💫 CONGRATULASIANS! When I was getting ready to head to Chicago for the awards, I just kept saying, this list of nominees is Asian as FUCK. Somebody should throw a party for us! Turns out, “somebody” is @tweedycat, with a little help from @merekrupa, @katrinaleunf and @sanpellegrino_us, and a lot of generous hospitality from @dave_cook_love and Jen, the owners of @jeongchicago. In less than two weeks, this crew pulled together a fabulous party. This time spent together, no matter how brief, was so worth the effort — and apparently so was regrouping for karaoke about 5 hours later... but I’ll let someone else post those photos 😂 In the years to come, when we meet up in each others’ cities and restaurants and favorite karaoke bars, we’ll remember that we met here. And all fangirled when Martin Yan walked in the door. Thank you to everyone who made this possible 💕 No awards ceremony could ever capture the full breadth of our community’s power. This crowd is just a small slice, but who can help but notice that AAPI+ folks were almost 30% of the JBFA finalists this year. I think it’s up to us celebrate and hold space for ourselves and each other. I am so proud to be pals with these people. In closing, I will just have to quote Sandra Oh and say: it’s an honor just to be Asian 💁🏻‍♀️ 📸 some of the crew: @janibum @chefwonder @chefjihyekim @twistedfilipino @crawfishplug @angellbarreto @reiniorsimeon @deucemcgee @robynnemaii and @dannyleedc is around there somewhere 📸 the lovely @chefbeverlykim with the fabulous @norimotobakery 📸 @shiangstagram and @devinshiang with @chefmartinyan 📸 @brandoj somehow you didn’t make it into this photo 📸 @peterchangthechef with wife Lisa and friend (@ladieboss_lydia can you tell me her name?) 📸 local genius tourist fairygodmother @merekrupa and president of my personal board of advisors @tweedycat 📸 dave_cook_love and Sean from @oaklandbloom with @chefmartinyan (Sean, we remembered the film this time!) 📸 Jen from @jeongchicago and I having a kvellfest meltdown 🎥 Elaine finding out what #AsianAF actually means. Thanks @mei23 for the pics. Next year we’ll up the budget for a hired photog so you can drink more sake!