Asian Avenue Magazine - November 2023

November 2023

Volume 18 | Issue 11

Colorado Celebrates 40th

HMONG NEW YEAR

MAKfam Restaurant opens on South Broadway in Denver

City of Aurora recognizes its business community

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ASIAN AVENUE - PRESIDENT’S NOTE Join Colorado’s Hmong/Hmong American community to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hmong New Year celebration on November 25 and 26. Enjoy cultural performances, presentations, and delicious Hmong food at Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds! Connect with members of our local Hmong community to learn more about their cultural traditions and their thriving community in Adams County.

Congrats to Ken and Doris, co-owners of MAKfam, for the grand opening of their restaurant on South Broadway in Denver. Stop by to enjoy their family-inspired recipes and colorful cocktails.

Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine Connect with us! hello@asianavemag.com @asianavemag SAVE THE 2024 DATES! On Feb. 3, a community celebration for Lunar New Year will be held at Denver’s McNichols Civic Center; on Feb. 4, a celebration will be held in Aurora On Havana Street.

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November 2023 | President’s Note

Like many of you, it has been difficult to carry on with ‘business as usual,’ while witnessing the atrocities and loss of innocent lives in Palestine and Israel. My hope is that we can tap into our empathy and shared humanity, now more than ever, to better understand the historical and current context, and to act.

As our community knows all too well what it feels like to be the target of hate attacks, we condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism or any other form of violence, hatred or bigotry. Thank you to CORE DEI and AANHPI community members who are creating spaces for our AANHPI community to stay informed about this escalating public health and humanitarian crisis. Keep shining a light on Palestine.

ASIAN AVENUE TEAM Publisher & Founder CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO

IN THIS ISSUE 7

UPCOMING PERFORMANCE: ‘Letters of Suresh’ opens at Curious Theatre Company this month

President ANNIE GUO VANDAN Editorial Director MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ Graphic Designer/Videographer LIJIN ZHAO Web Designer JASON ZHANG Staff Writer JESSALYN LANGEVIN Staff Writer PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG

on the cover Hmong-American women are proud to wear their cultural attire as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of Colorado’s Hmong New Year.

Photo Credit: Suyeng Vue Photography

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EVENT CALENDAR

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ONLINE RESOURCE: Celebrate Veteran’s Day with Duty to Country

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BOOK PREVIEW: Children’s book “Fried Rice and Marinara”

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COVER STORY: Colorado’s Hmong community celebrates its 40th anniversary of Hmong New Year cultural festivities

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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November 2023 | Table of Contents

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FOOD: Dumpling restaurants are popping up all around Denver and we aren’t complaining about it!

FOOD: MAKfam opens on South Broadway ON SCENE: City of Aurora awards businesses and business leaders ON SCENE: History Colorado and local Filipino American organizations celebrate Fil-Am history month ON SCENE: Media and news summit unites AANHPI journalists

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‘Letters of Suresh’ by Rajiv Joseph opens November 11

Curious Theatre Company brings a poetic play about connection to the stage

Cast (from left): Peter Trinh, Hossein Forouzandeh, Desiree Mee Jung, Anne Penner.

On November 11, Curious Theatre Company continues the 26th season with Letters of Suresh by Rajiv Joseph.

Directed by Julie Rada, this production brings a quartet of souls together through a series of letters that cross oceans in search of connection.

“Letters of Suresh is a moving and lyrical piece exploring longing and human connection through letters,” said Artistic Director Jada Dixon. “We loved the language and the way it challenges typical theatrical structure.

We’re excited to welcome Julie Rada to the team to direct for Curious for the first time; she’s known for her exciting and visual approach to staging, and this play is an ideal collaboration.”

The team for this original story includes: • Director: Julie Rada • Scenic designer: Markas Henry • Costume designer: Erin Carignan • Props designer: Wayne Bryer/ Krystal Brown • Lighting designer: Miriam Suzanne • Sound/Projection designer: Brian Freeland Onstage artists include: • Desiree Mee Jung • Hossein Forouzandeh

Costume rendering for Father Hashimoto played by Trinh.

Costumes by Erin Carignan.

• Anne Penner • Peter Trinh This Regional Premiere by Rajiv Joseph is about human connection, loneliness, and second chances, as well as dreams about a city once consumed by the scourge of war.

Joseph is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and two-time Obie Award Winner. One of those Obie’s was for Guards at the Taj, which was staged by BETC Theatre in Boulder in 2018.

About Curious Theatre Company “No guts, no story” embodies the ethos of Curious Theatre Company.

Established in 1997 by a vanguard Artistic Company of professional actors, designers, and directors, Curious brings the best new theatre to Denver. We produce thought-provoking plays designed to challenge ideas, stir emotions, and leave audiences thinking and talking long after the show ends.

Curious has cultivated a local and national reputation as a destination for artists and playwrights to foster and develop new work, and as a place where audiences are challenged. Now entering a quarter century of bringing thought-provoking theatre to Denver,

Learn more and get tickets at: curioustheatre.org

Curious Theatre Company’s rich history showcases our commitment to playwrights with gutsy things to say.

The Letters of Suresh Play Allow yourself to get swept up in the mystery, the yearning, and the beauty of this award-winning, poetic tale from a truly original storyteller. A quartet of souls are brought together through a series of letters between strangers, friends, daughters, and lovers.

Sending their hopes and dreams across the oceans and years, they share a hunger for human connection while dreaming of a city once consumed by the scourge of war. A moving and engaging play of second chances so perfectly poised for this moment.

