Asian Avenue Magazine - August 2022

August 2022

Tabemasho!

Let’s Eat!

by Gil Asakawa

nai w aH u M sinaic u K an sero T elhaK siv ti s odarlC Nguyen Coffee Supply champions sustainability

WE ARE

OPEN

TUES FRI: 9am - 6pm SAT: 9am - 1pm

WE ACCEPT MEDICAID, MEDICARE AND TRICARE.

History Colorado

We Are Colorado Explore eleven museums and historic sites across Colorado, including the History Colorado Center in Denver.

Join now and learn about the people and cultures that have shaped our beautiful state.

HistoryColorado.org

Enjoy a free appetizer at Bistro Mariposa.

Get ready for a culinary adventure south of the border.

Free Appetizzer use code MEAA0822C1

monarchblackhawk.com

Valid through 8/31/22. Must provide a valid Players Card and ID to redeem coupon. Limited to one per guest. No cash value.

For dine-in orders only. Management reserves all rights.

PRESIDENT’S NOTE

Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine hello@asianavemag.com @asianavemag

In July, we lost a dear friend to Colorado’s Asian community -- Mary Monzon.

Mary volunteered for numerous organizations and was well-known in the community for her kindness and her laughter. She made a tremendous impact and touched many lives. If you are interested in joining a Celebration of Life to share in good memories of Mary, please see page 9.

This August, our communities are busy as ever! With workshops focused on voter engagement, an Asian American theater production, Nepali musical show, and more, we hope you will participate and enjoy connecting with others at these events. Also, take a peek at Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat list which stars a number of Asian restaurants! If your plans keep you at home, check out the list of Asian animated films, as well as TV series with Asian leads. Lastly, congratulations to our friend Gil Asakawa for the release of his new book: Tabemasho! Let’s Eat! Be sure to order a copy later this month!

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August 2022 | President’s Note

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Nan Desu Kan is a 3-Day Japanese Culture Convention!

Experience traditional Japanese arts, anime, cosplay, gaming, shopping, music, dance, voice actors, competitions, charity, and much more!

ndkdenver.org

c oAUGUST n t e2022 nts Publisher & Founder CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO President ANNIE GUO VANDAN

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EVENT: August events TRIBUTE: In memory of a dear friend and community volunteer, Mary Monzon

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UPCOMING EVENT: Meet the cast of the Say My Name production with performances at People’s Building

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FEATURE: TV series and animated films starring Asian leads that we’d love to see more of

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BOOK PREVIEW: Tabemasho! Let’s Eat! by local journalist and blogger Gil Asakawa releases this month ON SCENE: OCA Colorado hosts its second 5K Panda Run at Denver’s Great Lawn Park

ON SCENE: Mental Wellness Summit provides space to focus on physical and mental wellness in Asian communities INSIDE STORY: Nguyen Coffee Supply champions sustainable and ethically sourced coffee beans from Vietnam

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August 2022 | Table of Contents

Web Designer JASON ZHANG

Editor DAMIAN SIU Staff Writer PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG

Contact us at hello@asianavemag.com or visit our office at 14015 E. Evans Avenue Aurora, CO 80014 on the cover Kuana Torres Kahele is a Hawaiian musician, vocalist, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and educator from Hilo, Hawaii. He visited Colorado in June 2022 and provided hula lessons to local Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders and friends.

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.

Looking to promote your business?

Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses a cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call 303.937.6888 or e-mail hello@ asianavemag.com for our media kit and ad rates.

ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: hello@asianavemag.com asianavemag.com

Graphic Designer/Videographer LIJIN ZHAO

Marketing Manager JOIE HA

ON SCENE: Colorado Dragon Boat Festival returns to Sloan’s Lake after two years due to pandemic and algae

COVER STORY: Hawaiian musician Kuana Torres Kahele, best known for his voice in Pixar’s “Lava,” is welcomed in Colorado

FOOD: Yelp releases its July 2022 list of Top 50 Places to Eat

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Editorial Director MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ

Asian Avenue magazine is in association

Find us @AsianAveMag #AsianAveMag

with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (cacendenver.org).

upcoming events

The All of Us Journey is headed our way.

