Visit us at http://hispanicpros.meetup.com/106/ to learn more about our networking and education opportunities, philanthropic action and social events in the Triangle.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Comida y Vida
In this section:
- Dining review by Victoria Botticelli, guest writer
- Film review by Troy Mitchell, guest writer
DINING
Pao Lim Asian Bistro: A tight-wad's dream
by Victoria Botticelli, guest writer
Pao Lim Asian Bistro has been on my list to try for over a year. It is located at the very end of 15-501 business, thus making a little hidden gem. Upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant decor to be warm and inviting with a bamboo-looking bar off to the right. The atmosphere encouraged intimacy for the guests, but did not force them to eat their food in dimness (one of my pet peeves).
"I was able to consider any dish listed."
My dining partner and I were seated toward the back of the restaurant and if they could have figured out how to turn off the random cold air conditioning it would have been perfect. The menu was extensive enough for us to debate over our orders for about 15 minutes and the prices are so reasonable that I (who am on a tight budget) was able to peruse and consider any dish listed.
I settled for a cup of Hot and Sour soup, an order of Fresh Mint Rolls served with Hoisin Sauce, and the Thai Green Papaya Salad without dressing or peanuts. We also ordered an appetizer of vegetable dumplings with a soy-ginger dipping sauce. The vegetable dumplings were a healthy green and juicy. The wrap was elastic, but not chewy and the overall taste with the dipping sauce made them a perfect beginning.
"Food beautifully presented"
All of the food was beautifully presented on modern style plates with noted artistry paid to the accompaniments. The soup was not too heavy, but smooth and of a coating consistency that made it substantial, but not slimy. There were significant tofu strips and bamboo shoots throughout it. (I enjoyed it so much that I have already ordered a large container as takeout since dining at the restaurant.) My next dish, the fresh rolls, had a crisp and pleasing flavor, but did not have anything to recommend them as significant. The hoisin sauce added a sweet tang that played well with the mint leaves and I appreciated that the rolls were all vegetable rather than loaded with glass noodles.
"A tight-wad's dream"
Finally, the Thai Papaya Salad was a sizeable dish with crisp, crunchy components that hinted at their freshness. I used the leftover soy-ginger sauce as a dressing, which complemented the flavors, especially the abundance of cilantro.
Pao Lim is a tight-wad or college student’s dream with fresh, light, but substantial Asian fare at more than reasonable prices. Also, check out their well maintained website. http://www.paolim.net/
Victoria Botticelli can be reached at tbotts@gmail.com.
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El Dorado Mexican Restaurant
Entertain your clients, family and friends with polite, fast service and a full menu.
Visit our new location in Brier Creek near 70W + 540.
7961 Skyland Ridge Parkway, Raleigh. 957-1400.
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CINEMA
Juno, the surprise hit of the year
by Troy Mitchell, guest writer
Juno, a movie about a 16 year-old girl who gets pregnant and gives her baby up for adoption, has been the surprise blockbuster of the year. This comedic film written by ex-stripper Diablo Cody was written in a Starbucks of a suburban neighborhood. This was Cody’s first screenplay, and it got the attention of many producers of Hollywood. It also became a major motion picture two years later and is directed by Jason Reitman. It also includes an all-star cast of Ellen Page, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons and Michael Cera.
The film has gotten excellent reviews, being nominated for many awards including 5 Oscar nominations. It has been nominated for Best Actress, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Best Actress nominee Ellen Page, gave an electrifying performance. She reminds me of a young Janeane Garofalo, with her sarcastic and blunt attitude. Her comedic satire and sarcastic attitude made the film realistic and exciting to watch.
Everything about this movie was very well done and relatable. The setting of the movie was in a normal suburban neighborhood, with all your normal neighborhood kids. Juno’s wardrobe was that of a rocker or punk rocker, in which made her the outcast of her school. Juno loved rock and punk rock music from the 70s era, and this was most of the films music. The director of the films music is Matt Messina. The soundtrack to Juno, has risen to the top of the Billboard charts thanks to the great success of the movie. The story is very real and touching. Everyone has known someone who may have gotten pregnant at an early age, and it makes you think how people treat them after seeing this movie. Juno gives you a clear perception on how society views young pregnant women. The decisions and hardships Juno had to face were very hard. She thought about having an abortion, but couldn’t go through with the act. She then realized that she could give her a baby up for adoption to a family who couldn’t have children. Juno felt she made the right choice, but started doubting her decision when the adoptive parents started having trouble with their marriage.
I was actually very surprised how good this movie was. Witty, clever and charming, Juno keeps your attention from start to finish. I advise everyone to check this movie out. It deserves all the awards it has been nominated for, I give this movie two thumbs way up!
Troy Mitchell can be contacted at tmfecicious@hotmail.com. He resides in Raleigh, NC
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Write for Hispanic Professional
Do you enjoy writing food, entertainment or culture reviews? Just want to get the word out about the new hotspot or quiet dining? Let us know!
Email Rachel Kincaid at rachelckincaid@gmail.com with article ideas.
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Philanthropy
In this section
- Ladies serve residents of Good Samaritan Inn
- "More hispanic volunteers needed," an interview with Paul Bryant
- Christmas Eve dinner at Durham Rescue Mission: Hear what our participants said
Ladies of Hispanic Professional serve residents of Good Samaritan Inn
Way to go, ladies! 
The women's group served lunch at the Good Samaritan Inn Saturday, January 26. Join the next group February 23 as they bring dishes from their homes for dinner. Sign up at http://hispanicpros.meetup.com/106/.
left to right: Olga, Rachel, Maria,
Amy and Valeria, members.
