ASIAN FOOD, NATIVE AMERICANS, IN MISSOURI?

The invitation was for lunch.  We would be eight women and we would hear a presentation on the findings of a small Study about a tribe of Native Americans living in Arizona.

The Report on the Study was disquieting, sometimes shocking that Treaties made with Indian Tribes were still  broken or unfulfilled. We learned too about the damage to children and family life.  There were many questions and much discussion. As I listened, I thought of the many native Americans who settled along the banks of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers as well.

But it was our all-Asian menu* selected, cooked and presented by our hostess which created the most curiosity.  We learned the food was purchased from a place called Seafood City.

Seafood City is located in a former supermarket in the center of St. Louis' Asian neighborhood.  The store carries frozen and packaged foods, all with labels and brands from countries like Vietnam, China, Philippines, Japan and a handful of American products. Most salespeople speak more than one language and some speak English.

Fresh fish are spread out on large flat tables lined with ice chips, salt and seaweed.  More exotic seafood like soft shell turtles, dungeness crabs, craw fish, different verities of shrimp and live lobsters swim in large aquariums.  Employees working in the fish area wear the heavy clothing, shoes and hats of fishermen as they prepare their fish.   Live frogs are available when they are in stock.

Walking around the store I was reminded of the diversity of people, customs and food found here in  Missouri where Native Americans and immigrants could fit so well, given a chance. 

 

                       * OUR MENU                                     

 

SALAD CAPRESE

Yoba, Pea Pods, Dried Mushrooms

Water Chestnuts, Cashews

 

FRUIT COCKTAIL

Rambutan, Lychee,

Jack Fruit, Longgun

 

MOCHI RICE CAKES

 

MOCHI ICE CREAM BALLS

 

FRESH LYCHEES