Asawin “AJ” Jockkeaw was born in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1970. AJ recollected memories of his formative years, particularly the linguistic challenges he faced when he and his family moved from Bangkok to Northern Thailand. At the age of eighteen, AJ worked as a professional musician, citing financial difficulties as the primary reason for performing in clubs and earning money instead of pursuing further education after high school. Continued economic hardships and improved working opportunities prompted AJ to leave Thailand and emigrate to Orlando, Florida, in 1998. AJ recounted his immigrant experience in Orlando, initially struggling with the linguistic and cultural barriers. After briefly performing for his mother’s church, AJ shifted his career to food service, beginning as a dishwasher and working his way up the professional ladder. After seven years, AJ reached the position of executive chef. He emphasized that working in several kitchens with other immigrant and ethnic individuals helped him acclimate to his new life in Orlando. In 2020, AJ established his restaurant, Meng’s Kitchen, and explained how the COVID Pandemic impacted this decision. AJ discussed how Meng’s Kitchen changed over the past five years, from different locations to expanding the staff from just himself to a group of five. Lastly, AJ shared his broader observations about Orlando and its cultural and culinary changes since 1998.