Asian Food

Soon after moving to New York City, I quickly realized that my taste buds lean toward Asian cuisine. While I don’t dislike American food—I’m happy to join colleagues for drinks at a pub, enjoying wings and tater tots, or order a Caesar salad in more formal settings—I naturally prefer dishes like Vietnamese pho, Korean bibimbap, or the beef noodle soup at Ollie’s (which, to my surprise, is still around after all these years).

This weekend, I’m back in Portland with my family to celebrate a special milestone for my son. Influenced by our family’s roots, my American-born kids have also developed a strong preference for Asian food. They chose their favorite Japanese restaurant in town—a modest spot without a flashy storefront, but one that holds many cherished memories for us over the years.

Our favorite dish is the hamachi collar. Although I’m not usually a big fan of fish, their preparation is outstanding—lightly fried with salt, delivering a crispy skin and a juicy, tender inside. The sushi and sashimi are consistently fresh, and the kids always enjoy their hearty bowls of udon. While we sometimes finish the meal with a Japanese mochi parfait, this time we decided to save dessert for later in the evening while watching the NBA playoffs.

It’s been a year full of change, but we are grateful to be in God’s hands, thankful for His continued guidance and support. Hallelujah!