VIDEO: #BLESSED 2017 RECAP!

We're back! As part of Institute of Contemporary Art's Gather series Laos In The House presented their 2nd ever #BLESSED Lao New Year Pop-up Dinner. The event focused on Lao traditional cuisine and sharing stories of Lao refugees. The evening started off with classic songs performed by the Lao Heritage Foundation, followed by a Baci/Su Kwon ceremony, complete with a pa kwon blessing tree and maw pon chanting prayers. Guests learned elements of Lao New Year and how to give each other thread blessings. With catering by Vientiane Cafe, traditional Lao dishes were served to guests sitting on the floor. Chef Sunny Panthavong recounted her family’s humble beginnings into becoming Philly’s first Lao restaurant and Ammala Douangsyvanh from T.O. NAM Sausage, Inc. shared her mother’s story of starting a Lao foods company in Providence, RI. Finally, critically-acclaimed, NEA award-winning poet Bryan Thao Worra read his works, reflecting on his background as an adoptee from a country mired in a secret war and his 30-year search across the globe for a long-lost family. Lastly, a Lumvong dance circle will end the night

Thank you again to all those who made it our for our 2nd #BLESSED Lao New Year Pop-Up Dinner at the Institute of Contemporary Art. We're grateful for our special guests Lao Heritage Foundation, T.O. Nam Sausage, Inc, Bryan Thao Worra & Vientiane Cafe to being with us and sharing their stories as well. Sahtu Sahtu Sahtu!!