ISSUE 04: Constance Wu
And my holiday wishlist.
THE YELLOW PAGES is a newsletter recommending Asian and AAPI films, music, writing, and other inspiration — all the artsy things I wished for growing up!
🥣 East Fork x Molly Yeh Rainbow Set: I was first introduced to East Fork Pottery via #TheMug. Yes, a mug that went viral. I completely bought into the hype, and now own 3 of them, in addition to a few of their bowls and plates. Their stuff is gorgeous, sturdy, and makes me happy. And though they aren’t AAPI-owned (Alex Matisse is the great grandson of the famed French artists Henri Matisse) they recently did a collaboration with Food Network star Molly Yeh, who I’ve known since my food blogging days. These rainbow bowls are the perfect size and colors. I want all of them. (Edited to add: Get $20 off with referral code: “LYNN CHEN” at check out.)
👚 Ni De Mama Haw Flakes Sweatshirt: The only sweet snack my parents kept in the pantry were Haw Flakes. I have never seen or tried fresh hawthorn before, but I always thought Haw Flakes tasted like hard, slightly stale fruit roll ups. As unappetizing as I just made that sound, I would eat each tiny, thin coin-shaped sheet individually — to make them last longer. The idea that I could immortalize this childhood experience in sweatshirt (or T-shirt, or tote bag) form makes me incredibly nostalgic. And yes, the name of the company is a nod to the Chinese translation for “Your Mama.”
👀 Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening and Curling Mascara: I’ve been hearing a lot recently about Tower 28, its founder Amy Liu, and in particular, this mascara. I tried to buy some during a recent sale, but it was sold out, so I appeased myself with a few tubes from other brands. Now it’s back, but I just cannot bring myself to pay full price until I actually need some. However, I would be very happy if I found one in my stocking this X-mas…
Read Constance’s book of essays, Making a Scene.
Name/Pronouns:
Constance Wu (she/her).
What do you do?
I make scenes.
How do you identify?
Asian American.
Do you identify as “yellow?”
I've always associated “yellow” with Kraft Singles or Nacho Cheese, so… no not really.
Movies: The Cave of the Yellow Dog, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ... And Spring.
Books: Any of Thich Nhat Hanh's books.
Band: My baby daddy is Filipino-American and his band Man Man is pretty great. More Asian American indie rockers like him! (Listen to his latest album “Dream Hunting in the Valley of the In-Between.”)
Exercise: I've practiced Ashtanga Yoga on and off for over 20 years now. I find the quiet and repetition more meditative than music-led flow type yoga.
Meal: I really love Japanese Curry.
Restaurants: Pine and Crane in Silverlake… I believe the Italian restaurant Speranza in Silverlake is owned by a couple, one of whom is Asian.
Drink: I like grass jelly drinks.
Bakery: There's a bakery called Proof in Atwater Village. It was opened by an Asian American woman who turned it into a worker owned and operated cooperative. The Ham and Gruyere Croissants there are delicious and I love their little ficelle sandwiches at lunchtime. As a teen, I worked in a bread bakery for 3 years, so bakeries have a special place in my heart.
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