By Valerie DeNigris | October 11, 2024
At Apex for Youth, we believe in the power of opportunity. On Tuesday, October 8th, we witnessed this power in action as New York City’’s AAPI community came together in an inspiring display of unity, culture, and generosity at Madison Square Park at Taste of Asia.
Spearheaded by visionary restaurateur Simon Kim, CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management (recipient of our 2023 Inspiration Award), and co-chaired by industry leaders Wen Zhou, Phillip Lim, and Michael Chung, the third Taste of Asia event wasn’t just another fundraiser – it was a celebration of our community’s resilience and spirit. Under the guidance of restaurant co-chair Jennifer Saesue, who thoughtfully curated an exceptional lineup of participating establishments, the event brought together 40 of New York’s finest restaurants and raised nearly $1.4 million to support both our mission at Apex for Youth and the Madison Square Park Conservancy.
What makes this event particularly meaningful is how it embodies the very essence of what we strive to teach our youth: when community comes together, extraordinary things are possible.
What makes this event particularly meaningful is how it embodies the very essence of what we strive to teach our youth: when community comes together, extraordinary things are possible.
From Michelin-starred establishments to beloved family-owned restaurants, the event showcased the diverse offerings of Asian cuisine in New York City.
“The AAPI community across New York City has come incredibly far with AAPI leaders across many disciplines,” reflected Michael Chung, co-chair of Taste of Asia. Yet, as he noted, there remains work to be done to “combat conflict and vulnerability in the community.” This reality underscores why events like Taste of Asia are so crucial – they not only celebrate our achievements but also strengthen the support systems that help our youth thrive.
Photo: Max Flatow
The evening brought together an exciting mix of culinary talents, from the innovative dishes of COTE Korean Steakhouse and Potluck Club to the authentic flavors of Hainan Chicken House and Soothr. This diversity perfectly mirrors what we at Apex for Youth see in our students – unique individuals with vast potential, each bringing their own special contributions to our community.
As we continue our work of unlocking possibilities to Asian American youth from low-income and immigrant backgrounds in New York City, the success of Taste of Asia reminds us that we’re not alone in this journey. Thank you to the generous support of sponsors like Millennium Management, Genesis House, and many others who recognize the importance of investing in our youth’s future. Their contributions will help us continue our work with youth to expand their horizons and envision what’s possible for their lives.
To everyone who contributed to making this event a success – from the restaurants and sponsors to the attendees and volunteers – thank you for helping us in our pursuit of a better life for our youth and our community.
See more photos of the event here and we hope to see you there next year!
Photo: Jared Siskin/Getty
Photo: Jared Siskin/Getty
Photo: Max Flatow
Photo: Clara Hung
Please follow and support the wonderful restaurants and vendors that dedicated their talents and resources at Taste of Asia this year!
| Restaurant Name | Description | Instagram & Website |
|---|---|---|
| 8282 | Modern Korean small plates & craft cocktails | @8282nyc • Website |
| ADDA | Bold homestyle Indian | @addanyc • Website |
| Atoboy | Refined Korean tasting menus | @atoboynyc • Website |
| Bangkok Supper Club | Upscale Thai tasting experience | @bangkoksupperclubnyc • Website |
| Banh By Lauren | Vietnamese-inspired bakery and cafe | @banhbylauren • Website |
| C as in Charlie | Lively Korean American fusion | @c.asincharlie • Website |
| Chinese Tuxedo | Contemporary Chinese in historic space | @chinesetuxedo • Website |
| Coqodaq | Inventive Korean fried chicken and cocktails | @coqodaq • Website |
| COTE Korean Steakhouse | Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse | @cotekoreansteakhouse • Website |
| Hummy | Korean-inspired Soju seltzer | @drinkhummy • Website |
| Fish Cheeks | Modern Thai seafood | @fishcheeksnyc • Website |
| Fluffy Algodón | Cotton candy artist | @fluffyalgodon • Website |
| Great NY Noodletown | Iconic Chinatown noodle shop | @greatnynoodletown • Website |
| Hainan Chicken House | Singaporean-style Hainan chicken rice specialist | @hainanchickenhouse • Website |
| Ho Foods | Taiwanese beef noodle soup | @hofoodsnyc • Website |
| Jazba | Modern Indian cuisine | @jazbanyc • Website |
| Jungsik | Two Michelin-star Korean fine dining | @jungsik_nyc • Website |
| La Caravelle | Classic French champagne bar | @lacaravellechampagne • Website |
| l’abeille à côté | Upscale French and Japanese-influenced menu | @labeilleacote.nyc • Website |
| Lingo | Creative Japanese-American dishes | @lingobk • Website |
| Lula Mae | Cambodian-inspired comfort food | @lulamaenyc • Website |
| Lysée | French-Korean pastries | @lysee.nyc • Website |
| Masalawala | Regional Indian specialties | @masalawalanyc • Website |
| Mokbar | Korean-inspired ramen and small plates | @mokbar_nyc • Website |
| Naks | Unique hands-on Filipino culinary journey | @naks.nyc • Website |
| Nami Nori | Elegant temaki bar | @naminori.nyc • Website |
| Nguyen Coffee Supply | Vietnamese coffee specialist | @nguyencoffeesupply • Website |
| Nom Wah | Historic dim sum parlor | @nomwah • Website |
| Nowon | Korean-American pub fare | @nowon.usa • Website |
| Nudibranch | Korean- Spanish restaurant with thoughtful small plates | @nudibranchnyc • Website |
| Okamoto Studio | Ice sculptures | @okamotostudio • Website |
| Pecking House | Home of New York’s only Chili Fried Chicken | @pecking_house • Website |
| Petrossian | Luxury caviar & French cuisine | @petrossiannyc • Website |
| Potluck Club | Modern Cantonese cuisine | @potluckclubny • Website |
| Saigon Social | Vietnamese comfort food | @saigonsocialnyc • Website |
| Sappe | Thai street food specialist | @sappe_nyc • Website |
| Shake Shack | Elevated fast-food burgers | @shakeshack • Website |
| Soothr | Thai noodle specialist | @soothr_nyc • Website |
| Suntory Whisky | Premium Japanese whisky | @suntorywhisky • Website |
| Sushi Noz | High-end Edo-style omakase | @sushinoznyc • Website |
| SWM Sweets | Asian-inspired desserts | @swmsweets • Website |
| Tea Dealers | Specialty tea shop and tasting room | @teadealers • Website |
| Tonchin | Upscale ramen | @tonchinus • Website |
| Winson | Brooklyn bakery known for creative pastries | @winsonbrooklyn • Website |
Held annually, Opening Day sets the tone for the year, bringing together both new and returning mentors and mentees for a day of fun, bonding, and shared experiences.
Apex for youth students put their networking skills to work during Spotify, JP Morgan Chase, and RSM office visits.
