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Cervantes LeeCervantes LeeCervantes LeeFood as soft power from of Korea probably is one largest cultural phenomenon after Japanese food in 1980-1990. I moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and truly enjoyed various types Korean food, K-Pop, home Bibigo items, and H-Mart! For the future curriculum design of “restaurant concept growth”, I am thinking to incorporate the East Asia (Japanese, Korean, Chinese,), South East Asia (Vietnamese, Philippines/Singapore/Malaysia/Thai) and India in the curriculum. Some language barriers for me: I need to learn a little Korean and I also hope there is some Chinese character among Korea food products, at least easier for a Chinese like me to associate the “food” directly. I actually in most cases, I only buy Korea foods with Chinese character next to it.
Cervantes LeeChina has eight major regional cuisines, such as Cantonese, Szechuan and Jiangsu, most distinctive due to factors such as availability of resources, climate, geography, history, cooking techniques and lifestyle. I think we also have the 9th – American Chinese cuisine consumed by over 330 million people in the U.S., probably have the similar population base to Cantonese food. Panda Express may be attributed as one defining brand under American Chinese cuisine.
Cervantes LeeRaw beef, chicken, lamb price goes up vs pork price goes down in China. However, the parity among beef, chicken, lamb and pork food menu product doesn't really change. Quality pork product (such as BBQ, Cantonese Char-Siu, Pork Noodle) maintains at the same price or even increases along with other meat product in China.
Cervantes LeeI enjoyed reading the articles of “Japanese Mothers and Obentōs: The Lunch-Box as Ideological State Apparatus”. A lot of “family warmth” picture came up to my mind. I remember I was a kid in Taipei, my mother sent the hot lunch box to the school every days for my brother and I. She studied the lunchbox recipe to make a “colorful” bento box for us. While at lunch hours, we always enjoyed “exchanging food” with classmates. We will chat a lot about food & family during the lunch hour.
Cervantes LeeEnjoyed the KFC documentation entering the Tokyo market in 1981. Their staff training, local taste adjustment, site selection parameters, store opening neighborhood visit, annual franchise meeting, JV partner with discussion with Mitsubishi Corporation all fascinated me even today in 2021. A huge cultural adaptation of the U.S. products to Japanese market were quite well addressed in the video.
My question: KFC/McDonald’s entering into two major East Asia economic power houses (Japan and China) has all been described a legendary business case studies in 1975-1995. For the next American quick service/fast casual brands, such as In-N-Our Burger and Chipotle, entering into Japan and China (perhaps including India), would be something exciting to see in next few years.
Cervantes LeeHello David,
I enjoyed your discussion about Chinese restaurant having Latino employee workers. I am at Los Angeles, and we see actually Latino colleagues are one most reliable kitchen team members. Latinos have access to literally all types of East Asia ethnic food setting in Southern California (don’t know much about other States though), including Chinese, Japanese, Korea, Vietnamese, Thai food etc. I find there is some connecting with Latino on East Asia ethnic food operation: i). they like to eat hot food hot, ii). rice. For example, if you observe the patronage at Panda Express, Latino is good major clientele as well.
Separately, when I first came to the U.S. in 2007 as an international student in Boston, not so many Chinese restaurants nearby, so my favorite food for the everyday breakfast and lunch was burrito – because there is rice, vegetable, flour and meat inside and also served hot.
There is also inter-region cultural food acceptance as well, I grew up in Taipei eating Japanese and Cantonese food every other day. At Los Angeles in the last 12 years, I like Pho noodle and Korea Tofu soup.
Cervantes LeeDear All, I just finished my education doctoral dissertation at USC to help create a multi-unit fast casual restaurant curriculum for UNLV Hospitality College at Las Vegas. Now applying a lecturer position to implement my dissertation proposal at UNLV for September 2021 semester start. I grew up in Taipei and came to the U.S. 14 years ago. I love all types of East Asian food plus taco/burrito. I used to serve at Panda Express store at Los Angeles. Truly pleasure to participate East Asian Food & Identity summer seminar. Thanks again USC US-China Institute for hosting this. Look forward to meeting faculty and classmates. Warmest Regards, Cervantes Lee, [email protected]
Cervantes LeeSomehow I feel that way from 16th century and even before Year 1990 in China. Because "access" to Western music requires influence, knowledge, and resources. Particular when seeing the symbol of orchestra and violin. The music should be in everybody's life and soul everyday. Popular music may really come to rescue for more people in China or in the world after 1980.
Cervantes LeeAmazing people and economy of South Korea populated the Korea Pop culture globally now. Truly a world phenomenon in most measures. I am wondering what role did the Korea education system play for the growth of its Economy, soft power cultivation and now the Global K-Pop.
Cervantes LeeThis is first time to learn I grew up in the "Buddhism-Taoism-Confucius" environment in Taiwna, but actually I was not aware before. Professor Meeks' methodology opended up a new perpsective to me. Truly enjoyed the class and saw all the classmates' discussion. Much appreciated.
Cervantes LeeThe recent US-China Political Competition really hurt American Chinese or Chinese American. Decoupling is the term politician people use. We still have over 4-6 million Chinese living in the US. The bilateral trade, business, and education are still on-going. Hope the situation won’t continue worsening by November 2020 election.
Cervantes LeeYes. Indeed, during the 14th -18th century, China shall be the largest GDP producing country and had a great amount trading relationship with most Asia countries. In our history book (I grew up in Taiwan), the history textbook downplayed the "sea trade commerce" of China with South East Asia, Japan, India, Arab, Italy and other European countries. To me, the reading is fascinated as well. Trade business crossed lots of boundaries in goods flow, information flow, money flow and cultural/knowledge/wealth exchange.
Cervantes LeeDear All, I am a doctoral program student at USC Rossier School of Education. I grew up in Taiwan. My background is real estate investment & operation for student housing, hotel, retail and restaurants. My research interest lies in restaurant education, particularly addressing the Covid-recovery era. In the K-12 field, I want to work on the career education for high school students in California, Las Vegas and East Asia. I am excited in taking the “Crossing boundaries in East Asia” seminar. I sincerely forward to learning & growing with classmates and faculty in Summer 2020. Cheers. Best Regards, Cervantes Lee
