Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Contributions to the Community

On Thursday, May 18th, in honor of AAPI Heritage Month at Pagu, a 2020 James Beard Foundation Award Outstanding Restaurant semifinalist, and 100-plus guests came together to show appreciation for the depth and diversity they contribute to the Greater Boston area.

The occasion was held by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander chefs and industry leaders as part of a month-long acknowledgment known as ‘Roundtable,’ comprised of gatherings that open up discussions about social justice, mutual aid, minority awareness, and activist-supported efforts.

Chefs hosting and contributing to the dining experience included; Pagu’s Chef & Owner, Tracy Chang, Jason Doo (Wusong Road), Laurence Louie (Rubato), Alex Nystadt (Hot Chix), and Ted Woo (Mimi’s Chuka Diner).

The evening also brought together the VietAid, Chinese Progressive Association, Ace Next Gen, Asian American Re - source Workshop (AARW), and Project Restore Us.

The objective of this celebration and others held during May entailed support for minority and underrepresented restaurant operators and their contributions to the hospitality industry.

Sponsors of the event included familiar names like, Baldor, inkind, Wulf’s Fish, Ruby Wines, and Tsung-Megason.

Creative complimentary cocktails were a big hit as guests filled the spacious open-air kitchen and dining room, followed by delicacies that included; Dim Sum for One, Corn Cake with Fried Chicken, Ramp Omelette with Dried Shrimp, Softshell Crab Tempura, Garlic Mazemen, and Tea Smoked Duck with Tiger Peppers. As for dessert, servers brought diners a Brown Butter Sweet Potato Cake with Toasted Rice Mousse, White Chocolate, and Sesame.

Proceeds from the event benefits Project Restore Us, a volunteer grassroots initiative addressing food insecurity in Greater Boston neighborhoods. H