Letters of Suresh runs November 11 - December 9 Curious Theatre Company 1080 Acoma Street, Denver Tickets range from $28 to $50 with some post-show converations.

Tickets are available at curioustheatre.org or by calling 303-623-0524.

Upcoming Performance | Asian Avenue Magazine

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upcoming events Global Seed Savers 13th Annual Nourish Celebration Friday, Nov. 10 | 6pm to 8pm

Posner Center for International Development, 1031 33rd St, Denver Tickets: $75 in person | $60 virtual Children are welcome and free (under 12) globalseedsavers.org

Global Seed Savers’ annual Nourish Celebration is a time to come together as a community, hear inspiring stories of our work on the ground in the Philippines, meet their new team members, and support their mission of building food and seed sovereignty across the Philippines.

This year’s in-person program in Denver will feature an exciting AAPI local artist show and competition highlighting their new slogan of: Save Seeds. Grow Food. Celebrate Heritage. Hal Atienza, the new Philippines Executive Director will be joining via Zoom to share a keynote message of inspiration.

BIPOC Winter Social

Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6:30pm to 8:30pm Raices Brewing Co. 2060 W Colfax Ave, Denver Free to attend RSVP on EventBrite

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November 2023 | Event Calendar

Rising Phoenix: A Photographic Journey with Me Ra Koh

Thursday, Nov. 16 | Begins at 7:30pm

Join Asian Vibes in Denver, BIPOC Mountain Collective, Latino Outdoors Colorado, and Outdoor Asian Colorado for a fun-filled evening preparing for the winter season and community bonding! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, this event is for everyone who identifies as a person of color and wants to get outside this winter! Come find your fellow winter enthusiasts who share your passion for skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and other winter adventures! Trade your gear at our gear swap, donate usable gear for others, first timers can attend a 30-minute tips session, attend a 15-minute helmet safety/concussion awareness training provided by Craig Hospital, and visit with vendors to get discounts and more!

Denver tickets include delicious Filipino cuisine and refreshments.

Send community events to us at hello@asianavemag.com.

Lone Tree Arts Center 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree Tickets: $30 to $40 lonetreeartscenter.org

Me Ra Koh and her photography have been featured on Oprah, Live with Kelly, and Disney. Join us for an evening of inspiring stories of how she lived alongside Gibbons apes with her family in Thailand’s jungle. Roh will take us behind the curtain of creating an unconventional life for her family while also paving a way for women in the photo industry as one of the first woman photographers to be sponsored by Sony. She’ll share the most unbelievable stories of how she became Disney’s beloved Photo Mom to being the author of six books to her present-day work as cocreator of the Rising Phoenix Experience, a transformational photography experience designed to empower people in reclaiming their purpose and resilience.

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Celebrate Veteran’s Day by Learning More about a Filipino Project

Duty to Country (DTC) stands as a free online educational project produced by the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep) that tells the important but little-known story of brave soldiers who served under the American flag during World War II (WWII), only to be forgotten by the U.S. government after the war.

The project includes an online exhibition and state of the art fully-free educational programs accessible to the public. It showcases compelling historical accounts, oral histories, primary sources, lesson plans, teaching activities, and custom artwork depicting the legacy of the Filipinos and American who fought in World War II in the Philippines.

Duty to Country fills in the gap that’s not taught in history books about the Filipino soldiers, who served under the American flag during WWII. Core to FilVetRep’s mission to note let these brave men and women’s sacrifices be forgotten, DTC multimedia, culturally tailored and accessible education project that seeks to amplify these forgotten stories to the youth.

By Mike Simbre

DTC project components include: • Under One Flag: This component explores the untold story of two nations – the United States and the Philippines fighting together under the U.S. flag. It features first-hand accounts of living veterans, historians, and community advocates, showcasing archival photographs, films, and historical documents and is designed to work hand in hand with FilVetRep’s free curriculum.

• Oral histories: With 20 plus hours of video interviews, DTC showcases a rich archive of compelling first-hand stories. This timely effort captures stories told by the last of the living veterans of WWII, their families, activists, and histories.

• Educator Resources: Designed for teachers in the classroom, these online educational resources include ten detailed lesson plans, 14 Explainer Activities, 30 cards of key figures, 10 short animations based on the stories of veterans and activists, rich and detailed illustrations that depict key moments from the story.

• Graphic novel (Fall 2023): In the Shadows of Giants, an upcoming graphic novel commissioned by the DTC project to engage the next generation of Americans in this rich history. It tells the story of a young Filipino American, who discovers that her grandmother lived a secret life as a guerrilla soldier during WWII. It recounts her life during the Japanese Occupation and the lasting impact of the war and its aftermath on Filipino Americans today.

Teaching Filipino American history is essential to the community. Very often, events within ethnic communities are not included in the mainstream history books, especially if they are not the one writing it. If one is to teach history, then teach true history.

FilVetRep has developed DTC since December 2018. To date, the project is found in seven states with 38 educators (21 middle-school and high school teachers), teaching 2,250 students. Efforts are underway to add more states and recruit more teachers.

Raising awareness by providing a unique platform to highlight Filipino and American WWII veterans and connect younger generations to those who have and have not worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Inclusive storytelling is aimed to share the story of not only the American and Filipino soldiers, but also the Filipinos who were not a part of the official military efforts during WWII, to include guerrillas, resistance fighters, women, and children, all of whom were crucial in the war effort. Lastly to educate by having developed engaging and easy-to-use educational curricula to teach the story to students in middle and high school.

