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A Chili Sauce Dedicated to All The foodies, Spice Lovers, And Generations of Vietnamese Folks, Living in The US Wanting A Taste of Home

by Lulu Qu on January 11, 2021·Asian, food, San Diego, WorldWide

I am so excited to introduce one of my favorite chili sauces in the world, Me’s Way. Mẹ’s Way is a Vietnamese style chili sauce founded by Chau Tonnu, a first generation Vietnamese American immigrant. She came to the U.S at the age of seventeen along with her family and holds many precious memories of Vietnam, from eating street foods with friends, to biking to school. These memories of her formative years and her experiences as an adult living in the U.S led to her sharing a piece of her culture through food.

Mẹ’s Way is committed to our values of heritage and quality. Unique to Huế, Vietnam our chili sauce recipe is passed down three generations from mothers to daughters. Each jar is made in small batches by hand, with carefully picked ingredients and little-to-no preservatives.

Their sauce is dedicated for all the foodies, spice lovers, and generations of Vietnamese folks, young and old, living in the U.S wanting a taste of home. Me’ Way makes their chili sauce in small batches to ensure that each jar is of the freshest and highest quality to keep up the tradition of how the sauce was originally made in moms kitchen in Vietnam.

Mẹ means mom in Vietnamese, and as the name sake suggests,
this sauce was made using the founder mother’s recipe,
her way.

MẸ’S WAY CHILI SAUCE – REGULAR

This sauce is traditionally paired with some of Huế’s most iconic food such as bún bò Huế’s (Huế’s beef noodle soup) and cơm hến (clam mixed rice)
This sauce is a wonderful blend of spicey, savory, and sweet with the distinct aroma of fried garlic
Unique in its use of anchovy, this chili sauce is unlike other hot chili oils
The combination of simple ingredients is a testament that less is more
Available in 8 oz. and 16 oz

MẸ’S WAY CHILI SAUCE – VEGETARIAN

Although the original Huế chili sauce is known for its distinctive anchovy base, this vegan friendly version still holds all the same flavor notes and aroma
To be inclusive of our wide range of customer base Me’s Way are proud to create a vegan version
A vegan version of the original chili sauce without sacrificing flavor
Made with vegan ingredients
Available in 8 oz. and 16 oz.

MẸ’S WAY CHILI SAUCE – BUNDLES

Mẹ’s Way Chili Sauce goes perfectly with Pho or the more traditional Bun Bo Hue. Bun Bo Hue is one of the most famous dishes in Hue Cuisine, and should be top of any Hue food guide! Similar to the more famous Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho. Bun Bo Hue is quite a bit spicier and naturally is a perfect dish to try some Mẹ’s Way Chili Sauce on! Mẹ’s Way uses only the best ingredients and cooks in small batches, made the traditional way. You can be assured knowing that Mẹ’s Way makes authentic Vietnamese Chili Sauce with little-to-no preservatives. Dedicated to all the Foodies, Spice Lovers and anyone who loves authentic Vietnamese Cuisine!

The Story of Mẹ’s Way:

Mẹ’s Way is founded by Chau Tonnu, a first generation Vietnamese American. Immigrated to the U.S at the age of seventeen along with her family, Chau holds many precious memories of Vietnam. From eating street foods with friends, to biking to school under the crimson shades of phượng vĩ (royal poinciana). These memories of her formative years and her experiences as an adult living in the U.S led her wanting to share a piece of Vietnamese culture through what she knows best, the language of food. Mẹ’s Way sauce is dedicated for all the foodies, spice lovers, and generations of Vietnamese folks, young and old, living in the U.S wanting a taste of home.

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Start The Magic Bokksu Journey with Me

by Lulu Qu on October 22, 2020·Asian, food, San Diego, WorldWide

Are you ready to experience Japan from home? My answer is a hundred percent yes. 2020 is not a good year for traveling. But how about just have a wonderful journey for Japanese snacks at your own home? Why not. Bokksu can make your dream come true so easily. As a real Asian, I can tell you how much I would recommend you to try out the authentic Asian snacks. Don’t say you have a lot of Asian supermarkets in the city, they only curate the foods are fit for American market. We have a tons more options at our own countries.

Bokksu sources their snacks in Japan from a mix of local and well-known makers, and are committed to building lasting partnerships with these makers to bring the Member the best Japanese snacks available.

When you join Bokksu, every month is a new gourmet adventure! After your first box, immerse yourself in Japanese culture with fun monthly themes from festivals to seasons to prefectures.

Let me show you what I got from this season’s mysterious snack box. With this first box, get the best taste of what a year in Japan is like across all four seasons! Bokksu’s team handpicks each snack that goes in the snack box to bring you an authentic taste of Japan.

