East Asian Eats

On this week's show, we're having a full on East Asian culinary exploration.

We begin by commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Sichuan Earthquake with former AP reporter Audra Ang, author of To The People, Food is Heaven. Audra shares what it was like to be there in the aftermath of such a catastrophic event.

Then, we’ll learn the history of Chinese restaurants in the U.S. with U.C. Irvine professor, Yong Chen. Chen's book, Chop Suey, USA, follows the history of Chinese cuisine in America – from the first four restaurants in California during the Gold Rush, to the nearly 50 thousand Chinese restaurants found across the country today.

Poppy with Audra Ang

Credit Joe Shriner / Louisiana Eats

Next, we speak with Chinese cooking teacher and author, Hsiao-Ching Chou. Her book, Chinese Soul Food, offers recipes for beloved Chinese restaurant dishes – like pork spare ribs and chili wontons – which she demystifies using ingredients you’re likely to already have in your pantry.

Finally, we bend the rules and blur the lines on where Southeast Asia ends and South Louisiana begins with Michael Gulotta, whose New Orleans Market District restaurant Maypop boasts a delectable weekend dim sum brunch.

So start the rice cooker and get out your chopsticks for this week’s edition of Louisiana Eats!