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December
2007, Volume 3, Issue 12 |
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NEW
ASIAN CUISINE POLL |
Sponsored
By  |
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Chinse New Year Dish:
Sticky cake |
Japanese New Year Dish:
Mochi |
Vietnamese New Year Dish:
Stuffed bitter melon soup |
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AMUSE-BOUCHE
WITH BOB OKURA |
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Bob Okura, Vice President of Culinary Development and the Corporate Executive Chef of The Cheesecake Factory Inc. |
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Fine
dining is nice, but there's something comforting
and fun about heading to your favorite chain restaurant.
No, not of the "burger wrapped in paper"
variety, but one that's classy and trendy, experimenting
with new dining concepts while still offering
comforting favorites. Bob Okura, Vice President
of Culinary Development and the Corporate Executive
Chef of The Cheesecake Factory Inc. (the parent
company of The Cheesecake Factory and Grand Luxe
Cafe), loves to incorporate Asian flavors and
textures into the popular chain's menu. Okura's
Asian-inspired dishes have proven so beloved that
the popular franchise plans to open a Southeast
Asian concept restaurant called Rock Sugar, which
aims to popularize the foods of Vietnam, Thailand,
Malaysia, and Indonesia.
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AT
THE TABLE WITH SAERI YOO PARK |
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Born
and raised in Seoul, Korea, Chef Saeri Yoo Park's
love and respect for her home cuisine is reflected
on the multi-faceted menu at Moim, Park's restaurant
in Brooklyn, New York. Deconstructing traditional
Korean dishes and rebuilding the ingredients into
fresh, exciting concepts is Park's passion, and
her food embodies all of the full, spicy flavors
of Korean cuisine, while still intriguing the
palate. Having trained at the French Culinary
Institute--and working for over a decade as a
graphic designer before making a foray into cooking--Park
finds further inspiration in her training and
in her New York surroundings.
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Moim
206 Garfield Place
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 499-8092 |
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Saeri Yoo Park's Favorite Restaurants & Grocery
Stores
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| Favorite
Restaurants |
Gahm
Mi Oak
43 W. 32nd St, New York, NY
(212) 695-4113 |
The
Red Cat
227 10th Ave, New York, NY
(212) 242-1122
www.redcatrestaurants.com
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| Grocery
Stores |
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ASIAN
KITCHEN FILES |
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A
VERY FOODIE HOLIDAY
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'Tis the season for gift giving! What better present for
that special foodie in your life than a gift from the
heart and for the kitchen? Food-related gifts will please
just about anyone, from sweets to savory treats, cookbooks
and gadgets and culinary accessories galore. For a quirky
treat, give your loved ones the gift of kooky sushi--Suedy's
Koo-Ki Sushi, to be precise! These adorable
sweets are far from fishy, though unassuming maki enthusiasts
may make the mistake of soaking one in soy sauce. Expertly
molding chocolate, cookies, and candies into precise sushi
replicas, sisters Karen Sasaki and Janice Murai originally
bases their gorgeous confections on the hand-made sushi
that Karen would mold with her grandmother.
Cookbooks are inspirational kitchen gifts in their own
right. New Asian Cuisine has a list of favorite titles
that we keep on hand in our own kitchens; culinary sidekicks
written by some of our favorite chefs.
So,
there you have it; a veritable treasure trove of gifts
that would put Santa's workshop to shame. Your friends'
holiday wish lists never looked this delicious!
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ASIAN
RESTAURANT NEWS CORNER |
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New
Asian Cuisine has partnered with Asian
Restaurant News to produce this monthly column.
ARN is a nationally circulated trade magazine, and will
help to keep us in the know about Asian restaurant industry’s
news. You can reach ARN at 1-888-727-8881 or visit them
at www.a-r-n.net
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Asian Food Favored Choice For Holiday Feasting
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It's
not exactly chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
But for many people in the U.S., Moo Goo Gai Pan
or maybe even the Pu Pu Platter are traditional
dishes for Christmas.
On
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and throughout the
holidays, Chinese restaurants do some of their
briskest business of the year. "As the years
went on, we became busier and busier during the
holidays," said Stanley Wong, whose family
has owned the Kowloon restaurant for more than
half a century. At Kowloon, Gino Ferrir and his
family brought a pile of Christmas presents to
unwrap as they waited for their lobster, shrimp
and duck dishes to arrive. "We come here
every Christmas," Ferrir said. "It's
my treat to my family."
Jewish customers account for much of Wong's business
this time of year. Chinese food has long been
a popular destination for those who do not celebrate
the Christmas holiday because few other restaurants
are open. "Chinese restaurants, Asian-owned
restaurants, those owners tended to be the only
folks who didn't have Christmas, too," said
Rabbi David Kay of Orlando, Florida. He said the
many vegetarian items on Chinese menus are appealing
to people who keep kosher.