Come aboard this traveling educational exhibit to learn how you can help shape the future of health for yourself, your family, your community, and generations to come. The Journey features interactive activities, videos, games, quizzes, and more – all designed to demonstrate the power of your participation in health research. You can even enroll in the All of Us Research Program during your visit.

Elevasian Night Market

Saturday, August 27 | 4pm to 8pm Happy Living Center 14015 E Evans Avenue, Aurora Tickets: $25-$100 8/27 asiangirlsignite.org/elevasian E 15

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Asian Chamber Business After Hours

4-8 PM

Wednesday, August 17, 6pm to 8pm Kokoro Restaurant 5535 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada $10 per person Register at: acccolorado.org

ELEVASIAN NIGHT MARKET A FUNDRAISER ELEVATING AAPI WOMEN & GIRLS

Asian Girls Ignite invites you to their first FOOD & DRINKS annual fundraiser: ElevAsian Night Market, MARKETPLACE Colorado’s first AAPI women-focused and Asia-inspired PERFORMANCES night market. Immerse your+ STORIES self into a world created

by AAPI woman and girl leaders. Enjoy a fun-filled night of food, shopping, shows, and connections!

Join Asian Girls Ignite to elevate the power of AAPI girls and women in Colorado with proceeds from the event going towards their 2023 programming for AAPI middle and high school girls!

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YUAN WONTON • MUKJA FOOD TRUCK • META ASIAN KITCHEN • NO KE ALOHA • LOTUS FLOUR BAKERY TAEKO-SAN TAKEOUT • TEA STREET • TI: CAFE TA COMRADE BREWING COMPANY • STEM CIDERS

COLORADO COCOA POD • MELE OLI DESIGN SOAP CHARMERS • TERIYAKI TIME • PAGODA LAB MAIA FOODS • NOT YO MAMA'S CUPCAKES PACIFIC MERCANTILE COMPANY • & MORE!

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Attend the Asian Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business after hours event to meet and network with other business professionals. Enjoy a beef, chicken, salmon, or vegetable bowl along with sushi and gyoza from local favorite Kokoro Restaurant.

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Say My Name is a new musical that chronicles Asian Americans’ path to citizenship.

This beautiful show tells the story of Seung-Min, a Korean immigrant, studying for her civics practice/naturalization test.

On her path to citizenship, she is haunted by ghosts of Asian women from history who plead with her to say their names in hopes that it will help them release their souls so they can become citizens as well.

Global Fest is a celebration of the cultures and communities that call Aurora home.

It highlights diversity and inclusion and is a great summer multicultural experience. This unique global event is sure to entertain all ages with musical and dance performances, a fashion show, a parade of nations, an international marketplace, food, vendors and more. Presented by City of Aurora, the event celebrates what makes Aurora one of the most diverse cities in the US: the people!

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The People’s Building 9995 E Colfax Ave, Aurora Tickets: $20-$30 Runs 75 minutes with no intermission Tickets at: insightcolab.org

August 29 - Sept. 2 | 10am to 4pm Denver Health Lowry Family Health Center 1001 Yosemite St., Denver Contact CAHEP at 303-757-3828 or go to: joinallofus.org.

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Say My Name Musical

August 22, 23, 24 | Begins at 7:30pm

Aurora Municipal Center 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora Free event | auroragov.org

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This is an all-day, in-person training session on all things civic engagement! A part of the Norman Y. Mineral Leadership Institute (NYMLI) training program, this training will empower Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to organize communities and affect change! The training covers the ins and outs of community organizing including volunteer recruitment, phone banking campaigns, base building tactics and strategies, and more!

Denver Health Montbello Community Health Center 12600 Albrook Dr., Denver

2022 Global Fest

Saturday, August 20 | 11am to 6pm

KALAMA POLYNESIAN DANCERS MUDRA DANCE • MIRAI DAIKO SPIRIT OF CAMBODIA • & MORE!

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Asian Pacific Development Center 1537 Alton Street, Aurora Free to attend | Registration required apiavote.org/nonpartisan-aapi-voterengagement-in-colorado-nymli-training

August 15 - 19 | 10am to 4pm

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Saturday, August 13, 10am to 4pm

All of Us Journey (Mobile Tour)

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We Have The Power: Nonpartisan AAPI Voter Engagement

Send community events to hello@asianavemag.com.