For more information, visit dutytocountry.org or filvetrep.org.

Contact Media and Communications Coordinator Leezel Tanglao at Media@Filvetrep.org.

Online Resource | Asian Avenue Magazine

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NFL Network anchor Mike Yam releases children’s book “Fried Rice and Marinara” NFL Network anchor Mike Yam is releasing a picture book celebrating intercultural cuisine and families, based on his personal heritage growing up with a Chinese immigrant father and an Italian mother. “Fried Rice and Marinara” shows young readers that growing up in a blended family is a special experience that can give you a unique perspective, and Yam is a fierce advocate for social issues who has authored op-eds on immigration and the Asian American community.

Mike Yam

What is the inspiration behind your book?

Part of the reason I wanted to write Fried Rice and Marinara was to have young readers see a multiethnic character in a lead role. I also wanted to spark the thought that families with diverse backgrounds are normal. At times in my childhood, I thought I had to “pick a side,” which is weird to think about now. I really want young kids to be able to embrace their heritage and be proud of their background. I know for my family; food was a backdrop to everything we did. I wanted to use cuisine as a vehicle to bring the story to life.

I have been fortunate to talk to college students over the years and have

What do you want readers to walk away with after reading the book?

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November 2023 | Book Preview

been disheartened by the lack of diversity in most of the journalism classes.

When there was a spike in hate crimes against the Asian American community, I was disappointed in the storytelling around those incidents.

I realized part of the problem was too few members of the Asian community being involved in journalism. The pipeline needs to be strengthened and that was another reason why I wanted to write Fried Rice and Marinara. I’m hoping more visibility in diverse stories will spark an interest in kids to pursue creative mediums.

Birthday parties are so much fun: the friends, the family, the games, the gifts, and, of course, the food! But what type of food do you serve at a birthday party when your family is from two different cultures? Young Mikey Yam is having a hard time choosing between the Italian food of his mother’s side and the Chinese cuisine of his dad’s. So, he turns to his grannies, Bahboo and Nonna, for advice.

“Ravioli or Dumplings? Linguine or Lo Mein? All of these options were hurting his brain.”

Join Young Mikey as he decides which type of food to have for his birthday party, and the important life lesson he learns along the way.

A Vooks Original, Fried Rice and Marinara is a rhyming story about two cultures coming together to create something special.

Fried Rice and Marinara Author: Mike Yam Illustrator: Laura Dong Publisher: Vooks Inc. (April 20, 2023) Reading age: 4 - 8 years Available on Amazon: $17.99

I hope being exposed to a story of a mixed-race child can be a touch point for all kids. One of the beautiful things about living in the United States is being able to meet, interact and live with people from various backgrounds. I’m a believer in the accumulation of various experiences, big and small, that help inform our thought process. Ideally, Fried Rice and Marinara can be either a subtle nudge or a significant story that helps instill confidence in Asian and bi-racial children. I do think the message is important for all kids though. Exposure to two cultures in one story can help expand perspectives and promoting inclusivity.

How does this book represent your own childhood?

What is most surprising about the publishing process?

Fried Rice and Marinara represents something I never had as a child - a book with an Asian character or a mixed-race family.

Despite loving sports, I never thought about being a sportscaster as a kid. I never saw someone who looked like me on TV covering sports.

When I got to Fordham, it was the first time I had cable tv and I saw Michael Kim on ESPN. If you would have told me my freshman year that I would eventually become an anchor at ESPN and work with and become friends with Michael, I wouldn’t have believed it. I really wish I was exposed to media through that lens when I was a child.

I was lucky enough to find the path, but the lack of diversity in the college media classrooms I have spoken is embarrassingly low. The pipeline needs to be strengthened and I’m hoping more authors think about ways to reach a younger generation of creatives.

I didn’t realize how tough the publishing industry is. There are only a few gate keepers in the business so if you’re hoping to have larger reach for the greatest impact you can be frustrated quickly.

I was very fortunate Vooks was willing to help me bring the story to life. People in the publishing industry are fully aware of the lack of diversity in authors and stories, but they move so slowly to publish that it compounds the issue.

What advice do you have to share with new writers?

I hope writers are willing to put together narratives for parents and readers that are not limiting. I’m trying to focus on broadening the stories around Asian characters.

When I was a child, I absolutely loved watching anything that included martial arts. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was really proud that Asian characters were cool because of that skill.

As I’ve gotten older, I still really love those shows, but I’m frustrated that the stories don’t seem to always evolve into other verticals.

With Fried Rice and Marinara and my next books, I’m focused on incorporating my personal experiences as a backdrop to stories in which the characters are in more than just “traditional Asian situations.”

It’s important for diverse authors to think more about well-rounded characters in situations that go beyond surface level representation. I hope authors really keep this in their mind when they are crafting new stories.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I’m currently in Southern California, but I was born in the Bronx and grew up in New Jersey. Aside from hosting duties at NFL Network and working on manuscripts you can find me at the gym or a winery. I am ridiculously lucky to really love my job hosting shows at NFL Network.

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Fried Rice and Marinara | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Celebrating the 40th anniversary of

Colorado Hmong New Year!