Members get more than just an amazing box of Japanese snacks. You also get a Member-exclusive market discount, exclusive in-box content, member-only sales, and more!

Bokksu offers a unique way to learn, taste, and experience Japan and its vibrant culture right from home. There is a map of Japan in the booklet inside your box to tell where does every single snack come from. Each snack have a sweet story behind. I can see how careful the team curate the snacks. They put a lot of effort to make sure all the snacks are worthy to ship overseas and let the customers have wonderful experiences.

You can see the full nutrition fact and ingredients, as well as how it tastes for every single snack. Here are some of my favorite items that I want to share with you.

White Strawberry

Manufacturer: Bokksu
Common Allergens: Milk, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Nagano Prefecture
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

This is the world’s first chocolate-infused strawberry! Strawberries are harvested, freeze-dried, infused with white chocolate, and cooled, for a chocolate with all the flavor of a fresh strawberry!

Tottori 20th Century Pear Fromage Biscuit

Manufacturer: Kotobuki Seika
Common Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Tottori Prefecture
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: Yes

This delicate biscuit is a luxurious blend of 20th Century Asian Pear (nijiseiki-nashi), rich cheese, and decadent white chocolate.

Matcha Chocolate Stick Cake

Manufacturer: Nakajima Taishodo
Common Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Tree nuts, Wheat, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Osaka
Snack is: Savory
Vegetarian: Yes

This soft cake uses matcha from Uji, Kyoto, which is known for its high-quality matcha. Pairing earthy matcha with bittersweet chocolate chips gives this cake a rich, subtly sweet flavor.

Aomori Apple Caramel Yakkoi Sable

Manufacturer: Ragueneau Sasaki
Common Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Soy
Also Contains: N/A
Product of: Aomori Prefecture
Snack is: Sweet
Vegetarian: No This cookie uses apples exclusively from Aomori, Japan’s “apple prefecture.” The addition of sweet apple-caramel butter gives this sable-style cookie a “yakkoi” (soft and chewy) texture.

Uni Rice Cracker

Manufacturer: Bonchi
Common Allergens: Eggs, Wheat, Soy
Also Contains: Mollusk shellfish, Alcohol
Product of: Kumamoto Prefecture
Snack is: Savory
Vegetarian: No These delicious fried crackers pull their lovely umami flavor from uni (sea urchin) and soy sauce. It’s savory and salty without being overly fishy, and the cracker’s oblong shape even looks like the actual sea urchin.

Pairing with a cup of black coffee in my own designed mug, I can’t imagine a better way to start my day. This is my heaven of breakfast. Guess what? The motivation to go to sleep is for a good start of next morning, for me is all about the breakfast.

Meow Meow totally agrees with me. Of course I will share nothing with him, but it’s always nice to have a cat watching you while you eat. It adds the happiness double. Life needs sweetness, and you can get the yummy sweetness from Japan! How cool it is. With new themes every month, Bokksu’s monthly snack box delivers Japan-exclusive snacks, candies, and teas to your door! Subscribers save 10% on all market orders too!

How it works

Subscribe and receive a monthly box of curated snacks, rewards, and more.
Receive authentic snacks packed with care and delivered to your door.
Experience the many flavors of Japan one snack, candy, and tea at a time!

Now it’s your turn to experience Japan right from home.

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Bring Me Back to Asia, Right Now, Please!

by Lulu Qu on October 10, 2020·Asian, food, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, WorldWide

It sounds really to be spoiled of me to complain about my South California life. Actually, I want to clarify, I love my current life very very much and I love my husband, as well as my cat. But do you have the same feeling of missing the place where you grew up? Now I guess you can understand me better. Especially the food! I definite have a super Asian stomach – I need to eat rice, drink boba, and of course always craving for Asian snacks.

Please don’t say you have no ideas about the difference between the Asian snacks with American snacks…Uhmmm, it is totally different. Our snacks are light, are more flavorful with the real taste, and also I will say it is healthier, since we don’t like over sweet things. Japanese snacks can give you a wonderful experience about the high-quality Asian snacks. They make the snacks with nice ingredients in great recipes. Another thing I love is their very cute packaging. You will have a happy mood when you open the snacks’ packaging and then fully taste them in a big smile.

You don’t really need to travel to Japan for their amazing snacks, Bokksu brings a box of the most authentic Japanese snacks to your door. Each month, experience a different side of Japan! From flavors pairings and festivals, to prefectures and holidays, Bokksu carefully curates the most authentic snacks & teas to experience a taste of real Japan.

