Food is an inherent part of AAPI culture.
Los Angeles-based food bloggers shared their beginnings and love for food at V3 Thursday.
Before Nguyen Tran and his wife opened Starry Kitchen, the pair operated an underground restaurant at home. They once served 130 people in their Los Angeles apartment. (In true Asian fashion, Tran said guests removed their shoes before entering.) Getting caught up with the health department paved the way to opening the restaurant and blog three years ago.
“You have to eat,” Nguyen said. “It’s not about fancy places. Eating is the most social experience. We talk. We share stories… A lot of things happen over food,” Nguyen said.
And decidedly so, as social media streams these days boast plenty of food snapshots.
Anita Lau of the Mad Hungry Woman joked about eating at restaurants daily. She has more than 20 years of experience in food writing. Like many digital consumers, she began writing about her food adventures on the reviewing website Yelp, but grew tired of the 5,000 character limit.
Lau encouraged aspiring bloggers to start writing if they have a passion for food.
Cathy Chaplin of Gastronomy Blog is working on a book titled “The Food Lover’s Guide to LA.” She began her blog in 2006. Chaplin said food is an escape from the world.
But how does she stay fit despite all the eating?
“Savor your food and be mindful of what you’re eating. Be present in the moment and listen to your body,” Chaplin said.
Each have different styles in writing, but agreed that a common goal is conveying passion and emotion.
—Holly Pablo, V3con blogger
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