November 25-26, 2023 | Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds in Brighton, CO

Learn more at fb.com/ColoradoHNY

Photos include: Gloria Her, Mai Choua Lee, Jeannie Lee, May Lee, Padee Lor, Durango Vang, Nhu Vue, Yer Xiong Photo Credit: Suyeng Vue Photography

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November 2023 | Cover Story

The first Colorado Hmong New Year was celebrated in 1983. Twelve Hmong clans were represented and co-wrote the bylaws stating that two Hmong clans would be responsible for planning, coordinating and hosting the Colorado Hmong New Year event. This huge responsibility would be rotated amongst the 12 clans annually to create unity, common vision, and joint support.

The event has been held at various locations in Colorado, and eventually made its way to Adams County Fairgrounds to accommodate the different performances, festivities, and vendors.

This year marks the 40th celebration of the Colorado Hmong New Year! Over the past 40 years, the event has grown in size and number. In addition to this milestone, the bylaws were recently changed to mandate that Hmong American Association of Colorado (HMAAC), the first Hmong American serving nonprofit organization in Colorado, manage the Colorado Hmong New Year moving forward.

This year’s Hmong New Year celebration will be the first of its kind to be supported by dedicated volunteers regardless of clan affiliation. This change was made to provide more inclusivity to the changing demographic in the community (i.e. multi-generational homes, younger families, multi-ethnic/racial households, Hmong “transplants”) and to accommodate the changing ways in which the community can be outreached.

Hmong New Year continues to be an important cultural celebration as it is the only event that gathers the community to reminisce on our importance in American history and the strides that our community has made in response to our historical traumas. For many, the Hmong New Year is a time to assert our Hmong identity, pride, and culture.

Written by:

CHUA VUE

Hmong New Year Co-Chair

November 25-26, 2023 Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds (formerly Adams County Fairgrounds)

Saturday-Sunday 10am to 3pm DAYTIME CELEBRATION Talent Show Competition Cultural Performances Cornhole Tournament

Advanced Tickets: $7 per day or $10 for both days Door sales: $10 per day

Saturday 6pm to 11pm NEW YEAR’S PARTY Suab Yajsab Band & DJ SiFunk

Advanced Tickets are $20 Door Sales: $25 Questions? Contact cohny@hmongassociationco.org.

Hmong New Year | Asian Avenue Magazine

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40th Colorado Hmong New Year Celebration

Written by:

MAYLEE X. VANG Hmong New Year Fashion Show & Decorations Coordinator

There are so many things to expect at this year’s Colorado Hmong New Year celebration. Aside from seeing the Hmong community dressed up in traditional clothing, attendees can expect to learn about the Hmong culture, history, and arts. The fashion show will preview the material and craft differences of the Hmong diasporic identities.There will be a variety of performances, including Hmong dance, singing, and traditional musical performances. Visitors will get to experience a variety of traditional Hmong cuisine, both savory and sweet as well as American food.

There will be many vendors, largely Hmong-owned businesses that will be supporting the event as well as city, corporate, and non-profit representation.

This year’s celebration is unique in that it includes a cornhole tournamenta sport that continues to garner participation and popularity in the Hmong Colorado community. Historically, the Colorado Hmong New Year has not been able to host sports contests due to weather deterrents so we hope that cornhole will be another means for entertainment. Additionally, we will have free kids activities, including arts and crafts that we hope will instill in the younger generation Hmong culture. We hope that attendees will come support the performers, guest speakers, and vendors while engaging with other spectators.

What are you most looking forward to at the celebration?

I’m looking forward to the upcoming event with a great deal of enthusiasm!

It’s not just about the festivities, but the people who make these occasions special. Meeting familiar faces, the ones I may not have seen for a while, brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. There’s a shared history and connection that makes those reunions so meaningful. Equally exciting is the prospect of making new acquaintances. It’s a chance to learn from one another, to share stories and build new relationships.

One of the things that I find particularly inspiring is the active involvement of the younger generation. Seeing them take part in the celebration and contribute to our community’s growth is truly heartwarming. It shows that our traditions and values are being passed down and will continue to thrive for years to come.

And then, there’s the captivating sight of our community dressed in traditional attire. Our clothing is a beautiful reflection of our cultural heritage. When we dress in our traditional garments, we make a statement about who we are and where we come from. It’s a symbol of unity and pride in our roots.

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November 2023 | Cover Story

Written by:

KEVIN YANG

Hmong New Year & HMAAC Secretary

Guest Speakers at Colorado’s Hmong New Year The Colorado Hmong New Year Committee is excited to announce our guest speakers, Dr. Dia Cha and Neng Thao. Dr. Dia Cha is a refugee who settled in Colorado with her family and is best known for authoring Dia’s Story Cloth, which has been widely used to illustrate the intricacies of Hmong storytelling in art form. One of my favorite works from Dr. Dia Cha that I feel is overlooked is her work, Hmong American Concepts of Health, Healing, and Conventional Medicine.

She does an amazing job at describing ethnographic representations of Hmong community members’ health experiences and providing perspective and implications to western medicine without trivializing the underlying Hmong experience and their respective meanings. She continues to be a role model to the young Hmong generation, especially for young Hmong female academics that often face challenges to higher education. We have invited her as a guest speaker to provide guidance and welcome the Colorado Hmong community into the New Year, as she herself is from our community.

Neng Thao is best known as NengNow, a content strategist, visual storyteller, and self-proclaimed world traveler. Although he may be young, his content truly demonstrates his cultural competency and wisdom of the Hmong culture and history. Notably, it’s his approach that makes him so likable both by the younger and older generation who often experience culture clashes. We have invited him to share his unique experiences as well as to bring the community together which unfortunately can be divided through generational and cultural differences.