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Event Calendar | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Remembering M a ry M o n z o n

Mary Monzon, a friend and volunteer in Colorado’s Asian community, passed away on July 24, 2022. While volunteering at this year’s Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, she collapsed and despite all medical efforts, she did not survive. Mary had volunteered at the festival for 22 years and was also an active Board Member of the Asian Chamber of Commerce. She was well known to be extraordinarily generous and kind-hearted – with the greatest sense of humor. She is survived by her long time partner, Hamid, and her mother and niece in California. She will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mary on Sunday, August 14, 2022.

Please e-mail Veronica Montoya at ilovemilehigh@gmail.com for more information.

Donations are welcome and can be paid through the Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado (Zelle: fcampbell@acccolorado.org).

Tribute to Mary Monzon | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Meet the Cast Jordan Lee as Chinatsu and Mrs. K. Lee, who is Korean and Japanese, has ancestors who worked on sugar plantations, and as fishermen and farmers.

Natalie Connelly as Tong-Tong Chen Connelly was born in Vietnam and adopted at three months old.

Min Kyung (Cecillia) Kim as Seung-Min Kim first moved to the US from Korea as a foreign student.

Say My Name is a new musical that chronicles Asian Americans’ path to citizenship. This beautiful show tells the story of Seung-Min, a Korean immigrant, studying for her civics practice/naturalization test. On her path to citizenship, she is haunted by ghosts of Asian women from history who plead with her to say their names in hopes that it will help them release their souls so they can become citizens as well.

This show is suitable for ages 12+ and runs 75 minutes with no intermission.

PERFORMANCES August 22, 23, and 24, 2022 at 7:30 PM $20-$30 Tickets Learn more and purchase tickets at

InsightColab.org

Sean Guderian as Mr. Jones Guderian is one of three identical triplet brothers and the fifth generation to live in the US.

Alexa Downing as Ahn Thuy & Chi Downing is a sansei (third generation) Japanese-American on her mother’s side.

Samantha Saunders as Yumi & Ah Toi Saunders had a closed adoption at the age of 6 months to her two loving parents.

Follow @insight_colab Upcoming Event | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Hawaiian musician and songwriter

Kuana torres Kahele

v is it s C o lo r a d o

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz Strumming of the ukulele is heard throughout the halls of Salvation Army in Centennial, Colo. One could hear the voice of Kuana Torres Kahele instructing an avid class, giving their full attention to hula instructions.

Those from Hawaii know Kahele for his deep passion for Hawaiian culture. Others, especially those under 10 years old, will recognize his voice from the Pixar seven-minute animation short, Lava.

“There’s a great connection to hula,” said Kahele, who teaches students from all over the world, traveling to Japan, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, just to name a few.

Kahele, 45, engages with the community and connects with indigenous, Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders during his tours. His connection to Colorado was first established back in 2019.

“We reached out to Kuana in 2019 to schedule workshops for 2020, then had to cancel due to the pandemic,” said Ellen Akiona, one of the main organizers of the 14th annual Lei Day and leaders of Hālau Kalama. “In 2022, we reconnected and were able to successfully share Kuana with our Colorado community.

With Kahele as the major draw for the annual Lei Day in Colorado, the event in Castle Rock hosted 600 attendees from Denver and its surrounding areas.

“It’s my way of sharing my culture with the world,” Kahele confessed during his Lei Day performance on June 25.

Pixar’s Singing Volcano in “Lava” Short During the performance, Kahele shared his audition for Lava. He knew producers from Pixar were in the audience

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August 2022 | Cover Story

when he performed live on stage in Hawaii. He confessed his nervousness, but a close colleague assured him and advised him to use the nervous energy in his performance.

“I know I didn’t perform as well but in the end, everything worked out,” Kahele said.

His performance audition landed him as the voice of the volcano Uku in Lava. Kahele sings in a duet with Napua Greig, who voices the female volcano.

In its simplistic way, the animation teaches about geology through the love story of ocean volcanoes. The song, haunting in sound, is catchy and easy to remember the words.

