How do I politely say the fukkin Chinese government needs to stay away from Taiwan? In other news, it has to be a better year. I'm saying this as a co-owner of New York City. And, of note, MSG can not replace (or even reduce) the amount of salt required to make a good fermented anything like pao cai, jang, suan cai, etc. You have to add it after the microbial choreography or you'll have more black swans than you want. Unless you're going full chemical from the start. Which would suck. So don't!
Hi Ken! Thanks for the note! I don't have a comment on China -- my comment is on Taiwan! Pro Taiwan sovereignty and that needs to be respected.
And yes - MSG -- not a replacement for salt, totally agree. And if I have something fermented, I'd honestly skip the MSG. But cool to get this advice on combining fermented things WITH msg - i had not thought of that!
I hope to see you! China is currently positioning military resources all over Taiwan, new ones in the last week, as well as brutalizing Japan for their support for Taiwan. They’ve stopped importing scallops from Japan, for example, a huge financial blow to Japan.
I heard about the scallops. Encourage all to purchase more - might be a good symbolic move to stock them in the frozen section of our store. Improving the resiliance of Asian economies outside of their reliance on China is so important. We are so small but anything helps.
Wonderful, as ever. I have learned so much from all your newsletters, and I can safely say you have taught me more about Taiwan than my Taiwanese husband and his family have! 😄 Your newsletters are always a wealth of food ideas and food for thought, and are a rare welcome sight in my inbox. Looking forward to your musings in the new year!
Thank you so much! This newsletter has been a joy and I love to write it. Knowing its made a difference or has been enjoyed by others means everything.
Thank you for sharing such inspiring thoughts here. This is the very 1st thing I’ve read this year, what a beautiful, uplifting read coming into 2026 ! 🌱
not at all surprised to learn you chose to center cultural joy, creative well-being, and community. these values are so very present in how y’all move, and we are so very grateful. happy new year!
Thank you Panthea! Not everyone has the luxury to be able to choose their priorities in work like we do, I'm so thankful for the opportunity. Hope to see you in 2026!
How do I politely say the fukkin Chinese government needs to stay away from Taiwan? In other news, it has to be a better year. I'm saying this as a co-owner of New York City. And, of note, MSG can not replace (or even reduce) the amount of salt required to make a good fermented anything like pao cai, jang, suan cai, etc. You have to add it after the microbial choreography or you'll have more black swans than you want. Unless you're going full chemical from the start. Which would suck. So don't!
Hi Ken! Thanks for the note! I don't have a comment on China -- my comment is on Taiwan! Pro Taiwan sovereignty and that needs to be respected.
And yes - MSG -- not a replacement for salt, totally agree. And if I have something fermented, I'd honestly skip the MSG. But cool to get this advice on combining fermented things WITH msg - i had not thought of that!
Hope to see you in the new year?
I hope to see you! China is currently positioning military resources all over Taiwan, new ones in the last week, as well as brutalizing Japan for their support for Taiwan. They’ve stopped importing scallops from Japan, for example, a huge financial blow to Japan.
I heard about the scallops. Encourage all to purchase more - might be a good symbolic move to stock them in the frozen section of our store. Improving the resiliance of Asian economies outside of their reliance on China is so important. We are so small but anything helps.
Wonderful, as ever. I have learned so much from all your newsletters, and I can safely say you have taught me more about Taiwan than my Taiwanese husband and his family have! 😄 Your newsletters are always a wealth of food ideas and food for thought, and are a rare welcome sight in my inbox. Looking forward to your musings in the new year!
Thank you so much! This newsletter has been a joy and I love to write it. Knowing its made a difference or has been enjoyed by others means everything.
Thank you for sharing such inspiring thoughts here. This is the very 1st thing I’ve read this year, what a beautiful, uplifting read coming into 2026 ! 🌱
Thank you Audrey! Here's to the garden.
not at all surprised to learn you chose to center cultural joy, creative well-being, and community. these values are so very present in how y’all move, and we are so very grateful. happy new year!
Thank you Panthea! Not everyone has the luxury to be able to choose their priorities in work like we do, I'm so thankful for the opportunity. Hope to see you in 2026!