HeyJaredThe Asian Iowan
Born in Saigon, Vietnam. Nearly lifelong Iowan writing about people, places, and things.
- Indexed issues, last 90 days
- 5
- Latest publication
- Sep 26, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 22, 2026
Latest issues
Born to be a Broadway Buff (opens the original)
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When I was about seven years old, my mom bought tickets for the Broadway musical Annie at CY Stephens in Ames. This was my very first musical experience, and I was immediately enthralled with the music, the singing, and the chance to see young actors perform on stage. I didn’t know it then, but it was the first of many musicals I would see that would turn me into a Broadway fan, theater lover, and musical enthusiast for life.<a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" href="https://substackcdn.
Saigonais Cuisine Serves up an Innovative New Food at the Iowa State Fair (opens the original)
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Fusion food is always fun to try, but in this case, it’s also meaningful. This year at the 2026 Iowa State Fair, the Saigonais Cuisine Vietnamese food stand incorporated Salvadoran and Mexican elements into a couple of its new and unique menu items.Tony Truong, one of the three owners of Vibes Kitchen and Bar in downtown Des Moines and Saigonais Cuisine, explained the idea behind the “Saigon Birria Pupusa.” He said that one of Vibes’ cooks is originally from El Salvador, and they have been offer
A Taste of Oaxaca in Des Moines (opens the original)
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The taste of Oaxaca, Mexico is available right here in Des Moines at Tacos del Robert. Roberto Rosario was born in the Southern Mexican state of Oaxaca and moved to Houston as a child. He has always loved to cook and worked at a five-star restaurant under the direction of a James Beard Award-winning chef. The restaurant was Oaxaca-inspired, and Roberto gained very valuable experience during his time there.When the family, including Roberto’s wife, Liz Perez-Rosario, and their kids, Hannah, 20, E
The Story of Killer Hill (opens the original)
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Every family has stories that are told at family gatherings over and over. Stories so memorable they bring tears of laughter to everyone around. Recently, I was asked to write a story for a family so it can be shared with the next generation. The story is about three cousins, two bicycles, and one hill.The Story of Killer HillOne Sunday in early October, Nick was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his aunt, uncle, and cousins to spend a day with his family. They were coming from out of town to se
Celebrating America Together (opens the original)
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On a hot sunny day in West Des Moines, members of the Chinese Association of Iowa gathered at Crossroads Park. The shelter house was bursting with family members, friends, and supporters of the association, which began in 1987.<img alt="" class="sizing-normal" height
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