Tuesday, April 21st
The Lao Kitchen
LA Book Launch Celebration with Saeng Douangdara
Catcher In The Rye Bar
10550 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 91602
Join us at Catcher In The Rye Bar on Tuesday, April 21st for an evening celebrating Lao food, culture, and history as we host Saeng Douangdara, the author of The Lao Kitchen.
Saeng will be in conversation with Kulap Vilaysack, a Lao American writer, director, actor, and podcaster, exploring the personal journey behind the book, the resilience rooted in Lao refugee stories, and how food can be a joyful expression of one’s truest self.
THE EVENING INCLUDES:
The book bundle includes a copy of The Lao Kitchen, available on-site and personally signed by Saeng. Additional copies will also be available for purchase at the event through DYM
Enjoy a welcome drink, complimentary Lao stir-fried noodles, and a curated goodie bag to take home
Experience an engaging conversation on the making of the book, moderated by Kulap Vilaysack
Gain access to this private event, with a full Lao menu available for purchase from Catcher In The Rye
Come connect, indulge, and celebrate The Lao Kitchen together
Courtesy of our partner bookseller, DYM, copies of The Lao Kitchen will be available as part of a ticket bundle for pre-purchase and will also be available for purchase during the event.
This event is a collaboration between a Lao-owned bar, Catcher In The Rye, a Lao-owned bookstore, DYM Books & Boba, and a Lao author. Join us in supporting the community as we celebrate The Lao Kitchen and Lao New Year!
Agenda
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Welcome cocktails and food/drink service
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Author conversation with moderator and Q&A
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Book signing, meet-and-greet, and photos
FAQ
Will there be food?
Outside of the complimentary stir fried noodles, extra food is available to order from Catcher In The Rye's Lao menu.
What if I ordered the book from other retailers?
If you ordered your book through NowServing or other retailers, please contact them directly to arrange pickup. We also encourage you to purchase a book bundle at the event and gift the extra copy to family or friends.
What does the ticket include?
The ticket book bundle includes the physical book, admission to the event, complimentary stir fry noodles, a welcome cocktail, and a goodie bag.
Get to Know Saeng Douangdara
Saeng Douangdara is a content creator and personal chef specializing in Lao cuisine and the founder of Saeng’s Kitchen, a platform dedicated to sharing Lao food, culture, and storytelling. As a first-generation Lao American, food has always been central to his life. Saeng’s work has been featured in Delish, BuzzFeed, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and he is the winner of an episode of TBS's cooking show Rat in the Kitchen. A proud member of the Lao Food Movement, Saeng aims to inspire others to explore the delicious flavors of his culture.
Get to Know Kulap Vilaysack
Kulap Vilaysack is a comedic writer, director, actor, producer and podcaster. She created, directed and was the showrunner of BAJILLION DOLLAR PROPERTIE$, a semi scripted series that ran for four seasons. Kulap also was the showrunner and Co-Executive Producer of the NBC Christmas special, A LEGENDARY CHRISTMAS WITH JOHN AND CHRISSY. She directed the award winning autobiographical documentary ORIGIN STORY, the Emily Heller Comedy Central special ICE THICKENERS and the short film OPEN & SHUT. Her TV acting credits include THE OFFICE, PARKS AND RECREATION, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, RENO911, WELCOME TO ME and I LOVE YOU MAN. She had recurring voices in the animated series, BOB'S BURGERS and VELMA. Currently she co-hosts the award winning weekly podcast, ADD TO CART with SuChin Pak. (WGA/SAG/DGA)