My father was a refugee. He lived through incredible hardships and was fortunate to have had the chance to create a home in the United States. My mother’s family had similar experiences, although they happened in another part of the world a generation earlier.

My parents married and settled in communities full of other families like theirs who also sought security, freedom and opportunity. Food, drinks and social gatherings were a big part of the American dream they all worked hard to enjoy. So it’s not surprising I was exposed to an amazing array of dining options and traditions from an early age...