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An interview with Paul Bryant, volunteer coordinator, Durham Rescue Mission
Durham Rescue Mission welcomed Triangle Hispanic Professionals on December 24 as volunteers. Six members worked the buffet line, serving men, women and children a traditional holiday dinner for over four hours straight. Paul Bryant, volunteer coordinator for Durham Rescue Mission spoke to Hispanic Professional days before the annual Christmas Eve dinner.
HP: How does this Christmas compare with those of the past? PB: We're hoping for a bigger crowd this year than ever. We're going to be giving away four toys per child this year, which is an increase from last year.
HP: Who will come out on Christmas Eve? PB: Our residents will attend, but because of our advertising on the radio, tv and even putting flyers up in neighborhoods, many people in need know that we will be giving away clothing, coats, toys, groceries and a free meal. We're hoping for 12-1700 kids.
HP: It has been said that the outpouring of volunteers and donations this year has been bigger than in years passed. Is this true? PB: Yes. Last year we had 427 volunteers and this year we've surpassed that by at least 120. And there have been more donations.
HP: Is this the result of big hearts in the Triangle or better marketing? PB: (Laughing) The marketing. Also, everybody in the Triangle has a really giving heart; it's kind of overwhelming to see people's willingness to help during the holiday season. We're thankful for that.
HP: Christmas is the time when most people think of volunteering, but what needs does the Rescue Mission have during the year? PB: The Mission maintains about 100 residents on the men's side and there are about 50 women, children and married couples. We have gardening projects in the Spring, we have 42 houses that need upkeep and maintenance. On an entry level, a volunteer job would be to set up and serve [a meal] and interact with the residents here and get a feel for where they're coming from, to have a hands-on experience with them.
HP: Do you have a need for Hispanic volunteers? PB: (Interjecting) We need more Hispanic volunteers! In the community events and outreach, we are much in need.
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Hear what our volunteers said about
Christmas Eve 2007 at Durham Rescue Mission
Wolfgang Sanyer, member:
“It was very rewarding. I could not believe how many people are in need. The most satisfying experience happened when Iliane, my wife, and I were leaving the Mission:
On the other side of the fence were Jennifer Rios (name changed) with her two kids. They had arrived late and could not get in, when the kids realized what was going on, they began to cry, along with the mother.
My wife immediately went inside to find out what could be done, she came back to ask the ages of the kids and shortly after she returned with two big bags full of presents. The smiles and happiness reflected on the Jennifer and her kids was the best Christmas gift my wife and I received! "
Ricardo Cobos, member
“My daughter and I enjoyed serving in this event. Rachel did a fantastic job organizing this event. It was nice to be able to just show up and serve. I particularly enjoyed speaking with those people we had to serve and learning more about them as people. I will look forward to serving in at the next service opportunity.”
Guest Speakers
GUEST SPEAKERS
Noah Boswell, guest speaker, expands on Black Enterprise magazine,
being a billionaire and what to do about procrastination.
by Rachel Kincaid, member writer
Noah Boswell, 23-year old entrepreneur and owner of three companies in Raleigh addressed Triangle Hispanic Professionals on Thursday, December 13 in Brier Creek. He opened by answering the video poll question.
"The best way to positively affect our city is leadership," he states matter-of-factly. "The Hispanic population is the largest US minority group, but is still underrepresented because we need more leaders." Noah mentions that the growing number of Hispanic professionals and blue collar workers is still underrepresented in politics and business. Publications that highlight community and national leaders while giving readers insight into their varied backgrounds is a much-needed resource in all demographics.
“Consider Black Enterprise magazine for instance,” Noah continues. “I like [this publication] because it tells the stories of successful people—where they come from and what it took them to succeed. People need to know that they can achieve despite their challenges, and that others have gone on to succeed before them.”
Noah already knows plenty about challenges. As a child he learned to achieve academically despite dealing with an extreme learning disability.
“My drive to be number one was misguided energy, though,” he recalls. “My thoughts should have been more on good grades, my desired result, not on fear and doubt and pressure, a much undesired result. Now I know better how to focus my energy.”
"Get to know your competition."
When asked for tips on business ownership, he leans back and smiles.
“Get to know the owner of your competition,” he states. “Because everybody deep down wants to help somebody else succeed.” Noah advises to maintain a respectful approach when getting close to your competitors.
“I always remind my competition that they’re the bigger company, that they are the ones that handle the really big accounts,” he continues, half chuckling. He knows that although in a number of years he may be putting many of these ‘big fish’ out of business., he gives them much of the credit and upper hand due right now.
"Use your time now."
Noah also states accountability as a secret to success. “Backing up what you say and following through on your word is important,” he says, “so that your particular demographic is not taking the punches for you.” One demographic that Noah surely represents is the young professional. He has found a field that welcomes young consultants, turning his biggest challenge into a strength.
“A client believes that young people understand the internet. When I was younger I found that people wouldn’t take my opinion into account because I was younger than they. Now, my biggest challenge could be in trying to continue to appear young. That, and capital,” he laughs.
One of Noah’s life goals is to become a billionaire by age 40, as seen on his blog (NoahBoswell.com) and his various social networking web pages. When asked what will bring him to his goal within 20 years, he mentions not procrastinating.
“Use your time now and get your billable hours today,” he explains. “If you put them off until tomorrow, you simply can’t get more billable hours tomorrow. I saw my grandfather, my only father figure, die while I was in middle school,” he continues. “It taught me that there is going to be a day that I, too, am in a hospital bed. Each day I think, ‘Am I going the extra mile for myself and my clientele today?”
Noah Boswell, a resident of Raleigh, NC is a certified Google Ad Pro, owner of LooktotheRight.com and co-owner of Sponsor An Exotic luxury advertising. He can be reached at PNBind@gmail.com.
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