Written by:

MARCIE LEE

Hmong New Year Sponsorships Coordinator

Dr. Dia Cha

NengNow

About Colorado’s Hmong community

Written by:

KIA VANG

Hmong New Year Co-Chair & HMAAC President

The Hmong started settling in Colorado between 1976-1980s. Currently, it is estimated that there are about 4,600 Hmong people in Colorado and most live in the north metropolitan Denver area.

The 18 clans within the community include: Cha/Chang, Chue, Cheng, Fang, Hang, Her, Khang, Kong, Kue, Lor, Lee, Moua, Pha, Thao, Vang, Vue, Xiong and Yang.

The Hmong are an ethnic subgroup of the Miao people who migrated to SouthEast Asia from China in the 18th century. Because of their superior knowledge of the surrounding mountain areas and hills, the Hmong were recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency to fight against the communist forces of North Vietnam and Laos during the Vietnam War. This will eventually become known as the Secret War in Laos.

The Vietnam War devastated Hmong villages across Laos and many Hmong migrated to refugee camps in Thailand before they were sponsored by countries including France, Australia, Argentina, and the United States.

Hmong New Year | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Dive into the World of Dumplings A Culinary Journey If there’s one thing that unites food lovers across the world, it’s the love for dumplings. These delectable pockets of flavor transcend borders, and they’re particularly celebrated in the diverse realm of Asian cuisines.

From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the cozy eateries of Tokyo, and now to the heart of Denver, dumplings are creating a culinary sensation like never before.

In the Mile-High City, dumpling houses are popping up at an astonishing rate. Nana’s Dumpling recently made its grand debut in Denver, and it’s poised to open another location in the bustling Havana Business Improvement District in Aurora. Don’t be overwhelmed by the plethora of dumpling options in your local restaurants; let us guide you through the subtle differences.

Here’s a bite-sized breakdown of what you can expect when you embark on your dumpling adventure: Wrapper Varieties Dumpling wrappers come in various thicknesses, from the delicate ones used in Chinese wontons or Japanese gyoza to the heartier skins of Korean mandu and Nepalese momo. Flour type also plays a crucial role, influencing the texture and taste.

Dumpling Fillings Dumplings offer a world of flavors, whether you prefer minced meat like pork, chicken, beef, or shrimp, or opt for vegetarian options like tofu, mushrooms, and assorted vegetables. Seasonings, rich with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and region-specific spices, add the perfect finishing touch.

Cooking Methods • Steamed: For the health-conscious, steamed dumplings preserve delicate flavors and textures.

• Pan-fried: Crispy and delicious, these dumplings are popular snacks to savor.

• Boiled: Soft and juicy, they are easy to prepare in large quantities.

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November 2023 | Food

Regional Asian Differences • Chinese Dumplings: Potstickers, wontons, and xiaolongbao are the stars.

• Japanese Gyoza: Typically pan-fried and served with a delightful dipping sauce.

• Indian and Nepalese Momos: Bitesized treats filled with spiced meats or vegetables, served with savory dipping sauce.

• Korean Mandu: Small bites in various triangular shapes, paired with a spicy dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauces Most dumplings find a perfect companion in a soy-based dipping sauce, crafted from soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and garlic. For those who like it hot, spicy sauces hailing from Nepal, India, or Sri Lanka provide an extra kick.

Symbolism and Tradition • Cultural Significance: Dumplings hold a special place in Asian culture.

They are often associated with celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Expect to see this appetizer platter during a future Lunar New Year event.

• Family and Community: Fans of the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” will remember a prominent scene where the family is gathered in an assembly-line fashion to shape the dumplings. Dumpling making is a means of bringing families and communities together.

Adaptation and Fusion • Creative fillings: Upscale restaurants are showing off their creativity by filling these dumplings with unusual ingredients. They could include specialized cheese, sweet potatoes and yams, or even mixtures of rice and noodles.

• Global fusion: Dumplings are also making their way into high-end international cuisine in cities like New York and Los Angeles. In Denver, see the list of restaurants offering dumplings in every bite, flavor, and size.

By Joseph Owen Schultz Presentation and Accompaniments Dumplings are not just delicious; they’re visually appealing. Pleated and folded in distinctive ways, they come in various sizes, colors, and shapes. Accompanying dishes often include pickled vegetables, soups, and other complementary items.

Versatility Dumplings can be a quick snack or part of a larger meal, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. They’re the first appetizers to vanish at feasts and banquets. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can stock up for a quick and delicious treat anytime. Most restaurants and Asian groceries sell frozen dumplings. In addition, some of the restaurants are bottling their special sauces and selling them at a reasonable cost these days too.

Embrace the dumpling revolution, and explore the world of flavors and textures these little packages bring to your plate. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory, spicy, or sweet adventure, dumplings offer endless culinary possibilities.

Check out the list compiled by Asian Avenue Magazine and share your favorites on our social feeds. Enjoy these delightful dumplings during the autumn months and beyond.