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Chefs' Commitment To Community
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Many
Asian Chefs use their success, and sometimes celebrity
status, to give back to the community. These chefs
help a wide array of people around the world,
ranging from those who have suffered from natural
disasters such as tsunamis and hurricanes, to
helping elevate the status and success of Asian
cuisines and communities.
The
Asian Chefs Association (ACA), an organization
founded in 2002, provides Asian chefs with a forum
to share ideas and promote Asian cuisines. The
association strives to nurture developing culinary
and hospitality professionals by granting awards,
scholarships and grants. Chefs without Borders,
the charitable arm of the ACA, helps to provide
a way for the culinary and hospitality community
to give back to the community through special
events, corporate sponsorship, individual donations
and provisions of culinary products and services.
They support community programs and organizations,
benefit humanitarian causes, as well as empower
the culinary and hospitality community to serve
society and provide educational training and mentoring
opportunities through the ACA. They also work
to help those in India, Indonesia, Laos, Sri Lanka,
and Thailand who have been affected by tsunamis.
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WHAT'S
IN SEASON |
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Winter Melon |
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Though
the popular concept of a melon is a juicy, summer
fruit that is best enjoyed raw, Winter Melon
is a little different. More of a gourd than
a conventional melon, the pale green fruit of
the Winter Melon is somewhat bland, but is incredibly
complimentary, adding depth and texture to dishes
such as soups and stir-fries. Native to Southeast
Asia, the waxy Winter Melon comes in all shapes
and sizes, and grows best in warm weather but
has a long shelf life, so can be kept, whole,
throughout the cool winter months (hence, the
name). Winter Melon should never be eaten raw--on
its own, it should be steamed or simmered. In
entrees, treat it as a starchy vegetable. |
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FLAVORS
OF ASIA |
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Almond
Milk |
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Lactose
intolerants rejoice! A delicious substitute
for milk, and an alternative to chalky soy,
is Almond Milk, a smooth liquid derived from
almonds that can be enjoyed on its own or substituted
in your favorite recipes. It's probably no surprise
that almond milk embodies a nutty flavor, but
it's also incredibly healthy, rich in, among
other things, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
In fact, it's arguable the healthiest, and tastiest,
of all milk substitutes! In the blustery winter
months, try heating almond milk with honey and
vanilla, for a cold-weather drink that will
knock your woolen socks off. If you don't like
the boxed version, or simply can't find Almond
Milk at your local grocery store, you can make
it at home; grind almonds in a coffee grinder,
blend them with water, and strain. Delicious!
And it won't hurt your dairy-sensitive tummy.
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HEALTHY
EATING
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Sensible Eating During The Holiday Season By Hazel Ng, RD
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New Asian Cuisine is proud to work with registered dietitian Hazel Ng, who has tremendous experience in helping individuals to adopt a sustainable healthier lifestyle through sensible eating. She will be penning a column in this monthly newsletter providing valuable advice on dining, particularly Asian cuisine. Watch this column where she will dispense practical easy-to-follow tips when enjoying a fabulous meal – whether it is Sushi or Szechuan, Cantonese or Cambodian.
About Hazel Ng
Hazel Ng, RD is the director of DSC Weight Management Program www.dscwellness.com who has helped thousands of people to regain their shape. DSC is located at 889 San Gabriel Blvd., Sn Gabriel, CA 91776. She enjoys dining out with family and friends and she teaches her clients how to enjoy foods in a healthy way. She strongly believes that sensible eating, not restrictive diets, is the key to a healthy and happy life.
Let
us be honest, it is extra difficult to be thinking
healthy eating during the holiday season, with
sumptuous foods in abundance parading in front
of us when we celebrate the holidays with our
loved ones. Dining out or eating in, we tend to
succumb to the temptations, and predictably resort
to feeling guilty in January, going on that perpetual
resolution which most of us break before January
is over.
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HERE'S
TO YOUR HEALTH |
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| Goji
Berries |
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Goji
berries are small, red berries that are native
to the Tibetan and Mongolian Himalayas. These
days, there are over 40 varieties of Asian goji
berries, and some are even grown right here in
the U.S., in the Rocky Mountains. These nutritious
berries are generally available dried, and has
been used as an ingredient in soups among Asian
for centuries. Recent scientific studies have
shown that Goji berries actually have a host of
exceptional nutritious properties, including 19
amino acids (six times more than Bee Pollen!),
Vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and E, 15 times more nutritional
iron than spinach, 500 times more Vitamin C than
oranges, has more beta carotene than carrots,
and more antioxidant power than any other known
food source. An added bonus? This wonder food
is actually tasty!
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Goji
berries have become a popular item in numerous
ready-to-eat or drink forms. The juice is now
available from Whole Foods Market, and even
Costco is carrying a Cashew and Gojiberries
snack. You can also purchase dried goji berries
from almost every Asian market. For an extra
health boost, try throwing a handful of Goji
into chicken soup--another super-food with medicinal
benefits. Have any creative recipes using goji
berries? Send them to info@savoryproductions.com,
and we may share it with our readers!
