A glimpse into my Asian childhood ...
I have recently had multiple wonderful chances to roam my local Chinatown in Boston, MA. More specifically, the area of the Chinatown Gate and Kneeland Street. Every time I get to roam Chinatown and it's surrounding neighborhoods, it brings back so many memories. Let me give you all some back story on this past year and a half ...
I lost my grandmother 20 months ago. She was survived by her 4 sons, 1 daughter, 9 grandkids, and 5 great grandkids. My grandmother was one of the strongest, bravest, most badass women that I have known in my life. She never took any s**t from anyone. She was the most respected member of our family. Although, as children, some of us were still little brats. Her passing was one of the toughest and most painful experiences I have had to deal with since the passing of my grandfather 32 years ago. I took it very hard considering my sister and I were very close to her. She practically raised us with my mother.
For those of you that are not familiar with the Asian culture, one of the biggest rules is respecting your elders whether they are family or not. There was a great shadow of dishonor and shame if you were EVER to disrespect an elder.
So, I now work at a venue right outside of Chinatown. I have the pleasure of walking the streets of this neighborhood at least 5 days a week. Today I made the choice to go off-site for lunch. I visited this one mom-n-pop hole-in-the-wall take-out spot called Ding Ho for their super delicious and affordable steamed rice noodle rolls.
Now for a bit of background to this place and it's significance in my life. Growing up as a child, it was always a good day when my parents would go to Chinatown and bring home a handful of these little foam take-out boxes full of some wonderful steamed rice noodle rolls. Sometimes we would go visit my grandmother on Tremont Street and we would stop by this little place on the corner of Kneeland Street and Harrison Avenue first. We would grab some containers of these noodles for $1 each and bring it up to her apartment down the street. This shop has been on this corner for as long as I can remember. I am in my late 30's now and it is still there. Despite their very slight raise in price over these few decades, the line still rolls out the door and down the street during lunch hours.
Final summation ... Ding Ho in Chinatown Boston is the treasured gem of the neighborhood (in my own opinion). It holds so much significance for me in my life. Given all the gentrification that has been happening just outside of Chinatown and around the Greater Boston area, I do hope that Ding Ho can survive the process and stay afloat right where they are. For any foodies looking to visit the area, I highly recommend you visit this wonderful little corner shop full of delicious and affordable eats.
Until next time my dears ...
Blessed Be.
Lt. Gir signing off.
