Can you believe it's already May?! This year has been a whirlwind and we're happy that you’ve been along with us for this sometimes chaotic, but wildly fulfilling ride.

As you all know, the #VeryAsian movement started because Michelle was talking about food on New Year's Day. She mentioned Korean food. Now, almost halfway into the year, we have turned that #VeryAsian moment into a point of pride and a foundation!

We know our culinary traditions and practices are a huge component of how many of us share and celebrate our Asian-ness.

I know I do because sharing food with people you love is home.

Here in the Twin Cities, the Very Asian Foundation has partnered with a selection of local talented chefs, restaurants, and businesses to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. Each of them has graciously agreed to raise funds for the foundation and we couldn't be more excited about the collaborations. It kicked off on April 28, with a visit to my station KARE11 from James Beard-nominated Chef Yia Vang, where we discussed his concept of Hmonglish, the tasty collision of two worlds through food: the Wisconsin and Hmong worlds he grew up in.

The full rundown of our month-long celebration:

• To start the month, we have Bebe Zito raising awareness about the xenophobia around MSG through vanilla ice cream scoops at their locations in Uptown and the Market at Malcolm Yards through Saturday, May 7.

• Local Vietnamese restaurant PhoMai holds their fundraising drive Tuesday, May 10.

• The Gnome Pub and Hope Breakfast Bar in St. Paul will be celebrating from Sunday, May 15 to Saturday, May 21 with a special menu at The Gnome.

• Saturday Dumpling Club, a pre-order service and some of the best dumplings I’ve had in the Twin Cities, will be running their project from Monday, May 23 to Friday, May 27.

• From Wednesday, May 25 to Sunday, May 29, Brother Justus Distillery finishes up the month with a special cocktail menu at their beautiful location across from Columbia Park in northeast Minneapolis.

Each of these businesses fully supports our mission to shine a light on Asian experiences; grabbing food and drinks on these days is a great way to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and it's a bonus to support local businesses who support us.

Thank you, or ua tsaug in Hmong, to all of you for supporting us, so we can support each other in being #VeryAsian everyday, and especially in May!

With love,

Gia Vang