A great event is an alchemy of several factors: people coming together, a purpose and perfect weather. After a two-year hiatus, — now officially called the Lunar New Year World Down Syndrome Day Night Market — and it was exactly that.
There was not a single cloud in the blue Texas sky to cast shade Sandwich Hag’s lot on Botham Jean Boulevard in The Cedars. The area was cordoned off to make way for vendors and partners in values and purpose: inclusivity, community and food. Chef Reyna Duong led this three-part celebration of the Lunar New Year, World Down Syndrome Day and the greater Asian American culture after two years of isolation and social distancing.
Ba Chang was another newcomer. Ba Chang, which translates to"dragon ladies," is their own take on Vietnamese dishes. As described on their social accounts it's"Not your grandma’s. Not your mom’s. It’s dope Viet food made our way." Their khom nuong — grilled pineapple on a skewer with coconut glaze and mint — was the perfect palate cleanser.Though not new to many, chef Jinny Cho of Frisco’s Detour Doughnuts fame brought something savory outside of her doughnut wheelhouse.
Other Night Market included Momo Shack Dumplings, which served trays and trays of Nepalese momos. Ulam Dallas had their take on the Filipino sisig bowls, a meaty umami hash with pork and vegetable options over rice .Modest Rogers — who's chef Modesto"Mo" Rodriguez, credits this Night Market as part of the foundation to his new brick and mortar location — served blistered shishito peppers, porchetta fried rice and ropa vieja stir-fried noodles.