Seoul Mandoo

Bryan’s Dumplings

Denver Area Dumplings Guide Name

Address

Phone

Website

Social Feeds

Bao Brewhouse

1317 14th Street, Denver, CO

720.324.8675

baobrewhouse.com

instagram.com/baobrewhouse

Bryan’s Dumpling House

8000 E Belleview Ave., Ste B45, Greenwood Village, CO

303.952.9631

bryansdh.com

instagram.com/ bryansdumplinghouse

Chi Lin Asian Eatery

Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas Street, #104, Aurora, CO

720.288.0011

chilindenver.com

instagram.com/chilindenver

China Café

16870 E. Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO

303.369.0330

chinacafe4.com

yelp.com/biz/china-cafe-iiaurora

Chopstickers

(1) 1617a California St., Denver, CO 80202 (2) 1335 W. Elizabeth St., Suite 135, Fort Collins, CO

303.534.1581

chopstickers.net

yelp.com/biz/chopstickersdenver

Dumpling Factory

4660 S. Yosemite St, Greenwood Village, CO

720.420.9461

dumplingfactoryco.com

instagram.com/ dumplingfactoryco

Dumpling House

4045 N Pecos St #130, Denver, CO

720.638.6890

dumplingkitchenco.com

yelp.com/biz/dumplingkitchen-denver

Durbar Nepalese and Indian Bistro

11903 W. 6th Ave., Lakewood, CO

303.238.5904

durbarbistro.com

yelp.com/biz/durbarnepalese-and-indian-bistrolakewood-3

Emperor Palace

6700 W. 120th Avenue, Broomfield, CO

303.635.1688

myemperorpalace.com

yelp.com/biz/emperor-palacebroomfield

Empress Seafood Restaurant

2825 W. Alameda Ave. #2901, Denver, CO

303.922.2822

empressrestaurantdenver.com

yelp.com/biz/the-empressseafood-restaurant-denver

Happy Dumpling

1024 W. 104th Ave., Northglenn, CO

303.451.8952

happydumplingco.com

instagram.com/ happydumplingco

Lao Wang Noodle

945 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, CO

303.975.2497

Lwnoodlehouse.com

yelp.com/biz/lao-wangnoodle-house-denver

LingLon Dumpling House

2456 S. Colorado Blvd.

Denver, CO 80222

303.691.6864

linglong.com

yelp.com/biz/linglon-denver-2

Mason’s Dumplings

(1) 9655 E. Montview Blvd., Aurora | (2) 3060 Pearl St., Unit 112, Boulder

303.600.8998

masonsdumplingshop.com

instagram.com/ masonsdumplingshop

Momo Dumplings

14200 E. Alameda Ave., #1039B, Aurora, CO

303.359.4305

momo-dumplings.com

instagram.com/ momodumplingscolorado

Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings

(1) 3316 Tejon St., #102, Denver, CO | (2) 2495 S. Havana St., F37, Aurora, CO Opening soon!

720.769.4051

nanasdumplingsdenver.com

instagram.com/ nanasdimsumdenver

Noodles Express

703 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO

303.736.8818

Seoul ManDoo

2222 S. Havana St. Unit J, Aurora, CO

303.953.9590

seoulmandoo.com

instagram.com/seoul.mandoo

Sherpa House Restaurant

1518 Washington Ave., Golden, CO

303.278.7939

sherpa.house

instagram.com/sherpahouse

Star Kitchen

2917 W. Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO

303.936.0089

starkitchenco.com

yelp.com/biz/star-kitchendenver

Super Star Asian

2200 West Alameda Ave., Denver, CO

303.727.9889

super-star-asian.com

yelp.com/biz/super-star-asiancuisine-denver-2er+star+asian

Szechuan Chinese Restaurant

9090 W. 6th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215

303.232.4558

szechuanchineserestaurant.net

yelp.com/biz/szechuanchinese-restaurant-denver

Yak & Yeti Restaurant

9775 E. Hampden Ave, Denver, CO (Locations throughout the Front Range)

303.751.9443

theyakandyeti.com

yelp.com/biz/yak-and-yetidenver-denver

Yummy Dumplings

10350 Federal Blvd. Unit 400, Federal Heights, CO

303.466.9504

yummydumplingfederalheights.com

instagram.com/yummy dumplingatco

yelp.com/biz/noodlesexpress-denver

This is not a comprehensive list.

Dumplings | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Credit: Jeff Fieberg/SORA Digital

MAKfam Opens on South Broadway

Bao Buns include: 24H Pork Belly Bao, Spicy Chicken Bao, Fried Tofu Bao

Fancy Wun Tun Tong (Soup)

MAKfam, the brick-and-mortar evolution of Meta Asian Kitchen, has opened! The fine casual restaurant features family-driven Chinese cuisine and street food, fires up their kitchen on South Broadway (39 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223).

Located on the corner of 1st and Broadway next to Snooze, MAKfam’s 1,670 square foot space features an expansive kitchen, 50-person dining room, and a full bar and lounge.

Husband-and-wife team Chef Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen first brought us META Asian Kitchen, and now MAKfam, which represents America’s new Asian culinary movement curating tradition- and family-inspired Chinese recipes through a modern lens.

“Opening our brick and mortar is the next evolution of our culinary journey and MAKfam is a return to our roots, showcasing more Cantonese fare and the Chinese food we grew up eating,” says MAKfam Chef Ken. “We have been dialing in our recipes, making sure it’s done correctly but with our own mark on it. For us, success is not only that our food tastes good but that it triggers a memory or positive feeling from the past.”

From Hong Kong-Style French Toast, hand-made dumplings inspired by visits to Chinatown, and stir fry dishes like Spicy Garlic Butter Rice Cakes, each nostalgic bite is a reverent nod to Wan and Yuen’s child-

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November 2023 | Food

Spicy Garlic Butter Rice Cakes

hood memories, family recipes, and cultural traditions.

