Based in New York, Reimagining Us is a cultural storytelling project that explores how food carries our histories, identities, and connections across generations. Through family recipes and the stories behind them, we celebrate the rich, multiracial and multiethnic traditions that continue to shape the American experience.
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”
— James Beard
Chris Yong-Garcia | Founder
At Reimagining Us, we believe that every dish tells a story—stories that connect us to our roots, celebrate our cultural heritage, and bring us closer together as a community. I’m Chris Yong-García, and my journey from Lima, Perú to New York City has taught me that food is more than just nourishment; it’s a bridge between generations, a keeper of memories, and a source of identity.
Growing up with an Andean mother and a Chinese-Peruvian father, my kitchen was a melting pot of flavors, traditions, and stories. In every bite, I find echoes of my ancestors and a reflection of my diverse heritage. In New York, I’ve found a place that mirrors this blend—a city where cultures meet, and where every recipe has a tale to tell.
We invite you to be a part of this collective journey. Share the stories behind your cherished family recipes, and let’s celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry that makes up the American experience. By contributing your culinary memories and traditions, you help build a richer, more inclusive narrative—one that connects us all through the universal language of food.
Join us in honoring the flavors, stories, and traditions that define who we are. Together, let’s create a vibrant mosaic of culinary heritage that inspires and unites us.
Inspiring Journeys
Through the universal language of food, we uncover stories that connect us to our heritage, our families, and our communities. At Reimagining Us, we celebrate the unique cultural narratives that come alive in the kitchen, where each dish tells a story of identity, tradition, and shared experiences across the diverse landscapes of the United States. Explore the journeys that inspire us all.
Explore our collection of stories and recipes that highlight the diverse tapestry of America’s culinary heritage. Each recipe offers a unique glimpse into the lives and traditions that shape the American experience:
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Juices from the pollo saltado seep into the tall piles of tallarines verdes beside them on the plate. A pitcher of dark purple chicha morada sits on a vibrant pink and orange Andean placemat. The sun shines brightly through the west-facing corner window, brightening the entire room on this cold and wintery day. Flavors from the tender and sweet onions meld with the creamy noodles in each bite. Delectable. Transportative. “I close my eyes and it brings me back to my childhood,” Vanessa says. Read More
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With a nod to Charles Dickens, this is “A Tale of Two Borschts.” Or, more accurately, this is a journey of 3 attempts at this interview, the 7 months between them, the influence of 7 countries (China, Japan, Israel, England, United States, Russia, and Peru), the settings of one lake house and one apartment in Brooklyn — and two borschts, summer and winter. Read more
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Fabio told us his recipe is influenced by his mother’s family in Abruzzo, though he denounced the ambiguity of tradition as a concept, claiming that traditional Italian food only exists as a perception of the individual’s experience. He talked about his mother as he worked the dough. Growing up around her kitchen taught him the sounds and smells of a recipe. Read More
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Erik sets down a plate of estofado in front of his kids. The boys, five and three, look down at the hearty chicken stew over rice, then back up at their father. “Go ahead,” says Erik, “Eat.” He knows they'd rather be staring at a slice of pizza, or a cheeseburger, but he won’t let them leave the table until they eat this. Read More
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Russian food, family stories, immigration, contemporary art, these are some of the things we talked about with Eleanor Heartney and Larry Littany Litt, over a dinner brimming with flavors, aromas, and conversation. Read More
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There’s a sense of bare intimacy in the act of both physically and metaphorically being invited into a space. The intimacy of a space can be momentous or continuous, but it’s always bred by the same things–intention and genuine interest. Read More
We create intimate, story-driven dining events that celebrate culture, community, and connection—turning every meal into a meaningful experience.
Culinary Experiences
Every dish has a story. At Reimagining Us, we celebrate the people, recipes, and traditions that connect us to culture and community.
Share your culinary journey and help us spotlight the rich diversity behind every meal.
Featured Stories
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Join our community and keep up with all the inspiring stories, recipes, and cultural journeys shared on Reimagining Us. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be part of the conversation and celebrate our diverse culinary heritage together.
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