Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 37

Foodie Friday: ROC versus Din Tai Fung

ROC versus Din Tai Fung: two restaurants specializing in soup dumplings

ROC soup dumplings

Today’s foodie post is on the war of the soup dumplings. Xiao long bao are tiny steamed dumpling filled with soup and (traditionally) pork. They’re served hot from their steaming baskets, and are often dipped into a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger slices.

Recently, I went to two restaurants that specialize in xiao long bao: ROC and Din Tai Fung. (Mama Lu’s Dumplings is also a good contestant, but I don’t go there as frequently.) So, ROC versus Din Tai Fung: Fight!

I think ROC serves more Shanghai-style dumplings, while DTF is closer to its Taiwanese roots. And I must say, DTF wins! Their dumplings are more delicate. The wrapper is thinner, allowing you to focus on the insides of the dumpling.

What do you like to eat on cold days?

Pass the Popcorn

“Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think.”

I like going to the movies. In fact, I got to watch Moana over the weekend (and loved the song, “You’re Welcome”). I vetoed seeing Dr. Strange as a movie option (sorry, hubby) because of its non-Asian Ancient One.

However, I am excited for the upcoming Crazy Rich Asians (the book was hilarious!). It’s slated for an all-Asian cast. Though the casting is taking more time and effort to find these actors and actresses, I’m hoping that the film either adds to their status or boosts them into stardom.

 

 

Grateful

“Look around; happiness is trying to catch you.”

It’s good to look back and give thanks for all the blessings I’ve received over the past year. Sometimes I experienced highs, other times lows. Here are a few things I’m grateful for:

Celebrating the book birthday of my YA novel, Dragonfly Dreams
Getting Asian art to decorate my office (the character means patience, which I need more of!)
Visiting Taiwan and hearing family stories
Receiving an award for my mystery novel, Seniors Sleuth
Participating in book parties
Going to Mexico City and having my eyes opened
Joining fellow mystery authors on a panel

May you find sweetness in the year that’s passed and the one to come!

Foodie Friday: Fried Taro Puffs

Fried taro puffs: steamed taro with crunchy exterior

Taro puffs may not be the healthiest choice on the dim sum menu, but they’re quite tasty! I love the contrast of the two textures. Inside, there’s the nice steamed mash of taro root (usually combined with pork and mushrooms). Outside, there’s the crisp exterior with crunchy strands. If you’d love to make your own batch, here’s a recipe for them.

Exploding Myths

“Better face danger than be always in fear.”

In this politically-charged climate, people have become more aware of verbal attacks. Still, a lot of Asian women endure remarks without speaking up. One article cited comments like, ““Ni Hao, pretty” and “You’re pretty for an Asian.”

I myself have gotten approached with my fair share of Ni hao and Konnichiwa as guys try to attract my attention. People have also told me that they prefer Asian girls because they’re more “quiet and demure.”

Well, let’s make sure we expose, educate, and eradicate.

80-year-old Model

“Fate loves the fearless.”

I love people who subvert stereotypes. Aging is something I want to embrace with grace and poise. But I also enjoyed reading about Wang Deshun, the 80-year-old Chinese model. He’s unwilling to compromise his dreams and yield to others’ expectations of him.

Some of his practices for aging with power?

Makes sure he gets both learning time and exercise time in his daily routine
Eats a variety of foods, but drinks less alcohol
Dares to try new things: “People can change their life as many times as they wish. . . . Having a goal is important.”

 

Foodie Friday First: Popping Boba

I’ve had plenty of boba before. However, I had yet to try popping boba until now.

Popping boba: balls that pop with juice

They’re still ball-shaped. Instead of having a chewy center, though, the inside is filled with juice. (Mine was lychee.) Once you chew down on one, the liquid pops out. It’s like crunching on a bubble. The skin is super thin, and it’s very light in terms of texture.

I’m still inclined for the more interesting chewiness of regular tapioca balls, but it’s kind of fun to burst boba in the mouth–and they come in various flavors, like mango, peach, etc.

Fave Five Costumes

“Keep your goals away from trolls.”

It’s that time of the year again. Now I’m not into spooky and scary. I hate horror books and films. But the occasional dressing up is fine by me.

Three years ago, I made a list of Asian-inspired costumes that I’ve actually worn or admired. This time, I’m highlighting my fave five:

1. Bruce Lee (top martial artist). My hubby dressed up as him while we were dating–> thus, marriage.

Cute baby Bruce: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/2d/99/22/2d9922af31b4fd003ab408f6f6f89b15.jpg

 

2. Katana (superheroine in DC Comics). How inspiring to have a female Asian crime-fighter! I found out about her while reading Lisa Yee’s Wonder Woman at Super Hero High book.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/iRQAAOSwARZXj2fS/s-l300.jpg

 

3. Soy Sauce (who doesn’t love this universal condiment?). Mini soy sauces? Too cute! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/98727416802729065/ 

 

4. Tsum Tsum (the lovable, stackable plushes are super adorable). Here’s a whole group of them: https://ohmy.disney.com/news/2015/10/31/see-the-best-halloween-costumes-from-walt-disney-imagineering/

 

5. Sriracha (the spicy sauce makes a distinctive outfit). https://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/this-is-the-hottest-halloween-costume-of-the-year

 

Foodie Friday: Green Tea Kit Kat

Ready for Halloween? I’ve got my stash of green tea Kit Kat.

Green tea Kit Kat: Kit Kat bars with green tea cream coating

I found this batch at the local Japanese store. So every year, I see this vibrantly colored bag and think I’ve gotten exactly what I want: green tea + chocolate + crunchy wafer. And I get fooled all the time because there’s no chocolate in these! What? Once I get over this surprise, it’s still a pretty cool candy. Especially if I want matcha flavor with a crunch. It’s also not super sweet, so I don’t feel like I’m overindulging.

News flash: Three kinds of green tea Kit Kat are available. No way!

Vote

“Assert yourself, your ideas are worthwhile.”

Who knew that only half of Asian Americans vote? Last weekend, there was also a series of free concerts held to entertain people and get them to register to vote.

Fellow AAs, let’s go out there and make a difference!