Bokksu sources the snacks in Japan from a mix of local and well-known makers, and are committed to building lasting partnerships with these makers to bring Member the best Japanese snacks available. You can browse their website to see what they have.

Having trouble deciding what to buy? With new themes every month, Bokksu’s monthly snack box delivers Japan-exclusive snacks, candies, and teas to your door! Subscribers save 10% on all market orders too!

Bokksu Subscription

Bokksu delivers to your door the experience of tasting authentic Japanese snacks, candies, and teas sourced directly from 100+ year old family makers. Every box you purchase supports these family-run businesses in Japan and helps keep their traditions alive. Each box ships from Japan and comes with:

20–25 Japanese snacks, candies, and a tea pairing curated around a fun cultural theme
16+ Page Culture Guide Magazine that details each product’s origin, flavors, and even common allergens
Auto-renew with the option to pause or cancel anytime
Free shipping worldwide from Japan

Your First Box

With Bokksu’s Seasons of Japan box, you get the best taste of what a year in Japan is like across all four seasons! From Hiroshima Seaweed Tempura Chips to Kyoto Matcha Chocolate Cakes, Bokksu’s team handpicks each snack that goes in your box to bring you an authentic taste of Japan.

From the design of the Bokksu box and the monthly culture guide to their photography and advertising, it’s all created by their small but talented Creative Team. They run the in-office studio where the magic happens, crafted Bokksu’s logo, and make everything else you see from Bokksu. The Marketing Team, well, they’re the ones who make sure you see it!

What do you feel about these mouth-watering snacks? You don’t really need to think too much. Instead of just having your chips & pretzels & Oreos everyday, why not trying something more unique and yummy? It is the time to change, having a more fun and more adventurous life. Bokksu is here to help, they are the only Japanese snack box that partners with 100+ year old family makers to deliver Japan-exclusive snacks, candies, and teas to your door! Let’s just do it.

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COVID-19 Impetus for New D2C Biotech-Based Skincare Solution That Rivals Injectables

by Lulu Qu on August 30, 2020·Asian, Beauty, New York, San Diego, WorldWide

Traditional practices unite with modern technology to unlock the mystery of seemingly ageless skin.

Dermafirm’s mission is not only to educate, but to empower today’s consumers to learn about the impact of nature’s ingredients. Now you don’t have to choose between clean and effective. Through our initiatives, Dermafirm is supporting a movement that is helping to change the way the world feelsabout skin care.

Dermafirm USA, Inc. announced the U.S. launch of BIOTOC, a new prestige K-beauty skincare line that is a less invasive alternative to injectables. Originally slated for B2B, the company pivoted to D2C due to COVID-19 stay-at-home behaviors. BIOTOC™ is a professional grade, anti-aging facial treatment that’s been reshaped to cater to consumers embracing the self-care trend. The line first launched in June in Korea to rave reviews and is officially fulfilling online orders in the U.S. market starting at August 5th.

“BIOTOC offers visible results, as a topical alternative to injectables that can be applied at home. Given the business reality of increased consumer demand for safe, natural and effective DIY products, and the unknown of when businesses would re-open, we switched gears. We repositioned our new prestige skincare line’s direction from B2B to D2C and haven’t looked back,” says Paula Park, CEO and Founder, Dermafirm USA.

The new line is by Dermafirm, the South Korean cosmeceutical company, known for innovative R&D behind its naturally clean products. The company designated the U.S. as the first international market for this luxury line launch, following its home launch on Korea’s GS SHOP, the HSN equivalent, where BIOTOC sold out in an hour.

Its revolutionary professional grade 3X ampoule is more concentrated than a serum, and has been receiving positive feedback from U.S. dermatologists, estheticians and influencers alike during pre-launch sampling. Results were shared at a private pre-launch sampling event in July (see some quotes here).

BIOTOC exemplifies the movement towards clean and healthy skin care that gets results. The line has been proven in clinical studies to increase the skin’s energy production, improve the appearance of wrinkles, as well as brighten and restore skin’s elasticity.

The user-activated BIOTOC 3X deploys Astaxanthin, an ingredient rarely found in skincare products, and mixes it with professional grade Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid, 3 Peptides, Collagen Hydrolysates and Ceramide. Astaxanthin, known as the most robust antioxidant available, is proven to be 6,000 times more powerful than Vitamin C, 800 times stronger than CoQ10, 550 times stronger than Vitamin E, 75 times stronger than Alpha Lipoic Acid and 40 times stronger than beta-carotene.

