Kimchi…the blues too…
While in NYC recently I chanced upon a fabulous open air food market where the wine was flowing, the bread was broken and shared, an herbal tincture prevented any cold I might catch from catching…and my heart was gladdened by the sight of several alluring kimchi vendors. OH that sublime deep, fiery red chili beckoning to sizzle my mouth and urging me to speak and think in Korean.
The foxiest booth nestled between the New York Rieslings, Brooklyn hipster vitners, and lobster roll vendor was Mother in Law’s Kimchi. They also have a blog: MILKimchi
One reason I love Bloomington so profoundly is the fact that I feel a connection to the spirit of Korean culture that thrives here. Hopefully we’ll be seeing and tasting lots more kimchi soon at our local market. I admit I have to wonder why not yet?
Our local Indiana University Asian Culture Center at 807 E. 10th Street is a hub of activity and programming that highlights the connection we have with Asians and Asian-Americans residing in Bloomington. Tomorrow there is a particularly interesting program. Here’s the scoop:
Who are Asian Pacific Americans? Luncheon Talk Series featuring Suzanne Thomas, Friday, November 13, 2009, 12 noon
Venue: IU Asian Culture Center, 807 E. 10th Street
This is an informal roundtable lunch discussion that allows students and community members to talk about specific concerns that affect Asian Americans. In observance of “National Adoption Month Awareness,” Ms. Thomas will share her experience as a abandoned biracial child in South Korea where she had lived in an orphanage until an African American family adopted her into the United States at five. Ms. Thomas is a blues guitarist and vocalist who began studying organ at the age of six and as fate would have it, she was given her first music lessons and introduction to the organ by the great Jimmy Smith. Growing up in Los Angeles, Ms. Thomas started writing songs by the time she was nine after being inspired by David Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”. Ms. Thomas’ first group was a female band called “School Boy Crush” of course named after the AWB song, two all female rock groups by the name of “Software” and “PMS”. She formed Crank, which was a 3 piece hard rock band that shared the stage with Ice T and Body Count, Fishbone and Macy Gray.
Ms. Thomas was hired out as a guitarist to several funk and R&B bands, doubling on guitar and bass just this past year in the Grammy winning band A Taste of Honey, taken second place in the 7th annual Jimi Hendrix contest and played in Japan, France and New York at various music festivals and events including the Manhattan Music Center.
A light lunch provided to participants. For more information, please contact acc@indiana.edu. Co-Sponsors: IU Asian Culture Center, Asian American Studies Program, and IU Department of Ethnomusicology and Culture.
So, maybe I’ll see you there…now, if you’re a virgin to kimchi, don’t be afraid. Sure, it might be an acquired taste. Just keep in mind, there are lots and lots of styles, levels of spices…we can find one that you might like. And you can always stick to the Western tradition of breaking bread with anyone in order to connect. Never any shame in that, only all good.
And by the way, have you all noticed a few new locations around town with Korean language business signage? Way cool. Koreans have got it going on with being great small business owning entrepreneurs.