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SEX & HEALTH

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CAREER

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MAY 2007 Career

-.-Celebrity “Raw Foods” Chef Bryan Au

Celebrity “Raw Foods” Chef Bryan Au

Hollywood celebrities such as Alicia Silverstone, Lisa Bonnet, Woody Harrelson and Danny Glover love it! Supermodel Carol Alt, fashion designer Donna Karen, musicians Sting and Cher, and a host of others have discovered it!

So what is this profound secret?

The answer: living a “Raw Organic” lifestyle and eating healthy “Raw Organic Foods” is not only trendy, but good for you. It’s become so fashionable even Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) now co-owns a “Raw Organic” restaurant in L.A. called Taste of the Goddess.

The trendsetting “Raw Foods Movement” has not gone unnoticed by “Raw Foods” Chef Bryan Au, who in recent years has attracted Hollywood celebrity clientele. He’s also become a celebrity in his own right.

Asiance contacted the “eco-entrepreneur” to ask him about his book Raw in Ten Minutes, new “Par~Raw~Dise” restaurant in Hollywood, and how “Raw Foods” can save the world!

ASIANCE: What is your ethnic background?

Bryan Au: I was born in Vietnam. The way my parents met is a cute funny story. My Mom was a beauty contestant winner and my Dad was a multimillionaire in Vietnam. After she won the contest my dad got to date her, fall in love, and marry her. I have two older sisters and two older brothers. I am the youngest, or the "baby." Both my Mom and Dad are actually Chinese/Vietnamese mix and so am I – and so people tell me I look very exotic. Most people have no idea what possible ethnic identity I am, so it is fun for me to make them guess! People have guessed everything from: Eskimo, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Hawaiian! I sometimes tell people I am just exotic!

ASIANCE: Where did you grow up?

Bryan Au: I grew up in Saigon in Vietnam and we had a really nice "crib" with a swimming pool, marble everything it was a total “MTV Crib.” I have photos. We left when I was four because of the fall of Saigon. We were literally there when it happened and I remembered that everything was shaking, people were running around like crazy, it was total chaos. I also heard loud bombs. It was scary, but at the time I was only four, so I had no idea what was going on or happening. I was just there witnessing it. One moment everything was okay and fine, the next, just total chaos.

We were supposed to fly out of the airport and fly to the U.S. My dad worked for the government at the time so he had connections, but when we got there the airport was bombed so we could no longer fly out. I remember sitting in a large plane with a lot of people and waiting, but nothing happened, it was not a commercial plane but one of those huge military cargo planes. We all had to go and next thing I know we were at the docks and going on board a large boat, a lot of people asked us questions and next thing I know people were carrying me on board a large barge ship. I remember the first night I was trying to sleep and I was really tired, my Mom put me down next to one of the "walls" it was all made of sand bags, anyways I am trying to sleep and as I look up a bunch of sand fell into my face and eyes and I don't know why but I remembered that vividly. I also remember one time there was a helicopter that was above us and it dropped things down, I later found out that we were actually adrift and that the U.S.A. found us and saved us. They got us to a refugee camp in the Philippines where we were living like refugees just struggling to survive for two years. I remember it was a camp, I still had no idea what was going on. I was only five then! One time I got really sick and my brother had to go in line and steal an extra apple – and that saved my life. He saved my life. Food in the camp was really scarce and was rationed.

Luckily, after two years my uncle who was living in Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles found us somehow and sponsored us so we were allowed to leave the refugee camp and live with him in Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, California.

I am a total “Peace Activist” and like to promote peace, health and wealth to people and the planet. I am so grateful to be in America. It is really the best place in the world.

No place is totally perfect but the U.S.A. has a lot going, and a lot of opportunities to succeed. I have traveled all around the world and the U.S.A. is by far one of the best places to live.

ASIANCE: How did you become involved in the "Raw Foods" movement?

Bryan Au: About 10 years ago I was volunteering as a “Vegetarian Chef” for the Sivananda Yoga Centers. They have 30 international Yoga Centers all around the world. When I was volunteering at their Paradise Island Yoga Retreat, I was cooking vegetarian meals for 300 people a day for one month.

During that time there were some “Raw Foods” people who approached me and gave me a flax cracker, it is a raw organic cracker made of flax seeds. I liked it. Because I liked it the “Raw food” people were really enthusiastic and taught me everything about “Raw Food.”