“All Dermafirm products are well thought of in formulations and are free from harmful ingredients. They are very effective, yet mild and non-irritating. I personally witnessed over the years the effectiveness and benefits my extended family and friends have enjoyed while using Dermafirm products,” shares Paula. (PAULA PARK, FOUNDER & CEO)

As a woman-led, science and technology based company, Dermafirm USA is drawn to the advancement of women in science and technology disciplines. “At Dermafirm USA, beauty is more than just skin deep. We are celebrating the beautiful minds of our women in STEM for the beauty they bring to the world through their discoveries,” says Kim Park, VP Customer and Community Advocacy.

ABOUT DERMAFIRM USA

Boston area based Dermafirm USA Inc. is the North American arm of Dermafirm, Inc., South Korean cosmeceutical company, known for its comprehensive research and development, as well as, the technology-driven, proprietary formulations behind their award-winning products. Dermafirm, headquartered in Korea, was established in 2002 to make advanced cosmetics using the highest quality ingredients such as peptides and amino acids through their own formulation research lab and material development institute. The company now has three product lines spanning from medical grade to at-home use products extensively used throughout Korea by dermatologists and plastic surgeons in 3,000 clinics and hospitals and increasingly by consumers. With rapid sales growth year over year and expanding global market penetration, their products are now available in over 20 countries and growing.

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Virtual China Fashion Gala honoring Estée Lauder, Wendy Yu, Phillip Lim & Lucy Liu raises $600,000

by Lulu Qu on July 25, 2020·Asian, Fashion, New York, WorldWide

China Institute and Yue-Sai Kan China Beauty Charity Fund (CBCF) co-presented the China Fashion Gala 2020 virtually on Thursday, July 23, 2020. The annual celebration of Chinese design serves as a platform for Chinese talent emerging onto the international stage, as well as a forum for recognizing individuals whose contributions have helped position China at the forefront of global fashion and beauty.

Hosted by Yue-Sai Kan, co-chair of China Institute and founder and chairwoman of CBCF, this year’s gala honored Estée Lauder with the Beauty Award. This inaugural award was accepted by Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Global Brand President, Estée Lauder Stephane de La Faverie, presented by Yang Mi. Chinese investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist Wendy Yu was honored with the Millennial Leadership Award, presented by Jason Wu. Chinese American designer Phillip Lim was honored with the Leadership Award, presented by Lisa Ling. Actress, director, artist and activist Lucy Liu was honored with the Icon Award, presented by Yue-Sai Kan. Each award was donated by Baccarat. Co-chairs were Elizabeth Segerstrom, co-managing partner and co-owner of South Coast Plaza; Mariko Miura, CEO of Meihodo New York; Julian Rizzuto, founder of Dreamlink Foundation; Mark Gong, emerging Chinese designer; and Jeannette Chang, former SVP of Hearst Magazines International.

Highlights from the evening included a private 40-minute live cocktail party via Zoom with honorees immediately preceding the gala, a globe-spanning opening performance by Quincy Jones Productions; a special dance of the Thousand Hand Bodhisattva performed by members of the Chinese People’s Art Troupe of People with Disabilities; and a fashion presentation by Chinese couture designer Xiong Ying, who showcased her creations under the Heaven Gaia label.

Prominent guests included: Christian Louboutin, Guo Pei, Grace Chen, Angelica Cheung, Bette Midler, Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, Xiaowen Ju, Karolina Kurkova, Maggie Q, Jordan Connor, Lang Lang, Anna Hu, Rain, Chen Man, Simon Collins, Didi Pei, Ban Ki-moon, Kenny G and Cai Guo-Qiang.

To date, China Fashion Gala 2020 has raised $600,000. An online silent auction on 32auctions.com will be open until July 30. Proceeds benefit the many diverse programs of China Institute, the oldest independent, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.

About Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder is the flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Founded by Estée Lauder, one of the world’s first female entrepreneurs, the brand today continues her legacy of creating innovative, sophisticated, high-performance skincare and makeup products and iconic fragrances – all infused with a deep understanding of women’s needs and desires. Today, Estée Lauder engages with women in over 150 countries and territories around the world and at dozens of touch points – from in-store to digital. And each of these relationships consistently reflects Estée’s powerful and authentic woman-to-woman point of view.

About Wendy Yu

Wendy Yu is one of the world’s most influential millennial investors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to be shaping the creative and cultural landscape. Based in Shanghai, she is the Founder and CEO if Yu Holdings, the first China-centric group of its kind combining dedicated entities for strategic investment, business and brand creation and creative-cultural exchange. Yu was recently appointed an international ambassador for the French Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. She has been recognized as a pioneering industry “30 under 30” leader by Forbes China and patron of fashion by Vogue International.