The full kitchen, which includes a traditional wok range setup, will allow Chef Ken to elevate fan favorites like Shrimp Fried Rice with XO sauce and Beef Stir-Fried Noodles by using proper Wok Hei (wok’s breath), a quintessential part of Cantonese cooking that imparts a charred flavor profile and a complex smoky flavor.

MAKfam’s bar program features beer from Asianowned and Asian-led makers, including Japas Cervejaria, Jade Mountain Brewing, and Young Master Brewery out of Hong Kong. Their elevated cocktails highlight Asian-inspired ingredients, such as a Red Bean Orgeat Mai Tai and Hong Kong Iced Tea, MAKfam’s take on the boozy drink that includes Vita Lemon Tea Drink.

Yuen, who lived in Hong Kong before she came to the U.S. at age 7, worked with Arrow B Architecture to design the space to showcase their Cantonese upbringing which includes a blend of modern elements and traditional Cantonese style.

“Our hope in opening MAKfam was always to create a dining experience that felt like we were welcoming friends and families into our home,” said Yuen, co-founder of MAKfam. “We were incredibly intentional about incorporating elements like the deep green (lucky) color scheme, artwork from Asian American artists, and even showing Kung Fu movies behind the Food Photos by: Jeff Fieberg/SORA Digital

Visit makfam.co and connect on Instagram at @makfamdenver.

Málà Wings bar. All of these elements reflect parts of our cultural background and upbringing. For us, MAKfam is truly a love letter to ABCs (American Born Chinese) and the greater AAPI community.”

Paired with MAKfam’s celebration of the rich heritage of Chinese-inspired dishes, the restaurant’s meticulously designed interior also fuses modern aesthetics with Chinese motifs commonly found in neon-lit Hong Kong noodle parlors and the lively streets of Manhattan Chinatown.

The result is a warm, community-oriented culinary destination that offers sophistication without pretension, welcoming take-out and quick turns for busy families, as well as an inviting lounge and dining room where neighborhood regulars can take an immersive cultural journey that Wan and Yuen have lovingly curated.

In the future, MAKfam hopes to have a brunch program, dim-sum cart service for special occasions like Lunar New Year, and limited menu items like Cantonese-style lobster, and more.

Credit: Lucy Beaugard

MAKfam Hours of Operation: Sun - Thur: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Closed Tuesdays

About MAKfam MAKfam represents the essence of America’s new Asian culinary movement by reimagining traditional family-inspired Chinese recipes through a modern perspective.

Husband and wife team, Chef Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen, first got their start through a series of street market-style pop-ups in Jersey City, NJ, and Queens, NYC before opening in Denver’s Avanti Food and Beverage in 2019 as Meta Asian Kitchen.

Now MAKfam aims to redefine the limitations of Asian fare with contemporary dishes like their málà mozzarella sticks and spicy garlic butter rice cakes, while also paying homage to their traditional roots with classics like chicken congee, wonton soups, and beef stir-fry noodles.

Chinatown Dumplings Credit: Lucy Beaugard

Credit: Lucy Beaugard

Exterior of MAKfam

Credit: Jeff Fieberg/SORA Digital

Interior of MAKfam MAKfam | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Havana BID Board of Directors awarded by the City of Aurora.

From left: Kerstin Hitchcock, Chance Horiuchi, Garrett Walls, and Patrick Armata

City of Aurora presents Business Recognition Awards to deserving leaders and organizations

20

On October 18, the city of Aurora celebrated businesses that have contributed to the city’s economic vitality during an evening awards ceremony.

This year’s Business Recognition Awards were presented to: CME Catering Services; Five Star Multiple Services; Lady Justice Brewing; Pearl of Siam; and You be You Early Learning.

Essential Heroes Honorable Mention awards were given to: Aurora Mental Health and Recovery; and Roshni, a nonprofit performing arts and storytelling organization, founded by artistic director Deepali Lindblom.

Chance Horiuchi received the Chuck Hahn Small Business Advocate of the Year Award, which is presented by the Aurora South Metro Metro Small Business Development Center.

As executive director for the Havana Business Improvement District (On Ha-

vana Street) for more than five years, Horiuchi has supported a global district that offers arts, shopping, and dining.

She engages with the district’s 2,100 businesses to provide solutions by using collaborative partners and resources to address challenges.

Currently, she serves on more than seven community boards, and continues to find ways to connect with and support the community.

Horiuchi, a 2020 recipient of the Asian American Hero of Colorado award, developed a deep appreciation for diversity and a passion for making a positive impact on the world. Growing up, she faced various challenges but turned them into opportunities for growth. Inspired by personal experiences, Horiuchi dedicated herself to fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities—a talent she brings to her

work as executive director.

“Chance Horiuchi has helped to make the Havana Business Improvement District a place where people from different backgrounds and cultures can come together to enjoy shopping, dining, and express their culture. She is not only an amazing leader, but also a wonderful person who cares deeply about the community.” said Garrett Walls, Havana Business Improvement District (HBID) Board President.

In addition, the inaugural Energy Leader Award was presented to the nine-member Havana Business Improvement District Board, including Horiuchi. The organization advocated for the city’s Energy Action Plan and participated in its implementation.

Learn more about the business awards at auroragov.org and about the HBID at onhavanastreet.com.

Deepali Lindblom accepts the Honorable Mention award on behalf of Roshni.

Aurora Mental Health and Recovery receives the Honorable Mention distinction.