For me, it was a new exciting gourmet world opening up! I was like "You don't have to cook anything? And it is fast, easy, fun and can save people's health, the environment and world? Cool!" So I quickly learned all I could about it, part of the fun and challenge of this new cuisine is to create recipes that look and taste "cooked,” “deep fried," “baked" and all like everyone's favorite comfort and junk foods, but keep it within the “Raw Organic” style, so that all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and "living force" are all intact.

I have written a best selling raw organic recipe book titled Raw in Ten Minutes and after that I was able to get investors and open Pa~Raw~Dise 100% Raw Organic Gourmet Vegan Cuisine Restaurant on Union Square in San Francisco.

ASIANCE: When did you become a "Raw Foods" Chef?

Bryan Au: “Raw” sort of chose me. Looking back after the Bahamas, more and more “Raw” people, books, stories, chefs just spontaneously entered into my life! I think it was my calling and destiny. My girlfriend in college was really into it and she really helped me to get even more into it as well. So I think it is what I am supposed to do and promote in my life, for me it is really fun, rewarding and enjoyable.

It all started about 10 years ago in the Bahamas, and I traveled all around the World to learn more about it. I also do a lot of research online and talk to doctors because I wanted to get scientific, medical and spiritual proof that “Raw” works and is good. I found a lot of my answers when I met Gabriel Cousens M.D. and read all his “Raw Organic Food” books. That also changed my life because I learned how to make the “Raw Food” correctly and make it the most optimal, balanced and more. That is why people love my recipes and food. All of my recipes are in my book Raw in Ten Minutes are also very fast and easy to do, they are all literally under 10 minutes to make and are ready to enjoy!

ASIANCE: Where did you get your training?

Bryan Au: I got most of my training from just learning on the job! Like most things, the best education is just doing it. I also think that self taught people are able to innovate and not follow the crowd. To become successful I think you have to be really unique and stand out from the crowd.

I had a raw organic delivery business in San Francisco where I had serious vegetarian and raw clients. I had to come up with amazing recipes and new foods each week to keep them happy and as my clients.

ASIANCE: Tell us what inspired you to write Raw in Ten Minutes.

Bryan Au: (laughs) People kept asking, well actually, demanding my recipes! They loved my food so much; their kids did too. I didn't want to just give away my recipes. I did that in the past and many raw restaurants and books ended up using my recipes without crediting me! So in response, I decided to write Raw in Ten Minutes and self publish my own raw organic recipe book so at least people can have access to my recipes. I get the credit and I wanted to have everyone all around the world benefit from the amazing “Raw Organic Foods.”

I have seen people cure themselves of cancer and diabetes. They have medical proof and I like to teach “Raw” classes. I do lectures and catering too. It is like finding the cure and secret to most of today's modern problems and trying to get the word out to the world! That has been my path and challenge, it is fun and rewarding I feel so good knowing that I am helping people and they love it.

A lot of celebrities love “Raw Food” like Alicia Silverstone, Lisa Bonet, and many others who have become my clients – and are my friends too! I am meeting more each day. “Raw Food” is really popular now and it is about to become the next new exciting major food trend!

ASIANCE: Define "Raw Foods" for us?

Bryan Au: “Raw Foods” in the “Raw Food Cuisine World” has to be 100% Organic first of all, then it has to be all natural, so it is a nut, fruit or vegetable.

We use different techniques and combinations of ingredients to come up with “Raw Cuisine,” which is in the form of snacks, entrees, desserts, drinks and more.

I am having fun with it and my intentions are very pure. I just want people to be happy, healthy and I think “Raw Organic Foods” is one of the best ways to help people do that.

ASIANCE: What benefits can people expect from adding more "Raw Foods" to their diets?

Bryan Au: For me, I experienced a lot more energy, flexibility in my yoga. I am happier and have more clear thoughts. It makes me way more creative and balanced too. I don't get nervous – and I have found that it allows me to tap into all of my hidden talents and abilities that I did not know I had!

A lot of food now a days is processed, has chemicals, pesticides, preservatives and really bad things in it. These things actually block you from your real self and block energies in you. “Raw Organic Food” is all natural and so healthy that it connects you to everything, to people, the world and the universe. It makes you happy, clear, energetic so you start to realize more truths and why we are all here, what we are supposed to be doing and more. It connects you with all the great loving healing forces that exist in the world that before you may not be aware of.