While the film first premiered in 2014 at the Hiroshima International Animation Festival, it was later released in theaters playing before Pixar’s Inside Out. The animated short can be found on Disney+ and YouTube.

Kahele voiced the volcano in Pixar’s 2014 short “Lava”

Hula lessons with Hālau Kalama

Kahele plans to return to Colorado in May 2023

Leading Hula Lessons Kahele shares his Hawaiian heritage through hula lessons. His summer schedule kept him busy from Denver to Washington DC, before heading to Japan. After his Japan visit, he will head to Wisconsin, and return to Hawaii in August.

“I host several schools all over the world,” Kahele said. “I fill up my passport annually.”

This past June was his first time in Colorado, but he promised it won’t be his last time as he plans to return again in May 2023. Kahele noted he needed to catch his breath with the Colorado elevation.

Shauna Medeiros-Tuilaepa, owner of No Ke Aloha in Aurora, participated in one of his hula lessons in Colorado.

She shared her favorite song from Kahele’s collection is Mele Noho.

In Mele Noho, Kahele teaches the seated hula, which was reserved for performing in front of Hawaiian royalty.

“It is very rarely taught unless you are a part of a competing Halau in Hawaii. The hula is performed entirely from a seated position on your knees,” said Medeiros-Tuilaepa.

“It is incredibly challenging physically, and mentally, as you chant the entire time while performing. When done properly, it is so incredible and emotional.”

For Akiona, her favorite song was Ulili E. “It’s very playful, happy, and the song makes me smile,” she said. “I also love Na Vaqueros, a song he originally wrote for his dad and later dedicated it to his family.”

Pandemic Period During the pandemic, Kahele took a needed rest from his touring and teaching. He stayed home and took a pause by taking in nature through the outdoors activities of fishing and hunting.

Like everyone in the world, he pivoted his live lessons into online sessions. He discovered modified technology using cameras and lighting to provide monthly classes from Hawaii.

Pride in His Heritage Born in Hilo and raised by his grandmother, his music represents his love for nature and his passion for the Hawaiian culture. The majority of his lyrics are written and performed in the Hawaiian language.

As a Chinese Hawaiian, he incorporates his love and tribute to his family, while weaving in stories through his songwriting. His Chinese heritage originates from his great, great grandparents, who settled in Hawaii during the plantation boom.

“We were truly blessed and honored to have Kuana Torres Kahele share his incredible knowledge and stories of Hawaiian culture, language, music, and arts with everyone,” Akiona said. “The take-aways that were collected during this experience will be shared with others that wish to learn.”

Curious about Kuana Torres Kahele? Visit his website at KuanaTorresKahele.com. Learn more about Hālau Kalama at halaukalama.com.

Kuana Torres Kahele | Asian Avenue Magazine

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The BIG SCREEN Repre Recent Animated Films with Asian American Leads and Stories Turning Red (Disney/Pixar) - 2022

Young actress Rosalie Chiang lends her voice to Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who suddenly “poofs” into a giant red panda when she gets too excited. Sandra Oh voices Mei Lee’s protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, who is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. Directed by Domee Shi and produced by Lindsey Collins, Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red streams on Disney+.

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Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney) 2021 Written by Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim, Raya and the Last Dragon features the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, a warrior in the land of Kumandra’s Heart; Awkwafina as the magical, mythical dragon named Sisu; and Gemma Chan as Namaari, the antagonist daughter of Chief Virana (voiced by Sandra Oh) of Kumandra’s Fang. Raya and the Last Dragon streams on Disney+.

Wish Dragon (Netflix) - 2021

Determined teen Din (voiced by Jimmy Wong) is longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend Li Na (voiced by Natasha Liu Bordizzo) when he meets a wish-granting dragon (voied by John Cho) who shows him the magic of possibilities. The fantasy comedy also stars Constance Wu, Jimmy O. Yang, and Ronnie Chieng. Jackie Chan produced the film and voiced Cho’s role in the Mandarin version.

Watch Wish Dragon on Netflix.

