Asian Culinary Forum: Putting Asian Food Center Stage

We can name various kinds of pastas and breads but what about varieties of rice and tea? I surely don't have all the answers, and for years have been looking for ways to gather people to share information and learn from one another. That’s precisely the aim of a new project that I’m involved in, the Asian Culinary Forum.

It's been a dream of mine and a number of fellow Bay Area food professionals to put on an annual Asian food conference. What? There isn't one? No, there unfortunately isn't. To our knowledge, when the forum debuts this year at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, it'll be the first of its kind.

A non-profit, volunteer-based organization, the Asian Culinary Forum builds public education programs to foster better awareness, deeper understanding, and greater appreciation of Asian cuisines. Asian food is popular these days and there just aren't enough opportunities for learning and discussion. Indeed, Asian food should take center stage more often.

We're launching in July and then our big event is scheduled for October. Brief details include:

Chef Panel Discussion, “Are You What You Cook?,” Monday, July 21, 2008, 6:00–8:30 pm, Ferry Building, 2nd Floor, San Francisco

• Features San Francisco celebrity chefs and authors, including Charles Phan (Slanted Door), Eric Gower (Breakaway Cook) and more discussing cooking and creativity.
  Registration just opened and seating is limited so reserve a space.
  

1st Weekend Celebration and Symposium, “Asian Food Beyond Borders,” Friday, October 10 to Sunday, October 12

• We’re extremely excited about this weekend-long event, as it will be an amazing showcase of Asian food culture. Choose from cooking classes, special tours, discussions with world renowned chefs, authors, researchers, and much much more. The list of participants include celebrated author Madhur Jaffrey and Martin Yan, the chef, TV show host, and author.
• For details check out the ACF website and sign up for our mailing list to receive updates on registration and other upcoming events.
• Save those dates!

As you know, Asia is huge and its cuisines deserve more attention. If you can, join us at Asian Culinary Forum events. If you can't, please pass the word along to others who may be interested.

Comments

[Chuck]

I just registered for the Chef Panel Discussion! I'm so glad you are involved with the ACF and letting us know about it. I look forward to meeting you in person.

[Andrea Nguyen]

Hi Chuck, so glad that we'll get to meet in person next month. Should be a great event! We expect to sell out so it's good you registered already.