California State University, Northridge’s Delmar T. Oviatt Library will host a “Home Cooked” celebration for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

The event will take place from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, in the Oviatt Library’s ASRS Viewing Room, located on the main floor of the Oviatt Library at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

The AAPI Heritage Month event is designed to honor ethnic heritage through a connection with ancestral cuisine. CSUN students, staff, faculty and community members are encouraged to share their thoughts on how food relates to identity or understanding of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders heritage via a video submission, which will be featured on display on the Library’s main floor in the ASRS Media Wall throughout AAPI month.

A guest panel of three San Fernando Valley-based restaurateurs and food bloggers will be featured at the event. They will share insight on a variety of topics, including childhood memories of foods, the influence of stereotypes, the L.A. food scene and cultural appropriation.

The guest speaker lineup includes Tien Nguyen, Los Angeles food writer and author of “L.A. Son: My Life, My City,” a New York Times best seller; Carissa Ortega, owner of Ninong’s Pastries and Café; Rayson Esquejo, co-founder of the Filipino American Heritage Movement of Los Angeles (FAHMLA); and Kristine de la Cruz, owner of Crème Caramel LA, a custard and confection dessert shop specializing in traditional and Filipino-inspired ingredients and recipes.

Managing writer and editor of CSUN Student Marketing and Communications, Kat Wang, will moderate for the panel discussion.

“Home Cooked” is a free event and open to the public with RSVP requested. Complimentary food samples will be provided.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance may email library.event@csun.edu or call 818-677-2638 in advance for arrangements. For directions and parking details, please visit: https://www.csun.edu/parking/visitor-parking-information.

AAPI, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, ASRS Viewing Room, Carissa Ortega, Crème Caramel LA, FAHMLA, Filipino American Heritage Movement of Los Angeles, Ninong's Pastries and Café, Rayson Esquejo, Tien Nguyen