<p> Allen Chen studies trumpet as a graduate student at the New England Conservatory of Music.<br /> Originally from Northbrook, IL, a suburb north of Chicago, he absolutely LOVES the food traditions in Chicago. Deep-dish pizza and Italian Beef Sandwiches are a great way to get on his good side! His favorite cuisines are Italian and Japanese, and he would love to learn more about both. Food has always been important to Allen and his family. His grandparents on my mother&#39;s side owned a restaurant in Korea after they emigrated there from China. &nbsp;Many Chinese food traditions were practiced in his home including eating dumplings on Chinese New Year, Moon-cakes during the Moon Festival, and noodles on birthdays (that represent longevity). His father is from Taiwan, and they too have a very rich food tradition.&nbsp; And his fond memories include the fact that his grandmother always insisted that they devour the pounds and pounds of food she made!</p>

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