CORRECTION: The correct price of individual tickets to the 2013 Reader’s Choice Awards is $60. The printed November 6, 2013 addition of the International Examiner, incorrectly listed the price of individual tickets as $50. The sponsorship information was also inaccurate in the print edition. For correct sponsorship prices, please email advertising@iexaminer.org. Also, for clarification, one of the raffle prizes is Microsoft 2013, not Office 365 as was pictured. Click here to download a pdf of the issue with corrections.
THE IE’s Fourth Annual Northwest Asian Pacific American
Reader’s Choice Awards of 2013
Filipino Community Center
5740 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S.
Seattle, WA 98118
Thursday, December 5, 2013
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tickets:
Full-Table (10 seats) $600
Individual (1 Seat) $60
Student (1 Seat) $35
Purchase your tickets here
It’s the holiday season! Does someone you know need a laptop? Love food and vintage wine? Want Microsoft Office 2013? December 5th could be your lucky night! Get some of your holiday shopping done for a good cause. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win these awesome prizes and more!
One raffle ticket for $20 or three tickets for $30. Winners must be present at the time of drawing to win. Prizes include an Acer Netbook donated by Comcast, Microsoft 2013, and a food and vintage wine package.
Northwest APA Reader’s Choice Awards 2013 Winners:
Favorite Local Artist: Alan Lau
Alan Lau has been a pioneer for APIs in art since he arrived in Seattle from Japan in the late 1970s. Lau is a writer, poet, and painter with a style that stems from Chinese literati tradition and Northwest modernism. For over 30 years, he has served as the Arts Editor for the International Examiner showcasing API artists, writers, musicians and more. It has earned him a spot in the category for favorite local artist for yet another year.
Favorite Local Author/Writer: Eric Liu
Eric Liu is a multitalented author, educator and civic entrepreneur who once served as a White House speechwriter for President Bill Clinton where he was recognized for his global leadership. Currently the founder and CEO of Citizen University, Liu also teaches civic leadership at the University of Washington while hosting the acclaimed television interview program “Seattle Voices.” In addition, he serves on a number of nonprofit and civic boards and is a regular columnist for CNN.com.
Favorite API Festival: Bon Odori
Seattle Buddhist Church | 1427 S Main, Seattle, WA 98144 | (206) 329-0800 | seattlebetsuin.org
This Seafair event is when Japanese culture comes alive in the summer. Also known as Obon, the festival fills the streets with Taiko drumming, Japanese folk dances, a martial arts performance, and lots of delicious food. Bon Odori honors the ancestors of the past and celebrates the presence of our loved ones today.
Favorite Local Hip Hop Artist: Macklemore
Ben Haggerty, known by his stage name Macklemore, has released one mix tape, three EPs and two albums with producer Ryan Lewis. Their most famous songs “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us” hit the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart, making them the first duo in the chart’s history to have their first two singles reach number one.
Favorite Local Photographer: Dean Wong
Dean Wong was a child of the International District, growing up in a converted storefront on King St. Wong’s photojournalist career started at the International Examiner where he worked on and off for eight years writing feature stories and perfecting his photography. He continues to serve the community by telling their stories through his photos, which has earned him another win for favorite local photographer.
Favorite API Comedian: Margaret Cho
www.margaretcho.com
Margaret Cho is a Korean-American standup comedian who is best known for her comic material on social and political problems, such as those relating to race and sexuality. Cho is also a fashion designer, actress, author and singer-songwriter who has been featured in It’s My Party, Face/Off and is currently part of the hit series Drop Dead Diva on Lifetime Television.
Favorite Happy Hour: Wasabi Bistro
2311 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98121 | (206) 441-6044 | www.wasabiseattle.com
Located in Belltown, Wasabi Bistro offers a fantastic Japanese fusion menu with a wide selection of sushi and sushi rolls. But make sure to go there during happy hour for the best deals, which includes getting three of their happy hour items to make a combo for $14.
Favorite Karaoke Hotspot: Bush Garden Restaurant
614 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 682-6830 | www.bushgarden.net
Join the Bush Garden Restaurant for karaoke at 9:30 p.m. (M – S) and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Known to be a lounge for regular gatherings, you can also dine at their variety of settings if you’re not in the singsong mood. There’s the sushi counter, privacy booths and Tatami Rooms for larger parties.
