In the Kitchen
Instructions June 2006
Or, how to bake a four-tiered chocolate cake in one small oven, fit it into an overhead bin and then drive it over a mountain range.
Audio January 2002
A crêpe is a crêpe is a crêpe…or is it? Listen to this sound piece and learn just what's in a name.
Commentary | May 2007
The secret to crushing cinnamon and pulverizing lemongrass.
As heard on KQED May 07
Instructions | October 2003
Roses are red, violets are blue,
Blossoms to taste after saying “I do.”
Journal | February 2001
The trials and tribulations of trapping Candida milleri.
Special Section | January 2008
A primer on selecting, brewing and serving loose leaf teas.
Also see Nha Magazine, Jun 03
Photo Essay | February 2001
Photo Essay | December 2005
Photo Essay | May 2000
Featured
Travel Journal & Photo Essay | May 2001
A Harvey A. Bell Grant from the IACP allowed me to travel from Singapore to South India to research the “Tamarind Trail.”
Special Section | February 2009
Travel Journal | May 2001
Travel Journal | May 2001
Travel Journal | May 2001
Travel Journal & Photo Essay | May 2001
Photo Essay | May 2001
Photo Essay | December 2005
Photo Essay & Recipe | December 2005
Video | January 2009
Story Map | May 2015
The California Table: Hangtown Fry
One of San Francisco's oldest and most iconic dishes is Hangtown Fry. First served at a mining camp in the Sierra Foothills, this luxurious blend of tender eggs and deep-fried oysters tells the story of the city's golden boom times.
During early shortages, as 49ers streamed into San Francisco more quickly than the frontier city could absorb, chicken eggs could sell for 50 cents each (just over $14.00 in 2014).
From the hard work of early entrepreneurs in the egg industry to the rough but gilded tastes of lucky prospectors, read more about Hangtown Fry. (The integrated maps are very image heavy, so please have patience while the pages load!)
What’s New
On the Road
Celebrations
Need Help?
With Words
Learn more about my skills and experience as a mixed-methods researcher, narrative writer, and content strategist. I’m happy to explore with you the diverse ways I can support your organization’s goals.
With Food
Teaching hands-on cooking classes remains one of my favorite ways to share my love of cooking. I’d love to create a custom menu for your very special event. Check out my page on cooking classes for lots more details.
Email Me
Questions about cooking or projects? Stories to share? Suggestions for future features? Recipe requests?
Send your messages to:
thy [at] wanderingspoon.com
Pun Stuff
Designed by my BFF, Bryan Wu
Other Projects
Check out the first installation in my series of story maps that trace the geography and history of iconic California dishes...
Art Exhibit: Comida es Medicina
Saturday, August 4 – Friday, November 2, 2018
Galería de la Raza | 2857 24th Street, San Francisco
Edible Aliens, my collection of Gocco-printed recipe cards highlighting “invasive” species of plants, is appearing in a group show at the Mission’s historic art space, Galería de la Raza. The exhibit gathers creative explorations of how indigenous and immigrant food knowledge can uplift our communities, while also critiquing the exploitation of our food systems. I’m honored to have been invited to take part by co-curators by Suzy González and Luz Calvo.
LitCrawl San Francisco: Stirring the Pot
Saturday, October 20, 2018
5 - 6 pm
Wallflower, 1176 Valencia
San Francisco Mission District
Several women in my writing group, Smoking Pens, will be reading our new work during this sprawling annual literary extravaganza. Reflecting on the intertwined themes of food, migration and culture, we’re scheduled for the first slot and will be reading at a local vintage clothing shop. Mostly standing room, but there are some chairs available – let me know if you’d like me to reserve one for you. Check out the whole schedule and download the map at the LitQuake site.
© Thy Tran