ASIATOWN

Pop culture and popsicle fans come from around the state, often dressed in character, to taste themed treats.

HOUSTON – Houston police stepped up patrols in Asiatown Wednesday in the wake of the Atlanta massage parlor murders. HPD said they have not seen an increase in hate crimes against Asians in Houston, but continue to monitor for threats. “We were dreading the day when there would be a mass shooting of Asian Americans and unfortunately that day has come,” he said. You don’t know when it’s going to happen or where it’s going to happen,” said Ellas Seto. According to the nonprofit group, Stop Asian American Pacific Islander Hate, there have been at least 503 reports of racist incidents against Asian Americans so far in 2021.

HOUSTON – This fall, an in-demand delicacy of Korean street food is coming to the Bellaire Food Street, a food hall in Houston’s Chinatown, according to Eater. Known for its deep-fried hot dogs on a stick, Myungrand Hot Dog is opening a rebranded outpost, Two Hands, at 9393 Bellaire Street. The restaurant will feature the popular hot dogs, which are stuffed with unusual fillings such as rice cake, crispy potatoes and squid ink. Myungrand Hot Dog has more than 700 locations in Korea and has opened 15 locations in the United States since 2018. The Bellaire Food Street will feature a number of popular street foods, including Korean fried chicken, spicy hot pots, and fancy popsicles, according to Eater.

Dim sum and rumor control: Mayor, officials lunch in Asiatown in bid to calm coronavirus fearsMayor Sylvester Turner speaks at a press conference in February. Mayor Sylvester Turner speaks at a press conference in February. The outing was planned before a man in Fort Bend County tested presumptively positive for the new coronavirus Wednesday, the areas first non-imported case. Turner said the city continues to collaborate with county, state and federal health officials in monitoring the virus. On HoustonChronicle.com: 'It was only a matter of time': Coronavirus case marks milestone for HoustonregionCity Councilmember Tiffany Thomas, State Rep. Gene Wu and several department heads also attended the lunch.