Favorite Casino to Indulge: Snoqualmie Casino
37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 | (425) 888-1234 | www.snocasino.com
Seattleites can take a day trip east of the city to experience the two-time-winning, Vegas-style gaming at Snoqualmie Casino. Along with the gaming floor, the casino offers upscale lounges and bars, five restaurants including Terra Vista and a grand buffet, and a renowned concert venue.
Favorite Hangout Spot: Eastern Café
510 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 623-1776
Located between King St & Weller, the Eastern Café offers coffee, loose leaf teas, beer, wine, cocktails, gelato, sandwiches, crepes and a delicious range of pastries. The small yet cozy setting creates the perfect atmosphere for a first date or a place just to read your favorite book while sipping on some of their tasty coffee.
Favorite Vietnamese Restaurant: Tamarind Tree
1036 S Jackson St, Suite A, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 860-1404 | www.tamarindtreerestaurant.com
This International District restaurant serves fresh, authentic Vietnamese dishes that range from Co Ngu crispy shrimp to steamed coconut rice cake to its notable Durian homemade ice cream. Tamarind Tree also offers seven courses of high quality beef, each with its own unique flavors that you can swallow down with any of their happy hour specials. Despite the upscale interior design, the menu is set at a moderate price that will satisfy both your stomach and wallet.
Favorite Thai Restaurant: Thai Curry Simple
406 5th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 327-4838 | www.thaicurrysimple.com
It’s another win for this small and often crowded Thai restaurant during the lunch hour, but that’s just a testament to their amazing food. With a carefully chosen menu, Thai Curry Simple describes their food as traditional Bangkok street food typically found at a cart in Thailand. Despite not having the authentic ambiance, the food and its spiciness and flavors are spot on.
Favorite Indian Restaurant: Cedar’s Restaurant on Brooklyn
4759 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 | (206) 527-4000 | www.cedarsseattle.com
Cedar’s Restaurant continues to serve a wide variety of deliciously spiced Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. Along with their casual atmosphere, cheap prices and generous portions, it’s the food that keeps people coming back. A few favorites include naan bread, chicken tikka masala and curries.
Favorite Coffee Shop/Tea House: Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee House
607 S Main St, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 515-4000 | www.panamahotel.net/teahouse.htm
The Panama Hotel Tea and Coffee House continues to serve as a hotel, teahouse and a museum of Seattle’s Old Japantown, showcasing old photographs and mementos that document the neighborhood before World II. The building also contains the only Japanese bathhouse left intact in the country. Besides getting a taste of history, patrons can also munch on their delicious Japanese cookies and pastries that have won them another win in the category.
Favorite Bubble Tea Café: Oasis Tea Zone
519 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 447-8098 | www.oasisteazone.com
Serving the community since 2001 and winning another year in the category for favorite bubble tea café, Oasis serves delicious traditional style Taiwanese bubble tea in addition to a wide selection of drink combinations, a growing menu of snacks, shelves of board games and a loud pop playlist that makes it the perfect spot for young people to hang out and grab a quick bite. Visit any one of their three locations!
Best Sushi Restaurant: Daimonji Sushi and Grill
5963 Corson Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 | (206) 762-7820 | www.daimonjisushi.com
Daimonji Sushi and Grill offers variety when it comes to their sushi – sushi donburi and chirashi (sushi served on a bowl of rice), veggie rolls and ten other basics. Don’t forget to order one of their specialty rolls that have customers raving in their Yelp reviews. Located in Georgetown Seattle (in the Georgetown Plaza), this restaurant provides delicious sushi and customized rolls. Bonus features: free Wi-Fi and a big screen television located at the sushi bar.
Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: Palace BBQ Korean Bar & Grill
15932 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98008 | (425) 957-3522 | www.palacebbq.com
At about $16 per person, there doesn’t seem to be a place that rivals Palace BBQ’s deal for All You Can Eat Korean barbeque. Palace offers various options like marinated short beef ribs, marble brisket, spicy pork belly, jumbo shrimp, and more. Check out any one of their three locations to taste why this restaurant wins another year in the category.
Best Dim Sum: Jade Garden
424 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 622-8181
Jade Garden has been dominating in this category for the past four years, and lines to wait for dim sum on weekend mornings still stretch the block. It is no secret that this is the place to go to for dim sum. There are plenty of options, but a few favorites include shrimp dumplings, sticky rice and egg tarts.
