For Voices United, Korean cuisine was a delicious way to celebrate National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Vicki Baker
The month of May is a time to celebrate—Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, and the start of summer. Yet there’s another often overlooked event: National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose rich heritage helped shape the history of the United States.
Continuing its initiative to bridge cultures through food, Voices United members sampled Korean cuisine at Manna BBQ and Shabu. In addition to learning about the food from this culture, we also discovered the history, geography, climate, economy, and many other factors which make this country and its people so unique.
Korean food, or Hansik, is characterized by clear distinctions between main dishes (marinated and grilled meats) and side dishes, a balanced mix of animal and plant products, and refined fermented foods created with great care over long periods. Although it is a treat to eat Korean food anywhere, there was something very special about eating it how it was meant to be: shared with friends and family. At Manna BBQ, eating and sharing around a central grill was an example of true South Korean culture.
Our communal dining experience was a grill-in-front-of-you feast. Using chopsticks (and forks for some), we picked up pieces of sliced, marinated meats and placed them directly on the tabletop gas grill. Scissors made it easier to cut up larger pieces into bite-size morsels. The freshly cooked meat, eaten straight from the grill, included bulgogi, beef short ribs, pork belly, chicken, and shrimp. Complementing the meats were chili paste, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil dipping sauces.
The banchan (side dishes) were just as fun and delicious. We filled our plates with kimchi (a fermented side dish most Koreans can’t go without), fried and sticky rice, seaweed rolls, fried dumplings, squash salad, pickled radish, seaweed ramen, and soybean sprouts.
Voices United’s Korean barbecue grill-it-yourself eatathon was not just about the food. Food is a universal language that speaks to the heart with its power to connect and bring people together, bridging cultural divides. Our shared meal during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month also promoted conversation, laughter, a sense of belonging, fostered connections, and strengthened relationships.
By celebrating different cultures and heritages, we understand and appreciate the diversity of our communities. Come expand your views with Voices United through discussion groups, book readings, docent-led museum tours, restaurant visits, presentations, and more. Voices United, a group of Robson Ranch women who share progressive values, perform community outreach, provide civic awareness, and enjoy a good time, meet monthly on the first Saturday of the month at 11:30 a.m. in the clubhouse. For more information, visit www.voicesunitedrr.org.