner from Longmont, Colo. currently operating out of the Longmont Farmers Market. Taking traditional American diner classics and merging them with Southeast Asian flavors,” said Keopraphay. “We are currently putting together our very own brick and mortar and hoping to open this fall in Longmont, of course.”
Fans can follow @RisingTigerCo on Instragram to see what they are up to. Visit FoodNetwork.com to learn more about The Great Food Truck Race.
Did any new menu items come out of the competition that you now serve (or plan to serve) at Rising Tiger?
Keopraphay: Our new claim to fame! After months of refining and reimagining our original dish from raw form, we will be bringing to life a Taiwanese style Chicken Fried Steak Sando. It’s a five-spiced pounded beef steak sandwich with our house chili jank, cilantro aioli, bread and butter pickled radish and cucumber between a sesame bun.
Were there moments where your Asian-inspired dishes helped you stand out?
What was your reaction when you found out you’d been selected for The Great Food Truck Race?
Keopraphay: Shocked. I was totally caught off guard. In this industry it’s a constant “heads down approach” to literally everything. So to hear Tiger was selected to be on Food Network filled me with childhood excitement.
Morris: I used to fall asleep as a child watching Food Network so it truly was a dream come true for me! I was also honored that Devin asked me to join his team!
Keopraphay: Yes, we were able to highlight our Asian inspo. Our house chili jank, rounded together our sandwich and is quite different from other styles. In Lao food, we have a saying “Ba Phet, Ba Saap,” which translates to: “if it ain’t spicy, it’s not tasty.”
So we focus on the heat of the chili and deep crunch factor of the fried shallots and garlic. Or roasting bananas on the plancha, for example, during the second challenge to intensify their sweetness. Something not uncommon but very unique to Southeast Asian cooking. We truly try to impart Asian elements into our everyday cooking, making it approachable for the public without diluting flavor profiles or losing the true meaning. Somewhere between nontraditional, but authentically Tiger and perfectly third cultured.
Denver foodies, get ready to slurp! A new culinary force has arrived, bringing the authentic, comforting flavors of Japan right to your doorstep. Ninja Ramen, the city’s latest ghost kitchen sensation, is transforming the takeout experience with steaming bowls of perfectly crafted ramen.
If you’re wondering what a ghost kitchen is, think of it as a restaurant without a traditional storefront—operating solely for delivery or pickup. This model allows Ninja Ramen to focus entirely on crafting exceptional ramen bowls, ensuring every order is filled with rich broths, springy noodles, and savory toppings, all delivered hot and fresh.
“We went from a food truck to a brickand-mortar—with a ghost kitchen as the fastest step in between,” explained coowner Midori Fujishige Blanks.
Owners Chef Hiroaki (Hiro) Takeda and Midori Fujishige Blanks are partners in both business and life. In 2023, Midori’s son, Rusty Blanks, moved from Las Vegas— where he worked in a sushi restaurant—to Denver to help launch Ninja Ramen. It’s truly a family affair: Hiro and Rusty focus on cooking, while Midori manages operations and customer relations.
Switching from a food truck to a ghost kitchen offered both challenges and benefits. “The food truck didn’t need much marketing thanks to busy locations,” Midori shared. “But with the ghost kitchen, we had to figure out how to drive traffic ourselves.”
While ghost kitchens save on traditional rent, they require strong marketing to reach customers who can’t “stumble upon” the business. Ninja Ramen relies on DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, as well
as creative local outreach.
“Our location is a bit hidden, so we put up large flags, posters, and banners,” Midori said. “We even offered free miso soup on the street from 7 to 9 a.m. for four days to grab attention!”
Social media has also been crucial. Rusty leads their digital marketing, posting mouthwatering photos and sharing customer stories on Instagram and Facebook. Positive Google and Yelp reviews play a big role in attracting new fans.
“For people who haven’t visited us, online reviews are incredibly important,” Midori explained. “Many new customers find us through social media. In today’s world, having an active online presence is essential.”
What makes Ninja Ramen stand out? It’s their dedication to authentic Japanese flavors.
“We stay true to tradition, but add a little extra spice to suit Denver’s taste,” said Midori. “Many of our customers have been to Japan and are looking for that same flavor experience—we do our best to deliver it.”
One secret ingredient is the alkaline water they use for cooking. “Japanese water is naturally soft, so alkaline water helps replicate that taste. Plus, it has added health benefits,” she said.
Their Tonkotsu Ramen is the current best-seller, though Shoyu Ramen and Veggie Ramen are also crowd favorites. Seasonal shifts don’t slow down demand— Denverites crave ramen year-round.
The team is also working on expanding the menu with onigiri rice balls and Japanese-style fruit sandwiches.
Ninja Ramen’s ultimate goal is to open a full-service restaurant offering authentic Japanese sake and beer alongside its comforting bowls of ramen.
“We’re committed to maintaining the highest quality of food and service as we grow,” said Midori.
In the meantime, Denver diners can enjoy Ninja Ramen’s ghost kitchen experience through delivery, takeout, or by stopping by their tucked-away location in North Park Hill. See their full menu and order online at ninja-ramen.com.
5155 E. 39th Avenue
Denver, CO 80207
www.ninja-ramen.com
Facebook: fb.com/DenverFoodTruck Instagram: @ninjaramenmobile Check Instagram for open hours
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