Over the Moon (Netflix) - 2020

Bao (Pixar) - 2018

Over the Moon stars the voices of Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Margaret Cho, and Sandra Oh. The plot follows an adventurous girl named Fei Fei, who builds a rocket ship to meet a mythical goddess on the moon. Watch on Netflix.

Written and directed by Domee Shi and produced by Pixar, Bao is the first Pixar short film to be directed by a female director. It was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival before being released with Incredibles 2 in 2018. The film won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

Bao streams on Disney+.

August 2022 | Feature

esentation

We’d Love to See More of

TV Series to Look for on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video Paper Girls - Amazon Prime Video Paper Girls is a science fiction drama streaming television series created by Stephany Folsom, based on a mystery comic book series written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Cliff Chiang. The television adaptation, starring Riley Lai Nelet (as young Erin Tieng) and Ali Wong (as adult Erin) premiered on July 29, 2022 on Amazon Prime Video.

Paper Girls follows the story of four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls set in Stony Stream, a fictional suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. As they are out delivering papers on the morning after Halloween, the town is struck by an invasion from a mysterious force from the future. The girls become unwillingly caught up in the conflict between two warring factions of time travelers.

Never Have I Ever - Netflix (Aug. 12) In season 3 of Never Have I Ever, Indian American teenager Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) continues to deal with the everyday pressures of high school and drama at home, while also navigating new romantic relationships, including the one with Paxton (Darren Barnet). Joining the crew will by Addison (Terry Hu), described as a crazy hot non-binary teen from the local private school. Never Have I Ever is an American coming-of-age comedy-drama television series, created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher.

Partner Track - Netflix (Aug. 26) Partner Track centers on Ingrid Yun (Arden Cho), an idealistic young lawyer, who struggles with her moral compass and her passions as she fights to climb the partner track at an elite New York City law firm. The 10-episode series was developed by Georgia Lee and based on the novel “Partner Track” by Helen Wan. It’s a roughly ten-hour binge that will premiere on Netflix on August 26.

Netflix announced a second season of the Korean series Squid Games is in the works (no official release date).

Films and Shows | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat in Denver Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like Jasmine Syrian Food and Urban Burma tucked away in Mango House International Food Hall. From fine dining to shawarma food trucks— find them all in Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat in Denver. Follow @yelpcolorado.

#3 Urban Burma

1. Harley’s: A Hot Dog Revolution (Littleton) Cuisine: Hot Dogs, American What they’re known for: Windy City Dog, Chili Pie Dog and Death Vader.

2. Istanbul Cafe & Bakery (Denver) Cuisine: Turkish, Desserts, Cafe & Tea What they’re known for: Su Borek, Kunefe and Kadayif.

3. Urban Burma (Aurora) Cuisine: Burmese, Asian Fusion What they’re known for: Tea Leaf Salad, Shan Noodles and Chicken Curry.

4. Tokyo Premium Bakery (Denver) Cuisine: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches What they’re known for: Beef Curry Bun, Almond Croissant and Hojicha.

5. Jasmine Syrian Food (Aurora)

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August 2022 | Food

Cuisine: Syrian, Middle Eastern What they’re known for: Beef Kabobs, Tabbouleh and Baklava.

14. Seoul Mandoo (Aurora)

6. Kickin Chicken (Lakewood) Cuisine: Sandwiches, Chicken Shop What they’re known for: Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Katsu and Chicken & Waffles

16. PokeCo (Littleton)

7. Zomo Asian + American Eatery (Englewood) Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Vietnamese What they’re known for: Banh Mi Pork Sliders, Vietnamese Meatloaf, Apple Pie Egg Rolls.

19. Bettola Bistro (Denver)

8. Curtis Park Delicatessen (Denver) Cuisine: Sandwiches, Delis, Coffee & Tea What they’re known for: Italian Sandwich, Beef Sandwich and French Sandwich.

22. Aroma of Brazil (Aurora)

9. European Market (Lakewood) Cuisine: Sandwiches, International Grocery What they’re known for: Prosciutto Basil Sandwich, Cevapi and Spanakopita.

