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To honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re looking back at some of our favorite FoodCrush podcasts featuring Asian-owned restaurants.
This week, we’re featuring conversations with David Lau and Guy Roeseler of Ono Kine Grindz and Alex Hanesakda of SapSap. For more FoodCrush episodes you may have missed, click here.
From kalua pig to poke, the cuisine of Hawaii
Tropical fruits. Fresh seafood. Community. All of these things come into play during this episode of FoodCrush.
Join us as we explore the riches of the Hawaiian islands with David Lau and Guy Roeseler, owners of Ono Kine Grindz. We chat with them about their journey from the Central Pacific to Milwaukee Along the way, we explore the origins of poke, the story behind the “Loco Moco” and the cultural flavors inherent to the delicious dishes of the Pacific Rim.
From papaya salad to sticky rice, a look at Lao cuisine
Laarb. Green papaya salad. Sticky rice. Historically, the food of Laos has flown under the radar in the U.S., often taking a back seat to more popular dishes from Thailand; but all of that is changing as young chefs take the reins, introducing the cuisine to an increasingly inquisitive American palate.
Among those young upstarts is Alex Hanesakda, owner of SapSap, a food-based business through which he has introduced the food world to both food products and experiences that underscore both Lao flavors and traditions. In this week’s podcast, we talk with Hanesakda about his career path, from growing up cooking with his family in his hometown of Burlington Wisconsin to launching his own company. Along the way, he shares insights into his approach to Lao fare, the reception he’s received along the way and his plans for the future.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
