On Culture and Gender: Interviewing drag king Wang Newton
Taiwanese American "Wang Newton" was voted one of the Top 25 drag kings in the world by peers. Self described as a “cheeky host with a ‘Taipei’ personality”, they host shows in New York City while running Wang TV on social media. The filmed bits feature everything from backstage shenanigans to interviews with the likes of super model Coco Rocha and drag queens from TV show RuPaul's Drag Race. TAP-NY caught up with Wang at a show in Brooklyn to learn about their background and journey. Learn more about Wang at www.wangnewton.com or on Instagram @drwangnewton and don't miss out at their...
Members of the Month: New 2018 Board Members
HARRISON, Sports & Social Chair What drew you to TAP and why did you decide to join the board? I was approached by a former TAP board member after a TAP climbing event at a gym I frequently visit. I love meeting people when I climb and the idea of opening another channel for myself to meet others and help others to make new bonds is exciting. What do you hope to accomplish in your role? New event ideas? I would love to help members pursue a more active lifestyle and build lasting relationships with others through the blood and sweat of team games. I think it'd be fun to introduce a...
Behind the Noods: Chatting with Ho Foods’ Owner Richard Ho
Ho Foods, recently opened in January 2018 in the East Village, brings home-style and modernized Taiwanese food to New York. Inspired by chef/owner Richard Ho's Taiwanese roots, the restaurant pays homage to classic flavors and techniques by way of San Gabriel Valley, California, the "mecca of Taiwanese food in America." The restaurant focuses the diner experience around Richard's signature dish, traditional Beef Noodle Soup served with freshly made noodles, pasture-raised beef shank, house fermented mustard greens, and a savory 10 hour broth. TAP-NY caught up with Richard on an early...
Slice of Life: Chatting with model and blogger Yi-Hua Tsai
Taiwanese model and blogger 蔡宜樺 Yi-Hua Tsai is best known for her work across ELLE, Vogue, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and more. As a Wilhelmina model, she was also notably chosen to be Vogue Taiwan's New York Fashion Week correspondent. TAP-NY spent some time chatting with her to learn about her daily life. You can learn more about her at her website: www.huaever.com or follow her on Instagram at @huaever. You've been in New York for over three years now - how did you first decide to come here? 大學畢業先到了巴黎工作一陣子，之後會選擇紐約，其實也是因為當初從來沒到過美國，對要去哪個城市，我的想法是開放的。 At first, after I graduated from...
Career Changes and Cozy Cooking: Behind the Scenes at Taiwanese Eatery Zai Lai
Long-awaited homestyle Taiwanese eatery Zai Lai finally opened its doors in November 2017 at its first permanent retail location in Turnstyle at Columbus Circle. Previously known for its various pop-ups across NYC, Zai Lai specializes in family favorites such as rice bowls, noodles, and traditional street eats like oyster omelettes. TAP-NY met up with Taiwanese American lawyer-turned-restauranteur Edward Huang to learn about how it all got started. Can you introduce yourself? Yes, my name is Edward Huang (not to be confused with Eddie Huang, the other Taiwanese lawyer turned...
Heritage and passion with comic illustrator and designer Jerry Ma
Best known for ground-breaking graphic novel Secret Identities, Taiwanese American comic illustrator and graphic designer Jerry Ma has featured works at the New York Asian Film Festival, the Lunar New Year Festival at the Met, and in Linsanity the Movie to name a few. Currently in the process of opening a Taiwanese restaurant in East Village, Jerry's work has been instrumental for the Asian American community - TAP-NY sat with him to learn more. Can you introduce yourself? Hi, my name is Jerry Ma. I’m a New York based graphic designer/comic illustrator that’s trying to open a restaurant...
Member of the Month: Stacey Yang
Member of the Month: Stacey Yang Tell us about yourself! It can be about anything – where you grew up, your professional background, your hobbies, etc. Hi _______! (Insert your name in the blank space.) 大家好! I’m Stacey. I was born in Alabama, and grew up in Missouri where the Asian population is only 2%. From the Midwest, I headed to the East Coast where I graduated from Brown University, as well as studied abroad at the Stanford Japan Center, and attained an MBA from a top-20 business school in Europe. With a background in business and entrepreneurship, I’m in the process of launching a...
Chris ‘ehgg’ Liu talks photography, passion, and food in today’s social age
You might be following this "Insta-famous" commercial photographer and social media consultant already. Known as ehgg on Instagram, Taiwanese-American Chris Liu's unique captures can be found on the walls of food establishments across New York, as well in articles at Buzzfeed and TimeOut NY. TAP-NY had the chance to meet up with Chris to discover what a day in the life looks like for him and what inspired him on his unique journey. You can see more at his Instagram here. Can you introduce yourself? Hi there! My name is Chris Liu and I'm what you call a NYC transplant that's been living...
Member of the Month: Lawrence Yen
Member of the Month: Lawrence Yen Tell us about yourself! It can be about anything – where you grew up, your professional background, your hobbies, etc. I grew up in the leafy Maryland suburbs outside of Washington, D.C. and went to school in Philadelphia. Now, I live in NYC and work in management consulting. My job has me travelling a lot, which allows me to come back to New York with fresh eyes and senses every weekend. In the city, I enjoy checking out music venues in Brooklyn, visiting art and cultural museums around the city, and improving my Latin dance abilities. Why did you join...
Member of the Month: Lucy Wu
Member of the Month: Lucy Wu Tell us about yourself! It can be about anything – where you grew up, your professional background, your hobbies, etc. Hi! I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and later moved to the U.S. with my parents at 16. I've spent some time living in Asia too! I lived in Hong Kong and Japan, and I've also had the opportunity to travel in that region. I really enjoyed my experiences there and learned a lot about being independent and self-reliant. It also forced me out of my introverted shell! I came to New York City about 3 years ago as an intern with the U.N., I'm...