15. Taqueria La Familia (Denver)

17. Yahya Mediterranean Grill & Pastries (Denver) 18. Pizzeria Lui (Lakewood)

20. Haveli Indian Cuisine (Littleton) 21. Pierogies Factory (Wheat Ridge)

23. WongWayVeg (Denver)

#7 Zomo

10. Hong Kong Station (Centennial) Cuisine: Chinese What they’re known for: HK Style French Toast, Szechuan Chicken Wings and Mapo Tofu.

11. Goku Hibachi Express (Aurora) 12. Turtle Boat (Denver)

24. Jessie’s Smokin NOLA (Centennial)

13. Bosphorus (Englewood)

25. The Rotary (Denver)

26. African Grill & Bar (Lakewood) 27. Fortune Wok to Table (Denver) 28. Rocky Yama Sushi (Denver)

41. Las Tortas (Denver) 42. The Brutal Poodle (Denver) 43. Temaki Den (Denver)

#28 Rocky Yama Sushi

44. Liang’s Thai Food (Denver)

29. Grammy Italian Goodies (Wheat Ridge)

45. Spice Room | Neighborhood Indian Bistro (Denver)

30. Pho Haus (Denver)

46. Denver Poke Company (Denver)

31. Old Town Hot Pot (Aurora)

Eatery (Denver)

32. La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas (Denver)

36. Detour Bakery (Denver)

47. Meta Burger (Denver) 48. Makizushico (Littleton)

33. Somebody People (Denver)

37. Rocky Fin Poke Bar (Denver) 38. Leven Deli (Denver)

34. Olivia (Denver)

39. Golden Saigon (Aurora)

50. Pupusas Lover (Denver)

35. Anise, Modern Vietnamese

40. Latke Love (Littleton)

*Asian Restaurants in Bold

49. Lucky Noodles (Denver)

Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Denver area. Businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp were ranked using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Denver area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of July 1, 2022; and when available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of July 1, 2022.

Yelp’s Top 50 | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Tabemasho! Let’s Eat!: A Tasty History of Japanese Food in America

By Gil Asakawa

Publish Date: August 30, 2022

Stone Bridge Press | 216 Pages | $18.95 Your favorite Japanese foods, home-cooked, packaged, or served in restaurants, and how they came to delight the American palate.

Tabemasho! Let’s Eat! is a tasty look at how Japanese food has evolved in America from an exotic and mysterious—even “gross”— cuisine to the peak of culinary popularity, with sushi sold in supermarkets across the country and ramen available in hipster restaurants everywhere. Born in Japan and raised in the U.S., Asakawa has eaten his way through this amazing food revolution.

Q&A

with the Author

What was the inspiration behind writing “Tabemasho! Let’s Eat!”?

As a foodie, I love food in general and my favorite is Japanese food for obvious reasons (Japanese American, born in Japan). And I found it fascinating that the food I used to get teased for in 3rd grade when my family moved to the U.S., sushi, is now available at King Soopers and I bet the grandkids of those bullies from 3rd grade now eat sushi a couple times a week. And it’s not necessarily great sushi!

What aspect of Japanese American cuisine and its history was most fascinating to you?

I focused mainly on how America embraced sushi and ramen and covered the history of those popular foods both in Japan and how they got here, but I also learned a lot in my research. For instance, we think of tuna and salmon as must-have fish for sashimi and sushi, but tuna was con-

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August 2022 | Book Preview

Gil Asakawa

sidered junk fish only good for canned tuna and pet food until about 60 years ago, and salmon wasn’t eaten raw in Japan until the 1990s because of parasites in raw salmon (Japanese always cooked salmon until then), when the government of Norway sent a man to pitch Japanese on Norway’s surplus farm-raised, parasite-free salmon. It took a few years but the Norwegian representative did convince one store to buy raw salmon at a steep discount and agree to sell it raw.

A famous sushi chef tried it and gave it the thumbs up, and now it’s one of the most popular. (Because of freezing technology, the fresh-caught salmon from the Pacific is also safe to eat raw.)

What do you hope readers get out of the book?

A wider appreciation of Japanese food and an interest in trying new dishes that they might not know about. Yet.

Gil Asakawa is the author of Being Japanese American (Stone Bridge Press).

He is a nationally known journalist, blogger, and speaker about Japanese and Japanese American culture and history.