Favorite Local Chef: Tom Douglas
2030 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 | (206) 448-2001 | http://tomdouglas.com
With 14 restaurants across Seattle, including Etta’s Seafood and Lola, Tom Douglas continues to serve creative dishes with ingredients from the Pacific Northwest while keeping in respect with Seattle’s ethnic traditions. This Seattle-based chef has contributed to what he calls a “new culinary melting pot” in the city and earns himself another win for favorite local chef.
Favorite Bakery: Bakery Nouveau
4737 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 | (206) 923-0534 | www.bakerynouveau.com
Located where the historic Blake’s Bakery once stood, William Leaman has made Bakery Nouveau a Seattle favorite for his daily one-of-a-kind creations. With over 20 years of experience in pastry, bread and chocolate, it’s no wonder that he’s winning all the awards in the category, including being the 2005 World Cup of Baking Gold Medal Winner.
Favorite Chinese Restaurant: Tai Tung
659 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 622-7372
This International District restaurant is the oldest of its kind, offering a taste of old Chinatown that goes back 70 plus years. Great for large groups and kids, make sure to try their Kung Pao Shrimp, Ma Po Tofu and egg rolls at the counter.
Favorite Asian-Fusion Restaurant: Wild Ginger
1401 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 | (206) 623-4450 | www.wildginger.net
Located between Union St & Pike, Wild Ginger has a trendy and upscale ambience that adds a classic touch to their Asian-fusion menu. Featuring authentic cuisine that spans from China to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, Wild Ginger also serves food and wine at The Triple Door, a live music venue and dinner theatre located across Benaroya Hall on Union.
Favorite Seafood Restaurant: Ho Ho Seafood Restaurant
653 S Weller St, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 382-9671
This seafood restaurant is great for large groups and kids, serving from a diverse menu that includes options for vegans and vegetarians. Open daily at 11:00 a.m., make sure to taste their steamed or fried dumplings and pepper chicken.
Favorite Local Winery: Chateau St. Michelle Winery
14111 NE 145th St, Woodinville, WA 98072 | (425) 488-1133 | www.ste-michelle.com
Chateau Ste. Michelle is the largest wine producer and winery in Washington State with roots stretching back to 1934. The large French-style chateau offers free tours on the weekend every 30 minutes, which includes a free wine tasting of four of their wines. The amphitheater on the grounds of the winery also holds outdoor concerts during the summer. Congratulations for winning another year in our category for favorite local winery!
Favorite Local Journalist: Lori Matsukawa, King 5 News Anchor and Reporter
Lori Matsukawa is a news anchor and reporter for KING 5 News, cited as a “pioneering Asian American broadcast journalist” in its first list of the top journalists of color in the country for the past century by UNITY: Journalists of Color. In addition to winning another year for favorite local journalist, she has also received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Asian American Journalist Association for mentoring aspiring journalists.
Favorite Empowered Youth: Julie Pham
Julie Pham has served on the board of SVP Seattle and its Outreach & Engagement committee since 2012 and continues to add to her list of achievements. She heads marketing at Avidian Technologies, as well as Sea Beez, a capacity-building program for Seattle’s ethnic media foundation. Pham also manages to find free time to blog for Forbes.com.
Favorite Mentor: Ron Chew
www.chewcommunications.com
It’s another win for Ron Chew who continues to fight for social justice in whatever leadership position he takes. Since starting as a reporter at the International Examiner in 1975 and eventually becoming editor for 13 years, Chew covered local events, social concerns and political issues faced by APIs in the community. It was at the Examiner where he honed his skills in community organizing. Since 2010, Chew has been serving as director at the International Community Health Services (ICHS) Foundation. He also owns and operates Chew Communications, a community history and resource development consulting firm.
Favorite Volunteer: Howard Wu (NAAAP)
Howard Wu is currently a civil engineering planner for the City of Seattle working on bicycle and pedestrian projects. He has been recognized for his passion in community service as “Seattle’s NAAAPster of the Month” last May in which he lead two community service events: SCIDpda and FareStart, which provides nutritious meals to those in need. Wu continues to organize events such as these and has proven to be an inspiration to all.
Favorite Local Political Figure: Bob Hasegawa
bobhasegawa.com
A local resident of Seattle’s Beacon Hill, Bob Hasegawa has represented the 11th Legislative District since January 2013 and had previously served in the Washington State House of Representatives. Hasegawa is known to be an advocate for social justice issues, especially those dealing with the API communities.
