May 20, 2022
May is Asian American Pacific Islander month, or AAPI for short, a time to celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States and their contributions to the history of this country. By recognizing the culture, history, and achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, we can broaden the understanding of their countries and cultures, as well as enhance the appreciation for all that they have given to make this country great.
As is the case with many commemorative months, AAPI originated with Congress. In 1978, Congress passed, and President Jimmy Carter signed into law, a joint resolution declaring a week in May as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.” This was later expanded to a month, and in 1992, May was designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
At VITALIA Active Adult Community® – North Olmsted North Olmsted, OH, we will be celebrating by honoring the countries Samoa, India, and Fiji and the state of Hawaii.
The dishes I am making are chicken pineapple skewer, coconut rice, and pannekoek from Samoa; chicken makhana, cherry halwa, and aloo Gobi from India; cassava cake, rourou taro leaf, and mahi mahi from Fiji; and Hawaiian fruit salad, Spam fried rice, and pulled pork sliders.
We chose these dishes to showcase the counties during our weekly happy hour. We tried to look at each country and chose food that would work well in that format and for a celebration. From chicken pineapple skewers to pork sliders, to pannekoek, which is a fried donut with banana, they all fit the bill.
As a culinary director I feel it is important to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Month because such a huge part of learning about these different areas and traditions are food related.
We are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate these countries, their contributions, and their foods this month! And we would be even more honored if you would join us. Give us a call to learn more about how you can get a seat at the table this month!
VITALIA® Mentor in Mentor, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Little Mountain Country Club, Pinecrest Shopping and Dining, Lake Metroparks, James A. Garfield National Historic Site, Headlands Beach State Park, and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