He is a Colorado-based foodie and an amateur chef who writes about food and posts photos of food on social media and on his blog, NikkeiView.com.

Connect with Gil Asakawa on social media at @gilasakawa

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YUAN WONTON • MUKJA FOOD TRUCK • META ASIAN KITCHEN • NO KE ALOHA • LOTUS FLOUR BAKERY TAEKO-SAN TAKEOUT • TEA STREET • TI: CAFE TA COMRADE BREWING COMPANY • STEM CIDERS

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COLORADO COCOA POD • MELE OLI DESIGN SOAP CHARMERS • TERIYAKI TIME • PAGODA LAB MAIA FOODS • NOT YO MAMA'S CUPCAKES PACIFIC MERCANTILE COMPANY • & MORE!

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KALAMA POLYNESIAN DANCERS MUDRA DANCE • MIRAI DAIKO SPIRIT OF CAMBODIA • & MORE!

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OCA Colorado focuses on Asian community health by hosting its second 5K Panda Run in Denver OCA Colorado organized the 5K Panda Run on July 23. This marked the second time OCA Colorado has hosted the event at Denver’s Great Lawn Park.

Organizations shared resources at a dozen booths lined up along the walking path. Panda mascots were ready to take photos with participants and welcomed runners at the finish line.

The morning began with a family-friendly walk/run, before the 5K races began.

After the race, attendees enjoyed snacks including fried egg rolls and wontons. A

kung fu performance also entertained the audience.

Benefiting the youth in Asian American communities, OCA Colorado is part of a national organization called OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates. The national nonprofit dedicates its resources to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the US. Learn more about OCA Colorado and next year’s 5K Panda Run at: ocacolorado.org

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival returns with a packed weekend After a two year hiatus, Colorado Dragon Boat Festival returned to Sloan’s Lake in Edgewater, Colo. for a weekend of cultural fun on July 23 and 24.

Along with two food courts and cultural performances across five stages, races took place on the water for two divisions: the Hong Kong races and the Taiwan-style flag-catching races. For the exciting flag-catching races, a flag-catcher leans over the dragon head to snag a flag

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August 2022 | On Scene

and stop the clock at the end of the race.

Visitors experienced long lines at the Taste of Asia food courts as they waited for Zoe Ma Ma, Viet’s Restaurant, Hot Bamboo, Banh & Butter Bakery, and more.

Marketplace vendors featured the popular Truong An Gifts, alongside nonprofit organizations including Denver Preschool Program, Denver Zoo, and Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Interactive art pieces could been be

seen next to the performance stages which included a giant tiger scroll, manga (Japanese comics and graphic novels), and a dragon statue made from recycled beverage cans.

With a mix of rain and shine, the festival brought together diverse families and attendees to celebrate all that Denver’s Asian communities have to offer. Learn more about the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at: cdbf.org.

Photos by Annie VanDan

Mental Wellness Summit builds community resilience On July 16, more than 60 community members gathered at the Community College of Aurora to participate in the Building Community Resilience: Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Mental Wellness Summit.

The morning workshops began with physical movement through the practice of tai chi led by Alice Moy, as well as Pranayama breathing practice led by Catharine McCord. Asian Pacific Development Center staff members Dr. Geri Tien and Harry Budisidharta spoke about refugee and immigrant mental health and Stop Asian Hate advocacy, respectively.

Following a resource fair with local organizations represented and networking during the lunch hour, the afternoon sessions included: discussions about suicide prevention by Meghna Patta and intergenerational trauma by My Ngoc To, and movement workshops focused on dance (led by Ben Nguyen) and Kudalini Yoga (led by Dr. Lynn Tran).

The goals of the summit were to tackle the taboo topic of mental illness, increase education about mental wellness, and promote resources for Asian community members and the wider public.

The event was hosted by CORE: Community Organizing for Radical Empathy and Colorado Asian Culture & Education Network, with partnership from Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership and The Colorado Health Foundation. Learn more about future programs at: coredei.com.