 Chicken
Soup With Goji Berries and Carrot by Wendy Chan,
Co-author of New Asian Cuisine
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LET'S
EAT OUT |
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Two
of Boston's most beloved culinary players have
united to form what is destined to be an epic
eatery. Owners Christopher Myers (Radius and
Via Matta) and Chef Joanna Chang (Flour Bakery)
present the eponymous restaurant Myers &
Chang, a smattering of Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese
specialty dishes, perched proudly in Boston's
fun and funky South End neighborhood. With playful-sounding
dishes like Rainbow Beef (beef with peppers
and hot bean paste), Tiger's Tears (grilled
skirt steak with thai basil, lime, and khao
koor--a powdered fried rice), and Nirvana Chicken
(prepared with scallions and star anise), Myers
& Chang invites a hip, young crowd with
experimental, fun-loving palates. The restaurant
has also mastered popular fare such as pho,
chow fun, and lettuce wraps, for those who are
less adventurous but still love to chow down
on excellent, interesting dishes.
Myers & Chang
1145 Washington St.
Boston, MA
617.542.5200
www.myersandchang.com |
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THE
BUZZ |
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Tommy
Tang Creates First-ever Frozen Seafood Line |
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With
the increasing desire for Asian inspired cuisine
and an interest in serving these dishes at home,
celebrity Chef Tommy Tang developed the new frozen
shrimp wonton product. This wonton product is
handmade and features all natural ingredients
and 0 grams trans fat. Before enjoying the wonton,
all you need to do is to bake them for 10-12 minutes
at 400 degrees. The Sweet Plum Dipping Sauce can
be heated by placing the closed pouch in hot water
during this same time frame. The Tommy Tang's
on Ton Shrimp with Sweet Plum Dipping Sauce comes
in 43-45 pieces per box along with the sauce,
sold at the price of $11.64 and is available in
all Sam's Club stores now. |
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NEW
ASIAN CUISINE FAVORITE ASIAN FOOD BLOGS |
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Spice
it up this month by checking out www.hookedonheat.com,
the flavorful blog of food writer Meena Agarwal.
Sharing recipes, interviews, restaurant reviews,
and kitchen secrets, Agarwal's blog is perfect
for everyone, from culinary gurus to enthusiastic
novices. Her posted recipes reflect a wonderful
mash-up of her Malaysian and Indian heritage,
Middle Eastern upbringing, and residential stint
in Canada.
Click
here to read Meena's blog
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NEW
ASIAN CUISINE MONTHLY CULINARY CALENDAR |
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Zabar's With Chef Jay Weinstein And Chef David Bank
Dec 15-16
Sponsored by Zojirushi
Time:
Dec 15, from 1 - 4 pm.
Place: Zabar's Gourmet Market (2245 Broadway, New York
City)
Jay Weinstein, chef, writer, and author of "Ethical
Gourmet" & "Everything Vegetarian"
will be doing a demo at Zabar's. A free recipe book
with 40 recipes will be given away with every Zojirushi
rice cooker purchase.
Time: Dec 16, from 1- 4 pm.
Place: Sur La Table (1468 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset,
New York)
David Bank, Land Thai Kitchen and Land Thai Northeast
For
more information, please go to www.zojirushi.com
Click here to see Zojirushi
Cooking Demo Photo Gallery
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Asian Chefs Association Turkey Drive: Chefs Without Borders Christmas Food
Drive
Dec
16-17
Event
Mission:
Chefs Without Borders Christmas Food Drive is an annual
event at which Asian chefs gather to contribute their
time and culinary expertise in preparing gourmet Asian
Fusion Turkey meals for the needy and homeless during
the holiday season. We will be serving 2000 hot meals
in the dining at Glide Memorial Church and 1000 meals
box to the Children's after school program in various
schools in San Francisco.
Location:
December 16-- California Culinary Academy- 625 Polk
Street, San Francisco, CA
December 17-- Glide Memorial Church- 330 Ellis Street
(at Taylor), San Francisco, CA
Meals:
2,000 hot mealsl will be served at Glide's Kitchen.
1,000 will be packed for delivery to the senior and
children's after school programs.
Menu:
300- 12 to 15 pound turkeys
200-300 pounds of vegetables
3000 portion of mash potatoes
4500 potstickers
3000 pieces of dessert
Freshly Roasted Turkey Meat with Asian Style Gravy Sauce
Chinese Potstickers
Vegetable Salad with an Asian Herb Vinaigrette
Freshly Mixed Mash Potatoes or Fried Rice,
Madeleines, Fortunate Cookies, Almond Cookies,
Chocolate Truffle,
Fruit Punch, Ice Water, Home Made Coffee
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easons
Eatings! This month, New Asian Cuisine has
all of the recipes, tips, and tricks you
need to prepare for your very happy holidays.
Sit
