The local arrangements committee was pleased to host Gil Asakawa for our Friday cultural tour at ALA Midwinter this year. Gil is an author, journalist, editor and blogger on Asian American culture through the lens of identity, history, and experience. He shared a PowerPoint presentation at Sakura Square, a gathering place celebrating the history and culture of the Japanese-American experience. It was a cold, blustery morning, but we first enjoyed hearing about Ralph L. Carr, Minoru Yasui, and the Reverend Yoshitaka Tamai outside at their monuments. After thawing a bit inside, Gil gave us a general presentation about Asians coming to the United States with some details about Denver. He also shared his five+ favorite eating places in Denver because immigration can often be traced by the new authentic eateries that crop up in town. Gil’s favorite places are 20th Street Café (diner), Tokio (upscale), Sushi Den, Lao Wang Noodle House, Dae Gee, Pho 79 or Pho 78, Woody’s Wings and Things (edgy location with a Cambodian owner providing all sorts of cuisine).
We’ll be releasing information about all of APALA’s events at ALA Annual 2018 in New Orleans soon. We hope you’ll join us!