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Food

Food

Asian Chefs Shine in the James Beard Foundation's 2026-2027 TasteTwenty Class!

The Foundation has officially unveiled its 2026-2027 TasteTwenty cohort, an exclusive group of 20 chefs selected from across the country to headline the highly anticipated Taste America national tour. This annual program spotlights visionary culinary leaders who are actively shaping the future of American dining through immense creativity, community impact, and rich cultural storytelling.
Food

Asian Chefs, Authors, and Journalists Shine at the 2026 James Beard Awards

The culinary industry's biggest night just wrapped up in Chicago, and the results are in. Asian chefs, authors, and journalists delivered an impressive showing at the 2026 James Beard Awards, earning recognition across some of the food world's most prestigious categories.
Food

Brewing Heritage: Heiji Choy Black and the Cross-Cultural Steep of Chicago's South Side

Artist Theaster Gates and entrepreneur Heiji Choy Black recently partnered to open Han Cha, a Korean-inspired tea salon, and Yunomi, an evening cocktail lounge housed inside the Arts Bank. Together, the concepts bring Asian hospitality traditions into one of Chicago’s most important cultural institutions.
Food

From Books to Cooks: Meet the Asian Nominees at the 2026 James Beard Awards

From unforgettable cookbook memoirs to expertly crafted omakase experiences, these trailblazers continue to reshape the culinary landscape. They are serving unforgettable stories on the page and bold flavors on every plate. We are beyond excited to spotlight the chefs, authors, and hospitality visionaries who earned a spot on this year’s prestigious list. 
Business

Richland is About More Than Rent

For many in Chicago's Asian community, Richland has become a source of familiarity and belonging. That is why recent news regarding the future of this underground food hall is resonating far beyond typical real estate concerns. 
Arts/Entertainment

McDonalds x Netflix Just Dropped a K-Pop Collab And Its Bigger Than a Meal

McDonald’s is teaming up with Netflix to bring the world of K-Pop Demon Hunters to life starting March 31. This isn't just a menu drop it’s a full-scale cultural takeover where fans choose between rival groups HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys.
Community

Legacy, Leadership, and a Little Magic: Inside AACC's Biggest Lunar New Year Gala

AACC’s 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Gala drew more than 1,100 attendees for an evening of cultural celebration, community recognition, and political visibility. From heartfelt tributes and awards to a standout performance by Shin Lim, the event highlighted the strength, unity, and growing influence of Chicago’s Asian American community.
Food

Sip into Spring: How Starbucks' New Ube and Coconut Drinks Are Sweetening Chicago's Seasonal Shift

On March 3, Starbucks introduced a spring menu filled with tropical and culturally rich flavors, including ube, coconut, and a newly reimagined chai.
Food

5 Chicago Asian Restaurants for the Holidays

If you’re ready to trade the cranberry sauce for chili crisp, these five spots will bring the heat and the heart to the holiday season.
Food

5 Asian Spots that Deserve to be Fully Booked (According To You!)

Let’s be real: we all have those "if you know, you know" spots that we almost want to keep a secret. But they’re just too good not to share! We’ve rounded up five Asian-owned eateries that are consistently hitting it out of the park with big flavors and even bigger heart.
Food

5 Chicago Asian Bakeries to Put on Your Radar

Chicago’s bakery scene is thriving right now, and the Asian-owned shops are leading the pack with flavors you just can’t find anywhere else. 
Food

The Flavor of Solidarity: Chicago's Asian American Chefs Unite at Tiger Moon Market

Behind the pop-up stalls, chefs stir woks and plate dumplings, their laughter mingling with the steady hum of music and conversation. But this isn’t just another food festival, it’s an act of solidarity.