Womxn in Seattle: Jan Parker (by Emma Eekhoff)
/Emma: Whenever I see Jan Parker its usually at a community event or working at one of the cafe tables at Hood Famous. Jan exudes great charismatic pride in her Filipinx culture and the food that she is inspired to make.
When I’ve talked to Jan in brief here and there, I’ve always been amazed at the breadth and strength she carries as a chef. It’s always a treat when I run into Chef Jan.
Tell me about yourself.
My family & I moved back from Germany a couple of years ago. Military living has been constant since my father & husband both served. Mortgage banking was my previous career, but when my husband deployed to Korea, I decided to go back to culinary school at The Art Institute of Seattle. Where I earned a Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts Management and Associates in Baking in Pastry. Our home is in Tacoma. The business we own is Jan Parker Cookery. Our cuisine is served fresh & distinct Filipinx food. This means food is cooked on the spot. It’s important for our menu to reflect the seasons and also incorporate produce from my urban farmer who is a womxn legend in the farming community of central Tacoma. Our business is 100% mobile. We have a presence at the Proctor & Tacoma Broadway farmer’s market as well as the Tacoma Night Market. Building community makes me happy, it brings me joy to befriend customers and also connect people through our food.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
My main inspiration is my mom. She and my father immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in the 70’s. The US Navy recruited my father. She was working 2 jobs when I was young. At the age of 11, we lost our dad to cancer. She was a single mom who had two children to raise, but she never complained. It’s a real admirable act to be strong and provide love in such circumstances. We never felt the lack of basic necessities and received an abundance of love. My peers recognize my diligence and hard work ethic, but I had a great role model growing up. Even with her responsibilities my mom still gave back and volunteered.
Military spouses are pretty impressive. They have so many things to deal with life in the military: constant moving & raising a family while their other half is away just to name a few things. Military spouses are some of the most selfless people I have ever encountered. Regardless of what they are going through, they are always willing to lend a hand. Being surrounded by these spouses has taught me understanding, patience, and humility.
What’s your favorite thing about Seattle (or Tacoma)?
I was a previous resident of Seattle in the Central District prior to leaving for Germany. Tacoma was the place where I went to middle and high school. Both places have a place in my heart.
Most of my Filipino chef friends are in Seattle. Musang Seattle (Melissa Miranda) reached out when Jan Parker Cookery first opened. I was feeling pretty lost prior to that, it’s nice to have the support of people with the same mission
Seattle also has the best Dim Sum at Harbor City. There are awesome Filipino bakeries such as Delite Bakery and now Hood Famous in the ID.
Tacoma has amazing Korean Tofu Soup at Cho Dang Tofu.
What’s on your playlist?
I’m vibing old school. Like Chaka Khan, Johnny Gill, Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston & Keith Sweat, Tony! Toni! Toné!
My teenage boys play music I’m into: JuiceWRLD, Brock Hampton, & Travis Scott
What’s your favorite dish that you make?
Right now it’s a version of chicken adobo with coconut milk. It has the usual ingredients such as: tons of garlic, peppercorns, soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaf and then a heap of coconut milk. Can’t forget the rice, Calrose, nice and sticky.
What has self-care looked like in 2019?
Self-care is about taking a break and traveling the world. It’s helped me get a better understanding of how different parts of the world operate and provides a wider scope.
Dear Young people…
Find a Mentor. Successful people understand progress is a process. We all have to start somewhere. Your hero most likely had a mentor to guide them through their career.
Drop the ego. It gets in the way of truly learning.
When you are in the position to give back, do so.
Listen to your elders.
There are so many, I could go on and on.