Favorite Activist or Engaged Citizen: Linh Thai
Linh Thai wins favorite activist for his years of community service to foster learning space for leadership development, especially for his notable local grass-root Vietnamese American leadership organization, The Vietnamese Community Leadership Institute. Thai continues to advocate for Vietnamese American communities with an agenda that is centered around strong national connections.
Favorite Philanthropist: Jerry Lee
Jerry Lee is the chairman of MulvannyG2 Architecture and the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the first Executive Excellence Awards Program. Even with his success in business – having designed hundreds of Costcos, Targets and Nike Factory Store outlets – Lee still finds time to do community service and create charitable events. His philosophy? “Treat everyone like family, approach clients and contractors as partners, and give of yourself and you will receive in return,” he told the Seattle Business. “It always comes back. No matter how much you give away, it always comes back.”
Favorite Entrepreneur/Business Owner: Tomio Moriguchi, Chariman of Uwajimaya
Tomio Moriguchi is currently a Chairman of Uwajimaya and served as the CEO in 2002 after his parents and founder of the store passed away. Moriguchi led Uwajimaya’s expansion from its 3,600 square foot Main Street location to its current 20,000 square foot store on King Street. Moriguchi and his five siblings still hold onto the business principals displayed by their parents and have kept Uwajimaya a distinct and impressive grocery story for variety, freshness, quality and authenticity. He has won another year for favorite entrepreneur/business owner.
Favorite Local Sports Figure: Russell Wilson
From Richmond to Seattle, Russell Wilson has proved to be a force to be reckoned with throughout his football career. Wilson is currently the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks and holds a record of 37 touchdowns.
Favorite Community College: Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122 | (206) 934-3800 | http://seattlecentral.edu/sccc/
Since 1966, the SCCC has provided a higher education and workforce training needs of more than 500,000 students. Located on Capitol Hill, this college is committed to creating an accessible, diverse, responsive and innovative learning environment that is designed for everyone to strive.
Favorite University: UW Seattle
1410 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98195 | (206) 543-2100 | http://www.washington.edu
The University of Washington is one of the leading academic and research facilities in the country that always pushes the boundaries. UW Seattle is also one of the oldest public universities on the West Coast with 16 colleges and schools, and it continues to strive for academic achievement and community engagement in hopes of fostering the world.
Favorite Educator/Teacher: Connie So
Since 1992, Connie So has taught at the University of Washington’s American Ethnic Studies Department and is now its current Director of Community Internship and Practicum. She has taught Asian American and Pacific Islander American Studies as well as Studies on Race Relations, a reflection of her passion and interest in Seattle’s Asian Pacific American politics.
Favorite Executive Director of a Non-Profit: Diane Narasaki, Executive Director of Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS)
720 8th Ave S, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 695-7600
Since 1995, Diane Narasaki has been the executive director of the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), helping to advocate for multicultural, multilingual, and multi-generational human services for APIs. Last year, Narasaki received the William O. Douglas Award, which honored her work over the past 30 years. This year, she wins again for favorite executive director of a non-profit.
Favorite CEO: Yale Wong, CEO and Founder of General Biodiesel
Growing up in a crowded house in Beacon Hill with a large family working in restaurant and laundry businesses is what gave way to Yale Wong’s entrepreneurship. In 1994, he co-founded Compass Communications, becoming the first Asian American in Washington State to own an Internet service provider. Ten years later, Wong sold the company and founded General Biodiesel, which collects grease and oil waste that converts into energy. The daring entrepreneur with humble beginnings in Beacon Hill is considered a pioneer in biodiesel and wins another year in the category.
Most Inspirational Speaker: Ron Sims, former King County Executive
Ron Sims served as the former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2009 to 2011 and is also the former King County Executive. He has inspired many over the years with keynote speeches and addresses on issues he is concerned with the most, including social justice and environmental stewardship. Sims continues to be an inspiring and visionary speaker, earning himself another win in the category.
Favorite Asian-Owned Start-Up: T.D. Wang
409 Maynard Ave S, Suite 208, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 623-6888 | tdwang.com
T.D. Wang Advertising Group is a Seattle-based, full-service ad agency that opens doors for businesses that recognize the value of cultural diversity. With a mission to understand the Asian/Pacific-Islander and Hispanic/Latino communities, T.D. Wang continues to deliver results for many industry leaders in the private, public and non-profit sectors that also follow and support a multicultural advertising industry.
