Behind the pop-up stalls, chefs stir woks and plate dumplings, their laughter mingling with the steady hum of music and conversation. But this isn’t just another food festival, it’s an act of solidarity.

Chicago’s dining scene is buzzing again—it’s Banchet Awards season! This year, several Asian chefs and restaurants are making waves with their bold flavors and fresh perspectives.

For many, tutoring is a side job. For Adeel Afshar, it’s been a lifelong calling. That passion eventually grew into Afshar Academy, a private tutoring program designed to bring the best study habits, skills, and lessons from top universities and private high schools around the world to a wider audience.

Written by Madhuri Shekar and directed by Chay Yew, the play unfolds in a seemingly unassuming family-owned restaurant along Devon Avenue. But this modest place is more than a business, it is a symbol of migration, sacrifice, and identity.

A Chicago-born creative turned art director, inspired by streetwear, community, and culture, using design to empower self-expression and identity.

From bubblegum gowns to history-making nominations and even a life-sized Labubu sighting, the 2025 Emmys gave us plenty to stan, snap, and celebrate.

From groundbreaking wins to powerful statements of representation, these moments reflected both artistic excellence and the expanding reach of Asian voices in music. Here are the highlights that had everyone talking.‍