Rooted in Flavor Culinary Series Served Generous Portions of Asian American Cuisine and an Exploration of Its Rich Tapestry of Traditions and Influences
IRVINE, California, March 2, 2026 – Delicious Asian American-inspired food as well as food for thought were on the menu at the first Rooted in Flavor Culinary Series event recently presented by the Asian American Museum at Great Park.
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Dan Pittman
More than 40 guests gathered at Toast Kitchen & Bakery in Tustin, California for the inaugural event in the museum’s Rooted in Flavor Culinary Series that is designed to provide a cultural learning experience that explores Asian American history, identity, and community through food. Additional culinary events are planned for later this year.
“We were delighted to have our guests gather around the table with us to honor the roots, journeys, and evolving flavors of Asian American cuisine,” said the museum’s Executive Director, Jack Toan.
The featured chef collaborators included Shachi Mehra of Adya, Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café and Artisan by 7 Leaves and Crema Bakery, Rich Mead of Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, Dean Kim of OC Baking Company, Vernonica Kim Reyes of The Ecology Center, Lan Phan Zentil of Jade Tiger Tea, and Troy Hashimoto of Branded by Compassion. Callaway Winery winemaker Giovani Verdejo rounded out the group.
The event also provided a forum for a thought-provoking discussion about the Asian American community and food led by Dr. Judy Tzu-Chun Wu, who is an activist, historian, and Asian American Studies professor at the University of California, Irvine, where she also serves as the associate dean for the School of Humanities.
Wells Fargo sponsored the event, with wine provided by Callaway and the venue provided by Toast Kitchen & Bakery.
About Asian American Museum at Great Park
Established in 2024, the Asian American Museum at Great Park was envisioned as a place of belonging—an inclusive, vibrant cultural hub to be located within Irvine, California’s Great Park, one of the nation’s largest municipal parks. The Museum invites people of all backgrounds to engage with the diverse histories, cultures, and lived experiences of Asian Americans through compelling exhibitions, educational programs, culinary and artistic expression, and community-centered gatherings. By lifting stories of resilience, creativity, and contribution, the Museum fosters connection, understanding, and shared experience across generations and communities. For more information, visit https://aamuseumgp.org/