We’re back with another live episode. This time we’re talking with Irene Yoo about her new cookbook Soju Party, a gorgeous collection of cocktail and food recipes that is blueprint for many a fun and delicious night.

Irene takes us through an epic night of drinking with her cousins in Seoul, gives us (mostly Freesia) tips on how to participate and keep up/bow out as an alcohol light-weight, and gives us the lowdown on both drinking etiquette and drinking games.

Plus we talk about Irene’s experience growing up with soju as an essential part of family gatherings and traditions, learning to cook for herself from the Food Network, and the difference between developing food and cocktail recipes in an extremely truncated timeline.

Pick up Soju Party wherever you get your books and plan your own epic night of feasting.

In this episode we have a special collaboration with Curtus Chinn/The InfatuAsian Podcast to eat great food, build community, and have a very special live episode!

We invited chefs and past guests to participate in a friendly challenge called the "Chinatown Recipe Club" at our favorite bookstore On Waverly's clubhouse space. Each participant was randomly assigned a protein and challenge and were tasked with cooking and presenting a publicly-available recipe.

Cooking for us was 2x James Beard award winner and cookbook author, Kristina Cho. Co-owner and part-time cook at Little Aloha restaurant on Taraval, Winchell Chow. Program manager and cooking instructor with 18reasons, Elise Hayashi, using a recipe from Linda Tay Esposito. Cooking instructor, dumpling master, and entrepreneur, Eddie Lo. And last but not least, home cooks and sister duo, Nicole and Sam Lugtu, using a recipe from the Marnee Thai cookbook.

Thanks to all who participated! Thanks to Curtis’ helper/interns: Cathy, Christy, Megan, and Rico! Thanks to On Waverly for hosting us.

Please enjoy this live chat with each chef and the dish they presented. The vibes were impeccable in person, we hope they’re good for you too.

We could not be more delighted to kick off Filipino American History Month with Shelby Rabara and Harry Shum Jr talking about their book Martee Dares to Dance. This brilliantly illustrated kids book (by Bianca Austria) about gaining confidence through dance has nods to both their backgrounds, from dance to food, and an aspirational hip-hop lola.

We talk about Shelby’s fond food memories in the Phillipines, Harry’s (soon-to-be) relationship to fishing, and come up with a new tamale restaurant concept. Plus fancifying dumplings, and artichokes as the new metaphor for life.

Catch Harry and Shelby at the Asian Art Museum on Oct 5th for Free First Sunday AND get a copy of Martee Dares to Dance courtesy of the museum. Or order your copy directly from our friends at Gloo Books.