2009-02-25 kina grannis meetup

A meetup that SoCal singer/songwriter Kina Grannis arranged for her fans at the Astor Place Starbucks. This was my first time meeting Kina after watching her youtube videos for a long time. I was so nervous, but Kina's warmth makes everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Seems like such a long time ago now!

2009-02-25 kina grannis at the studio at webster hall

My first time seeing Kina perform live. I had the pleasure of getting to know the fans (or Kinerds as we're affectionately known) standing next to me. This is where I first learned how amazingly cool and nice Kinerds are.

2009-04-03 cookshop classroom

Even though I quit culinary school, I still have an unabashed love of food: eating, cooking, or simply talking about the subject. Cookshop Classroom, a program run by the Food Bank For New York City, combines my love for cooking, teaching, and interacting with children into a weekly session that provides New York public school students with food education, including information about farming, cooking, and nutrition.

2009-06-05 david choi, chloe temtchine, and kina grannis at hiro ballroom

Between the Webster Hall concert and this concert, I really got to know Kina and her wonderful fans. So, I was super excited to see her live again and meet/hang out with fellow Kinerds. Kina, along with David Choi and Chloe Temtchine, did not disappoint.

2009-06-06 kina grannis street team meetup

Kina arranged this meetup in Central Park especially for her Street Team (die-hard fans who help promote Kina because she is an indepdent musician.) Great music, great people and great weather!

2009-09-06 lunch at per se

I had wanted to dine at per se for years, but I pledged to wait until I turned 21 so I could have wine pairings. I managed to snag a reservation for my 21st birthday and went in with an empty stomach and a great deal of expectations. The staff at per se did not disappoint. The experience was everything I thought it would be: impeccably executed, luxurious, surreal, and fun. One of the best meals of my life. Read more →

2009-10-16 capital funk at colonial invasion

I was first introduced to Capital Funk, a hip-hop dance team based in Washington DC, by my brothers who were both on the team for years. They consistently back up their great choregoraphy and technique with a solid sense of style and originality. They are also such a tight-knit group of people, year in and year out as members come and go. CFunk is family!

2009-11-21 thomas keller in conversation with james mustich

An interview between Thomas Keller and Barnes & Noble Review Editor-in-chief James Mustich. This was my first time really meeting Chef Keller, even though I talked to him briefly when I staged at per se in 2007. This man has an aura to say the least. I was giddy when I went up to have my book signed. Read more →

2009-11-23 david chang in conversation with anthony bourdain and peter meehan

This "interview" certainly had a different ambience compared to the Thomas Keller event. More crowded (Tony Bourdain is always a huge draw) and more informal. This seemed like a late-night talk between friends (they DID bring beers.) Just as engaging and interesting as the Keller event, however. Read more →

2009-12-02 imogen heap at webster hall

I'm not a huge concert person, but I knew I had to see Imogen Heap live in concert after all I had heard about her amazing performances. She absolutely blew me away and set the bar for any concerts I go to in the future. Her openers (and subsequent backup musicians) Tim Exile, Back Ted N-Ted were amazing as well. Read more →

2009-12-07 corinne bailey rae at hiro ballroom

On a US mini-tour promoting her new album, The Sea, Corinne delighted us with her empassioned songs and her bubbly, gracious personality. The Imogen Heap concert had incredible performances, but this concert felt as though we were watching Corinne during a recording session, watching her connect deeply to each song. Certainly reminded me of Kina's concerts. Read more →

2010-02-12 mane source barber shop

I've had my hair cut by the same guy for many years. He just happened to open up a barber shop a few blocks away from hy house, so I have easy access to one of life's simple pleasures: a great haircut. I love going to Mane Source Barber Shop, not only to get a haircut, but to hang out in the shop and enjoy the barber shop culture. Read more →

2010-02-26 / 2010-02-28 kinacon weekend

The entire weekend was just...surreal. I can't even imagine trying to summarize the wonderful time I had at Kinacon in a format like this. Just do me a favor and read more about it here.

2010-04-19 kina grannis at MIT

Two of my fellow Kina Grannis Street Team Regional Coordinators and I drove up to Cambridge, MA and surprised Kina at her performance for the Asian-American Association of MIT. Got to help out with merch and just hang out for a bit. A wonderful Kina experience, as always. Got back home the next day at 7AM. Worth it.

2010-06-16 / 2010-06-23 KinaCon East

Kinerd fun on the east coast! Not nearly as extensively planned as the meticulously orchestrated OG KinaCon (in LA), but it was still amazing, especially with a bunch of Kinerds staying at my house. Read more about it here