01/06/2023
After the show, Andy did a quick Q and A and after everyone left, I approached him. It was my opportunity to meet Andy” The Legend” Ricker. Hopefully, I looked like I was keeping it cool but I was pretty much freaking out inside, I talked about my parent’s restaurant, my journey and even met his Mom! She thought I was his other friend Kris Yambamroong of Night Market, my other huge Thai food influence and inspiration.
He suggested to walk with him to his food carts that had been parked beside the theater selling his famous Ike’s Vietnamese Pok Pok wings. Along the walk, I asked if there was a way that I could stage at Pok Pok, even though it seemed unlikely. He heard me and said, you know what I got you. We reached the food carts and his manager, who wrote that sad email to me, came out to give Andy an update. Then the craziest thing happened. Andy told him that I had access to all of the Pok Pok Empire! What ever I wanted to do I could do! I staged at Sen Yai, The original Pok Pok, Pok Pok Whiskey Soda Lounge, and his amazing commissary kitchen. I was in heaven soaking up all the knowledge and even worked the wing station at Whiskey Soda Lounge. It was pretty cool.
Moral of the story, don’t ever give up trying even when the universe seems to say no a lot. If you care about it a lot follow your heart and gut.
Part 3/4