Peter Boonrawd (middle) is recognized for his Thai restaurant Pearl of Siam.

November 2023 | On Scene

Photo Credit: Hao Hoang, Simply Hao

History Colorado showcases the first all-Filipino event

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz Last October 22, History Colorado, in collaboration with local Filipino American (Fil-Am) organizations, presented the first Filipino event to celebrate Filipino American History Month (FAHM). FAHM, is celebrated annually in October, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in modern-day Morro Bay, California in the US on October 18, 1587. Six Fil-Am organizations joined forces to showcase the heritage, music, and culture of the Philippines.

“The Filipino American community came together and collaborated with so much enthusiasm,” said Giselle Rushford, leader and champion of Colorado’s Filipino community. “With heartfelt gratitude to History Colorado, we were able to celebrate and share our history and culture.” Rushford is a trustee of National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Region 5.

The Filipino American National Historical Society established FAHM in 1992. In 2009, Congress recognized the month of October officially as FAHM in the U.S. More than 360 people attended the event to check out the 46 exhibitors, day-long performances, films, and to feel a connection with their kabayans (meaning “fellow countrymen” in Tagalog). Each organization performed cultural dances and demonstrations.

Special thanks goes to: A Long March, the documentary film, specifically Tammy Botkin, Crosswind Church, specifically Pastor Ramon Navarro, Filipino American Community of Colorado (FACC), specifically Vivian Norman, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (FACSC), specifically Dr. Alexander Africa, Save the Date NaFFAA Rocky Mountain Region 5, specifically for next year!

Jennifer Samuel, and Philippine American Society of Colorado (PASCO), specifically Edith October 19, Pasion. Learn more at historycolorado.org.

2024

Photo Credit: Trevor Gass, Act One Photography

On Scene | Asian Avenue Magazine

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AANHPI community gathers for Palestine 101 With over 80 attendees participating both in-person and virtually, the “Palestine 101 for the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Community” event held at the Counterpath Art Gallery was a testament to the power of community engagement and education, highlighting a shared commitment to justice and peace across transnational contexts.

This event, held on October 30, was organized by an ad hoc group of more than a dozen Metro Denver AANHPI community members with support from CORE: Community Organizing for Radical Empathy and the Colorado Palestine Coalition.

Palestine 101 provided a learning space for AANHPIs and BIPOC allies who have been striving to stay informed about what’s happening in Palestine while also sifting through media misinformation to gain a deeper understanding of both historical and present-day issues in the region.

For many in the AANHPI community, comprehending the historical and political dynamics between Israel and Palestine can be overwhelming. The event offered a needed space to discuss the history of Palestine, the strug-

gles of the Palestinian people, and their dreams of self-determination; while also establishing a foundation for further learning and action.

One of the most significant aspects of the event was its emphasis on recognizing the connections between historical and current events in Palestine and the shared experiences among Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders with western imperialism, colonization, and living under occupation.

Guest speakers representing diverse AANHPI ethnicities shared both historical and recent accounts of Palestinian solidarity across transnational contexts throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands, including The Philippines, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Mindanao; Bangladesh; Pakistan; Tamil Eelam Lib-

eration and Sri Lanka; Hindu Nationalism and India; Kashmir; Tonga; Samoa; Fiji; Papua New Guinea; Marshall Islands; and Micronesia. This broader perspective shed light on the intersections of struggle and resilience that connect communities facing similar challenges in different parts of the world.

This event underlined the importance of solidarity and collaboration among diverse communities. By sharing resources and insights, attendees were empowered to continue their educational journey and take meaningful actions. The event ended with community phone banking to call representatives in Congress to demand a ceasefire.

To learn more about Palestinian liberation, visit thepalestineacademy.com and decolonizepalestine.com.

Save the Date! Wednesday, November 15, 6pm to 7:30pm

Join CORE: Community Organizing for Radical Empathy and AANHPI community members for a storytelling session to hear from Palestinians in Colorado at Happy Living Center in Aurora.

Follow CORE on Instagram @core.dei to learn more.

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November 2023 | On Scene

By Annie Guo VanDan Photos By Gil Asakawa

Media summit looks ahead at trends in journalism Colorado’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) in journalism and media organized a news and media summit to create an opportunity for AANHPI journalists to network and build a local support system.

Community members also joined the event to connect with the local journalists that represented news room in broadcast, radio, print, social media, and more.

The event kicked off with keynote speaker, Tamara Chuang, business reporter and cofounder of The Colorado Sun, speaking about her early days in journalism, as well as her passion for writing and sharing people’s stories.

Then a panel of journalists were asked to discuss the latest trends in the industry and how newsrooms are managing distrust from communities.

Panelists included: • Gil Asakawa, freelance writer and author • Danielle Kreutter, reporter, Denver7 • Joe Nguyen, sports digital strategist, The Denver Post Community members presented about upcoming events and connected with the journalists in attendance to pitch their story ideas.

The summit concluded with an interactive session about artificial intelligance (AI) led by Christian Ortiz, film director and social justice influencer. With audience participation, he demonstrated how ChatGBT could be used for everyday tasks and questions.

For more information, visit asianavemag.com.

Annie VanDan, President of Asian Avenue Panelists Danielle Kreutter, Gil Asakawa, and Joe Tamara Chuang, The Colorado Sun, shared Magazine, welcomes participants to the summit. Nguyen talk about current media trends. about her career in journalism.

On Scene | Asian Avenue Magazine

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