Favorite Corporate Giver to Asian American Causes: Comcast
www.comcast.com
Since 2001, Comcast has provided $2.5 billion to support national and local nonprofit organizations, including the Asian American Justice Center, in order to meet the needs of families, neighborhoods and communities. Recently, Comcast has shown their support for Asian American filmmakers in Seattle, hosting a VIP reception for the APA Film Festival at the beginning of this year.
Favorite Mom & Pop Business: Phnom Penh Noodle House
660 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 748-9825 | www.phnompenhnoodles.com
Serving the community since 1987, the Phnom Penh Noodle House continues to promise customers with a rich Cambodian culture, holding the title as Seattle’s first Cambodian restaurant and our favorite mom & pop business. Owner Sam Ung and his family keep their conscious mission of doing greater good in the community with pride for the food and culture.
Favorite Health Organization/Business: International Community Health Services (ICHS)
720 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 788-3700 | www.ichs.com
The International Community Health Services (ICHS) is the largest API non-profit community health center in Washington State. Established in 1973, the ICHS provides culturally and linguistically appropriate health services to improve the health of APIs and the broader community. With another win in the category, the ICHS continues to provide a full range health services and Chinese traditional medicine.
Favorite Asian Owned Green Business: General Biodiesel
6333 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 | (206) 932-1600 | www.generalbiodiesel.com
This seven-year-old “double green” company founded by API entrepreneur Yale Wong continues its mission to recycle cooking oil from restaurants across the West Coast and produce low carbon fuel from sustainable resources. With its second win in the category, General Biodiesel helps reduce the U.S. dependence on foreign oil by producing biodiesel locally, which is great for us and great for the environment.
Favorite API Senior Organization: Nikkei Concerns
1601 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122 | (206) 323-7100 | www.nikkeiconcerns.org
For over three decades, Nikkei Concerns has been a leading provider of elder care services in the Pacific Northwest, maintaining a distinctly Japanese American identity while still welcoming members of other ethnic communities. Nikkei Concerns operates at four programs to serve the needs of older adults and their families: Seattle Keiro, Nikkei Manor, Kokoro Kai and Nikkei Horizons.
Favorite Professional Association: National Association of Asian American Professionals-Seattle (NAAAP-Seattle)
NAAAP Seattle Chapter | P.O. Box 19888, Seattle, WA 98109 | seattle.naaap.org
The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) is a non-profit leadership development organization for API professionals with over 25 chapters across the country and a growing membership of over 3,000. The organization is run entirely by volunteers and helps with professional development, community service and social networking opportunities in the community. NAAAP-Seattle also gives scholarships to high school and college students and supports local non-profits and small businesses – all the more reason for earning another win in the category.
Favorite API Youth Organization: Lambda Phi Epsilon
5225 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 | 1-425-998-7874 | lambdas@uw.edu
The University of Washington Lambda Phi Epsilon is the only international Asian American interest fraternity recognized by the North-American Interfraternity Conference and the National APIA Panhellenic Association. With over 50 chapters across the nation, these “Leaders Among Men” are dedicated to providing outstanding leadership, philanthropy and advocacy in their communities.
Favorite Cultural Preservation Institution: Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 623-5124 | www.wingluke.org
Dedicated to immersing visitors in an interactive learning experience that explores the stories of struggle and success, the Wing Luke Museum wins another year in the category that recognizes the importance of cultural preservation. It is the only pan-Asian Pacific American community based museum in the country, named after Wing Luke, the first Asian American to hold elected office in the Pacific Northwest. The Museum continues to fulfill his vision in preserving culture and traditions, and addressing civil rights and social justice issues.
Favorite API Advocacy Organization: APIC
3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle 98144 | (206) 695-7600 | apicwa.org
The Asian Pacific Islander Coalition uses their collective power to promote equal access to “culturally competent and linguistically accessible” health and human services, which include economic development for small businesses and education. With a total of seven APIC chapters across the state, each is committed to addressing the concerns of all Asian Pacific Americans, including immigrants, refugees and citizens.
Favorite Hang Out Spot and Mom & Pop Shop: World Pizza
672 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 682-4161 | worldpizza.tumblr.com
All was right again when World Pizza reopened in the International District. Winning in the category for favorite hang out spot and mom & pop shop, be sure to share any one of their amazing, vegetarian pizza combos with family and friends.