HELLOOASIANAVEMAG.COM TEL: 303.937.6888 WWW.ASIANAVEMAG.COM

On Scene | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Nguyen Coffee Supply launches first of its kind ready-to-drink Vietnamese coffee line Nguyen Coffee Supply announces a unique and unprecedented coffee experience with the launch of its Ready-To-Drink (RTD) Vietnamese Coffee Proudly Made with 100% robusta. The RTD is a first of its kind in the United States with national distribution and made with 100% robusta beans from Vietnam and manufactured in the United States.

Nguyen Coffee Supply will launch several RTD coffee products this year, with the first one being a Classic Black Cold Brew. Nguyen Coffee Supply’s first Ready-To-Drink is made with 100% natural ingredients, with no sugar added and is dairy-free/vegan, gluten-free and shelf stable.

Nguyen Coffee Supply Founder Sahra Nguyen said, “After studying the RTD coffee market in the U.S. for years, I could only find “100% arabica” or nondescript blends. We’re excited to show the world the potential of Vietnam’s beloved robusta.”

On a mission to uplift the resilient robusta bean and bring Vietnamese coffee to the masses, Nguyen Coffee Supply is proud to disrupt the RTD coffee category with this bold & delicious new product innovation.

Nguyen Coffee Supply continues to transform the coffee industry through diversity, sustainability, and cultural integrity.

Since 2018, Nguyen Coffee Supply has been a fierce advocate and champion of the resilient robusta bean. In addition to being a relatively unknown but delicious brew, robusta’s farming practices are more sustainable and utilize fewer pesticides. Its beans, higher in caffeine content, are lower in fats and sugars. Despite the coffee industry’s stigma against the robusta variety which

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August 2022 | Inside Story

excluded robusta farming communities from entering specialty coffee markets, Nguyen Coffee Supply set out to change the narrative, educate consumers and expand the coffee conversation to be inclusive of robusta. Vietnam is the second largest producer of coffee in the world (and the leading producer of robusta beans) and yet the nation has not played a significant role in specialty coffee culture--a sector estimated at $25 billion in the U.S. Nguyen Coffee Supply’s mission to build a more diverse, inclusive and equitable coffee trade has taken the industry by storm. In June 2022, Nguyen Coffee Supply effectively changed Whole Foods’ policy on robusta coffee beans and became the first coffee company to proudly & transparently sell 100% robusta coffee beans in Whole Foods.

This systemic change will unlock a pathway for robusta farming communities around the world to also enter the specialty coffee market and elevate their livelihoods.

Nguyen Coffee Supply also recently published their first Sustainability Report and launched The Robusta Pledge, a global initiative to re-evaluate the inequities and biases within the coffee community and work towards building a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable coffee future.

Nguyen Coffee Supply ships to customers in all 50 states and is also sold in Whole Food, Fresh Direct, Gorillas, Say Wee and more.

Nguyen Coffee Supply can be enjoyed in a wide array of styles including the traditional cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk & ice) as well as the pour over, chemex, french press, drip, espresso and cold brew.

Connect on social: @nguyencoffeesupply

Learn more at: nguyencoffeesupply.com

Colorado General Election Day Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Register to vote and get voter resources at: coloradosos.gov/go/vote E-mail cacendenver@gmail.com if you have questions or need support to better understand Colorado’s election process.

To register in Colorado you must:

Colorado voter registration deadlines

- Be a citizen of the United States; - Be a resident of Colorado 22 days prior to Election Day; - Be 18 years old on or before Election Day; and - Not be serving a sentence of detention, confinement, or parole for a felony conviction.

- In Person: Election Day - By Mail: Postmarked 8 days before Election Day - Online: 8 days before Election Day.

Election Day Registration: You can register and cast a ballot up through Election Day by appearing in-person at a Voter Service and Polling Center during the Early Voting period or on Election Day.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! Join CACEN at upcoming events and trainings to get our community registered! And to educate the AAPI community about the voting process. Learn more at cacendenver.org.

A Showcase of Cultures and Traditions

문화와 전통의 향연 Un despliegue de culturas y tradiciones

የባህሎችና ልማዶች ማሳያ 文化与传统的展示 Sự kiện Văn hóa và Truyền thống

Une vitrine de cultures et de traditions

Saturday, Aug. 20 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Sponsored By: