Kalamata's Kitchen
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Let’s create the next generation of curious, courageous and compassionate eaters together.
“American food” isn’t a category. It’s an ongoing conversation. 🗣️🗣️🗣️
It’s a dialogue between where we came from and where we are now. For Chef Ron Hsu, that conversation happens at the intersection of Chinese family heritage, Georgia upbringing, and some of the finest restaurant kitchens in the country.
I met Ron while we both worked at for Chef , who has written the loveliest intro for Ron’s amazing new cookbook “Down South + East” ❤️.
Guys these recipes are amazing. This shrimp and egg dish took us 10 minutes to make and Kurien absolutely demolished it and asked for it again the next night.
Ron’s recipes and his story remind us that American food is a constant evolution of culture and tradition. It’s not just one thing— it’s everything. 🙌🏾
Read more about Chef Ron on our blog (linked in bio) and buy “Down South + East” wherever books are sold. 📚
01/07/2026
The cycle of YUCK doesn’t need to be perpetual. 🫡
When a kid refuses a food with “NO” or “That’s gross!” They’re not being intentionally rude— they’re overwhelmed.
Let’s take the pressure off. In shifting from Judgment (do you like this?) to Discovery (what is this?) we’re rewriting an internal script. This isn’t about just helping with picky eating (though of course we all need that help too!!) It’s about building a foundation of curiosity and respect. We teach our kids that food tells stories, and that even if they aren’t ready for this particular story yet, we can still treat the book with respect.
Check out the prompts at the end for ideas to use with your kids tonight! And also a bonus video concluding Kurien’s discovery of clams 😂👏🏾❤️
Resolve to keep an open mind, try new things together, celebrate culture, get sauce on your face, and fresh nap as needed. Thanks for showing us how it’s done, kid!
🥢🍚🍜🥟🥠 credit
This Kid’s Menu— We gave an assignment: go to and order what sounds fun. The noodle bar never saw him coming. Here’s what got his attention…
💥 Slow roasted pork shoulder bao bun
💥 White miso caramelized onion dip
💥 Sweet heat Gochujang wings
💥 Turmeric braised chicken Khao P**n
🤯 Hot honey broccoli rabe (sounded great, but too much heat!)
Plot twist: Kids love adventures AND being treated like grown-ups. Who knew? (Answer: kids know)
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