About Phillip Lim

As Creative Director and Co-Founder of his eponymous label, Phillip Lim sits at the helm of his now 14-year-old pioneering modern luxury brand. Lim is recognized as one of the most talented and successful young American designers and is the recipient of several prestigious industry honors including the Fashion Group International’s Women’s Designer ‘Rising Star’ Award, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear and the CFDA Award for Accessories Designer of the Year.

About Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu is an award-winning actress who has appeared in both studio and independent films, on television and Broadway. She is also a director and an artist and continues to be a UNICEF Ambassador, advocating for children’s health and protection since 2004.

About China Institute

China Institute advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art and business. China Institute is the go-to resource on China – from ancient art to today’s business landscape and its rapidly shifting culture. Its programs, school and gallery exhibitions bring to life the depth, complexity and dynamism of China. Founded in 1926 by Chinese reformers Hu Shi and K.P. Wen and educators Paul Monroe and John Dewey, China Institute is the oldest independent, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.

About Yue-Sai Kan Beauty Charity Fund

Yue-Sai Kan China Beauty Charity Fund (“CBCF”) was established in 2011 in honor of Yue-Sai Kan by the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, one of the most important and trusted charitable foundations in China. The word “beauty” in Chinese embodies caring, giving, honesty, and beautification of the human spirit. True to this spirit, CBCF is dedicated to the betterment and advancement of women and children through education, health and cultural programs worldwide. Since its establishment, CBCF has raised a total of 3 million USD to fund cleft lip and palate surgeries, provide free medical supplies to underserved regions in China, and provide scholarships for Chinese students through the CBCF Scholarship Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Peking University and a number of other prestigious universities.

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Maple Leaf Farms Brings Peking Duck Directly to Your Home

by Lulu Qu on July 10, 2020·Asian, food, New York, San Diego, WorldWide

Here’s some great news: you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to make a healthy choice! And did you know that duck fat has similar health benefits to olive oil and other unsaturated fats?

Duck fat is only skin deep. Despite its rich, succulent taste, a skinless duck breast has fewer calories and less fat than a similar portion of chicken, beef or pork. Surprised? Just compare it to other types of meat and see the difference!

Although duck is popular among America’s finest chefs, you don’t need culinary training to prepare it. Duck is easy to prepare for everyday meals and is perfect for special occasions, and can be incorporated into a wide range of flavor profiles and cuisines by culinary adventurers everywhere.

What does duck taste like? Maple Leaf Farms farm-raised White Pekin duck has a delicious, red meat flavor that’s more similar to steak than to chicken or turkey, and substitutes equally well for both in recipes. Plus, duck is surprisingly healthy! By properly cooking duck, you can eliminate 70% of the fat, and duck is leaner and has less saturated fats than other meats.

For me, I am a hundred percent duck lover. I lived in Beijing for 8 years, and one thing I miss so much about my life there is Peking Duck. Luckily, I found out Maple Leaf Farms, who produced very high quality duck products. I can get a whole duck from there to eat Peking Duck at home. I feel so spoiled, but more, I feel so happy.

Whole Duck with Orange Sauce

USDA Grade A whole duck comes with a convenient orange sauce packet. Lightly marinated to ensure the best cooking experience. Raised and cared for according to the strictest well-being guidelines.

Whole duck with giblets and a neck stuffed inside
Seasoned with up to 12% of a solution of water, salt and sodium phosphate
Gluten free (duck only)
Ready to cook
Frozen

Cooking Instructions

Thaw out duck in refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Strip bag off duck. Remove neck, giblets, and orange sauce packet from body cavity.
Rinse duck under cool water. Season to taste.
Roast uncovered, breast up, on rack in roasting pan. Cook 22 minutes per pound.
Remove from oven when internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (82 degrees C), measured at the thigh joint. The legs move freely and juices run clear when duck is done.
One duck serves 2 to 4 people.

Product Information:

Weight of Portions: Approximately 5lb oz.

Total Weight of Item: Approximately 5lb

Case Weight: Approximately 30 lbs

Ingredients: Duck, water, salt, sodium phosphate. Orange Sauce Ingredients: Orange juice from concentrate, water, sugar, modified corn starch, dextrose, citric acid, salt, natural flavor, torula yeast, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate added to retard spoilage, caramel color, spice, extractives of paprika, onion powder.

Shelf Life: 2 Year Frozen

About Maple Leaf Farms:

Maple Leaf Farms, Inc. is America’s leading producer of quality duck products, supplying retail and foodservice markets throughout the world with innovative, value-added foods. Founded in 1958, Maple Leaf Farms is a fourth generation, family-owned company. For more information, contact Maple Leaf Farms at 1-800-348-2812 or visitwww.mapleleaffarms.com.

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