For me I realized on a deep spiritual level that we are all here to love one another, to support each other, to be happy, to help each other, so things like war, hate, greed, selfishness, jealousy confuse me and those things have no place in my reality or world, as all those things are "maya" or illusions and false.

ASIANCE: How can people new to the "Raw Foods" movement start integrating more "Raw" in their diet?

Bryan Au: I highly suggest that they read books written by Gabriel Cousens MD because he is a medical doctor and has cured and healed thousands of people using “Raw Food.” He has been 100% “Raw” for more than 15 years and looks super young and healthy at age 62-plus. He also has scientific and medical, as well as, spiritual proof of how “Raw” works, why and how to do it correctly. Most “Raw” people and chefs are doing “Raw” randomly and not following his research or advice at all, which is sad because they are actually creating bad “Raw Food” that is unhealthy.

Like any diet or food trend you still have to do the research and know your body, blood type, caloric needs and more. What is happening now is people are using the cheapest ingredients that happen to be “Raw Organic,” but are not the most optimal and may have high mycotoxins.

ASIANCE: So you've worked with many celebrity clients. Tell us what motivates celebrities and health conscious people to seek your services. What makes you special?

Bryan Au: Well people find that I am nice and friendly. I am just me being me. Also people recognize that I make RAW foods correctly and I do the best I can to make it as fun and delicious as possible. I love people and my intentions are very pure in that I just want to help people become happy and healthy.

I have also learned to create a more positive image for Asians and how we are perceived and work in the Industry, because that is very important too. I would like to urge all Asian Americans to be more positive, remember that image and perception is important so we create what is out there, how we are perceived and such. Do we want to see whining people who do not appreciate anything? Or successful hardworking people that are supporting each other and making good things happen? We need to come together folks!

ASIANCE: What motivates you as an entrepreneur and spokesperson for "Raw Foods"?

Bryan Au: It makes me happy when I help someone become healthier and happier. It is also a fun new way to eat, live and it helps heal the Earth. Good karma is a great thing! Also, looking back, so many things have happened to me that I can honestly say it is my calling and passion in life.

ASIANCE: Tell us about your Pa~Raw~Dise restaurants and company?

Bryan Au: Well my first one was a success but I decided to close it and move to Hollywood where I am about to create a franchise, so people can open a "Pa~Raw~Dise" around the world – and I have many interested people that want that in their city or country. I am getting a lot of help and support but I can always use more so if anyone reading this wants to help or network please e-mail me at RawBryan@yahoo.com. My Website is www.RawInTen.com.

Remember the more success stories there are about Asian Americans, the more opportunities and doors will open up. So I am hoping that readers will respond to this article! I am here to help everyone be healthy, happy and successful!

ASIANCE: What are the company's long-term goals?

Bryan Au: Company long term goals... Hmmmm.... take over the world! Ha aha ha! Oh, just kidding! A sense of humor is a good thing! Okay, seriously, well for a long time and in the “Raw Food Community” and in the “Yoga World” many people have wanted to take on the fast food industry. The reason is because somehow they are able to get away with literally destroying everyone's health and the world, and yet make millions each day and sell billions worth of you know whats. Yet, somehow this is going on and is okay?

With “Raw Organic Food” it can prevent all of that and for many people I have seen them reverse and cure themselves of many things. If you are already on this healing loving path you don't have to get sick or pollute the planet, you can be the solution to that. Again a lot of people are becoming aware and they are promoting this new trend to all natural health and happiness. It is very real and it works!

It will change your life for the better. It has for me and for so many others. If you go on the Internet you will find answers. Also everyone knows someone who is suffering from cancer and disease, this does not need to happen anymore!

ASIANCE: You're also an advocate for living a "Vegan" lifestyle and using "Organic" products. Define "Vegan" for us.

Bryan Au: This part can get deep. The thing is people who are “Vegan” already know the benefits and why they chose that. People who are not, are not aware of the benefits. They have not tried something different.

Until you try something different which will make you feel better, keep you younger and staying stronger you will never know the benefits. “Vegan” is when you do not use any animal products. You recognize that they are totally unnecessary – and are actually bad for you and the planet. The more you rely on a plant-based diet and products that are all natural and organic, the healthier you will be and the planet too. So you will protect the future for everyone to enjoy including your kids and grand kids.