The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) held its Annual Officer Installation in old Hollywood glamour at the Brandview ballroom in Glendale, CA. Members of the San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County chapter arrived in black tie apparel along with representatives from organizations such as the Taiwanese Junior Chamber, Asian American Professional Association, and Asian Youth Center to name a few.
To kick off the evening the royal court greeted guests at the door and posed for photos. It was a great opportunity to meet Asian Americans from all different industries as well as reconnect with old friends. The event was packed one, and guests had the opportunity to socialize and pass out business cards before heading to the ballroom.
Taiwanese Royal Court and US Congressman Ted LieuOnce 7pm hit, guests sat at their assigned tables and enjoyed a lavish 10 course Armenian meal, which included a healthy and a generous selection of appetizers and an enormous plate of kabobs. The royal court visited tables to sell raffle tickets and successfully raised funds to help support NAAAP’s future projects and expenses. US Congressman Ted Lieu swore in the newly elected Southern California officers as they committed themselves to a year of service, and the formal ceremony concluded with cultural performances, music, and dancing. It was a rockin’ party and one that I will remember.
What kind of events do you like to attend? Socials? Professional Development?
A press conference at the Culture Center of Los Angeles was held on Sunday April 23rd to publicize the 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Celebration Concert hosted by our foundation. As Miss Taiwanese World, I attended with my Preteen and Teen royal court as local Chinese news stations and reporters learned more about the community event.
2016-2017 Royal Court
As the event’s sophomore year, the program has grown exponentially and is packed with vocal and dance performances. Starting at 12:30pm the concert at Culture Center of Los Angeles will feature talented mothers in the greater Los Angeles area. This free event will also present the Mother of the Year to a very well deserving woman.
Mommy and me
My mother also attended this press conference with me and I’m reminded on how her influence has helped shaped me as the young woman today. I’m forever indebted to this beautiful (inside and out) woman and I feel so blessed to call her my mom. I feel that the greatest lesson that I’ve learned from her is to always laugh, smile, and to never take life too seriously. I love you mom!
When I think California, I think of surfers and beaches. However, California’s vibrant immigrant community has formed some areas with distinctly European flair – one of them being Solvang, a quaint town that look as if it came straight out of a Disney movie.
Yummy tubs of butter cookies
An incredibly well-maintained and safe city in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is just two hours outside of Los Angeles – though you would feel as if you’ve been transported across the world. Known for their baked goods and pastries, it’s a favorite pitstop for many travelers. Olsen’s Danish Village bakery is one of the town’s most popular bakery shops and with four generations of family recipes people come from near and far to indulge in these award winning treats. Be sure to take home a bucket of butter cookies on your visit!
Solvang – a charming city
The city is also home to the Hans Christian Andersen Musuem, the author of “The Little Mermaid”, “The Ugly Duckling”, “Thumbelina”, and countless other fairytales. The musuem itself is modest and the displays are old fashioned; however, this FREE attraction is a nice place to reminisce your childhood, The musuem is located at the second floor of The Book Loft and next to the Solvang Coffee Shop. So after browsing through the classics you may be inspired to enjoy a cup of coffee with your nose in a book.
Fresh Aebleskivers
There are countless speciality shops and local restaurants in the area, but one of the best things to do eat are the fresh Aebleskivers at the Solvang Restaurant. These crispy pancake battered balls are doused with a gloop of raspberry jam and lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. You can enjoy them at the restaurant, or order them at the outside take-out counter. There’s almost always a line, so you can be sure to grab a fresh trio of this treat. Yum!
Napa Valley is a well known popular travel destination for wine connoisseurs in the Bay Area. With acres of grapes and hundreds of vineyards to tour, it’s a wine-o’s dream vacation. Yet, those in the know flock to another California favorite with equally picturesque rolling hills and less tourist traction than the former. Paso Robles is a Southern California hidden gem with spectacular food and wine.
Panoramic view of Calcareous Vineyards
With over 200 wineries in the area it can be quite intimidating on deciding where to go. However, after extensive research we decided on Calcareous Vineyards in part because yelp offered a complimentary wine tasting upon check-in, and there were many positive reviews on the amazing view. I think we scored he jackpot on that account. 🙂 When we arrived we were given four samples (one white and three reds) and took home the 2014 Calcareous Chardonnay and the 2013 Devil’s Canyon Syrah. The Chardonnay is sweet with fruity notes whereas the later is more gritty and bitter with a heavier tobacco accent.
Golden Oak Grill entrees
Good wine and food makes a winning combination and the Golden Oak Grill is a great establishment that serves fine dinning cuisine at an affordable price-point. We visited during lunch and ordered the Goat Cheese Salmon Salad ($13) and BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich ($12) with sweet potato upgrade. You can tell that the chef really takes pride in the food he prepares as the presentation of each dish is meticulously executed. And yes I can confirm with you that the food tastes just as good as it looks. I will definitely return here in a heartbeat and can’t wait to try other items on the menu.
To kick off the evening the royal court greeted guests at the door and posed for photos. It was a great opportunity to meet Asian Americans from all different industries as well as reconnect with old friends. The event was packed one, and guests had the opportunity to socialize and pass out business cards before heading to the ballroom.
Insider Irene 