Recent Projects
In the Kitchen
Instructions June 2006
Or, how to bake a four-tiered chocolate cake in one small oven, fit it into an overhead bin and then drive it over a mountain range.
Audio January 2002
A crêpe is a crêpe is a crêpe…or is it? Listen to this sound piece and learn just what's in a name.
Commentary May 2007
The secret to crushing cinnamon and pulverizing lemongrass.
As heard on KQED May 07
Instructions October 2003
Roses are red, violets are blue,
Blossoms to taste after saying “I do.”
Journal February 2001
The trials and tribulations of trapping Candida milleri.
Special Section January 2008
A primer on selecting, brewing and serving loose leaf teas.
Also see Nha Magazine, Jun 03
Celebration
Photo Essay February 2001
Photo Essay December 2005
Photo Essay May 2000
On the Road
Recently
Latest Tidbits
Food as Art & Action
This summer, I’m very excited to teach a special workshop on food and justice within the youth program at Geneva Car Barn & Powerhouse. Based in San Francisco’s District 11, this community arts organization works toward transforming the cultural, civic and economic vitality of the Excelsior, Outer Mission and adjoining neighborhoods. The teens in the workshop will learn about sustainable food systems and the diverse meanings of health in their communities while mastering basic culinary skills.
If you’re able to donate kitchen tools or quality ingredients to help enrich the experience of these budding chefs and activists, drop me a line at thy (at) wanderingspoon.com.
Food as Medicine:
Cuisine, Curatives & Culture
On Tuesday, April 19, the Asian Culinary Forum will gather an expert panel for a lively discussion about the power of healing foods
in both traditional medicine and modern cooking.
Speakers: Nancy Chen, Anthropology, UC-Santa Cruz; John Garrone, Far West Funghi;
Vinita Jacinto, California Culinary Academy; Jane Lin, Mama Tong Soups; Michelle Warner, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist.
Buy tickets before they sell out!
Check out my posts from on local eats, recipes, and food history and culture at Tidbits.
Travel Journal & Photo Essay May 2001
Thanks to the Harvey A. Bell Grant from the IACP, I travelled from Singapore to South India.
Special Section February 2009
Travel Journal May 2001
Travel Journal May 2001
Travel Journal May 2001
Travel Journal & Photo Essay May 2001
Photo Essay May 2001
Photo Essay December 2005
Photo Essay & Recipe December 2005
Video January 2009
Email Me
Questions about cooking or projects? Stories to share? Suggestions for future features? Recipe requests?
Send your messages to:
Pho, Friends & Folly
When my mom came to visit last month, it rained for nearly a week straight. To help warm us up, we decided to make some pho bo, my favorite comfort in a bowl.
A simple family meal grew into a surreal adventure with mountains of bones and meat and connective tissue, late-night begging for a big-ass pot, a water relay, an entire bottle of fish sauce, and 30 people slurping loudly in my dining room.
© Thy Tran