mom’s guests
thip soulisak, Eat yum Sະlut
As shared in Thip’s own words, “My aim is to share with you the memories of my Lao Virginian childhood dinner table. Growing up, our dinner table was always filled with unique and delicious dishes that showcased the rich flavors of Lao cuisine. From aromatic curries to spicy papaya salads, each meal was a culinary adventure that ignited my curiosity and love for food. As I grew older, my passion for food continued to evolve, leading me on various foodie adventures and exploration of different cuisines. I believe that each person's experience with food should be unique and personal, as it is a reflection of their own tastes, preferences, and cultural background. With this in mind, I aspire to be creative in my culinary endeavors, experimenting with flavors and ingredients to create dishes that are not only delicious but also tell a story of my own journey.”
Thip has been featured in the LA Times, New York TImes, Timeout, and Eater LA as written by Cathy Chaplin,
vivien bang, lei musubi
"Growing up my mother would make a plate full of rice balls wrapped in seaweed with a side of fruit medley as an after school snack. Something as simple and delicious as rice balls held my tummy up while finishing up some homework until dinner was served. Note, that's how you know you grew up in a Korean household. These rice balls became a part of my childhood memories.
My mother also enjoyed hosting dinner parties which I loved because I got to play the important role of a 'sous chef'! Food presentation, flavor profile, and most importantly making sure everyone had MORE than enough on their plates was the key to sharing the best dinner experience according to Mama Bang. Looking back, this is where I picked up lots of my ideas and creativity in the kitchen!
Once I got older, living away from home made me realize how much I appreciate and miss my mothers home cooked meals. This is where my idea for Lei Musubi came to fruition. One day, I had an epiphany that there weren't any places in the DC metropolitan area that specialized in just musubis. So, I decided to recreate one of my favorite childhood snacks with my own twist.” -Vivien