Places of Interest

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Places of Interest

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Wang Supermarkets

 

Wang Supermarkets is a high end Asian supermarket chain.  Originally catering to Chinese clientele, about 15 years ago, it was bought out by investment group and its focus changed from ethnic Chinese groceries to all things Asian.  The chain has major stores in all major metropolitan areas and has a supply of rare delicacies and other foodstuffs.  Health inspections always pass with almost a perfect score even by investigative reporters which is unique when the foodstuffs can contain farm grown river rat.  What few people know is that the group which bought the supermarket out is actually composed of various mythological creatures and aliens with special dietary requirements.  VIP members can order off a special menu and each major store can supply whatever food stuffs is ordered or in some cases deliver the food stuffs to the buyer.  

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Pure Harmony Spa

 

Pure Harmony Spa is a massage place within the Chinese section of Little Asia.  It is run by the Chinese triads as a relaxation(i.e. brothel) place and as a neutral meeting place in the steam rooms.  Several attempts to raid the place by both police and rival gangs have found that the workers there are both smart and skilled.  The triads do not directly run the massage parlor but there is a 'mini' tong which maintains and runs the place.  The tong is beholden to no one and is supported by a very large majority of the gangs in Little Asia, both Chinese and not.

 

The current leader of the Pure Harmony Tong is a woman who goes by the code name 'Shen Long'.  She has degrees in Law and Business and can practice law in the United States.  She is also a black belt but wears a red one because she like the color (she's much tougher than her belt status would indicate).

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Obon Festival

 

In the second weekend in July, the Japantown hosts the Obon Festival and Obon-Odori.  Participants traditionally wear yukata, or light cotton kimonos. Celebrations include a huge carnival with rides, games, and summer festival food like watermelon.  The festivities end with the Obon-Odori, a group dance done usually in a circle around an open square near the Buddhist temple.  One of several superheroes have traditionally been invited to participate in the ceremonies and dance.  One of the first supers, Speed Samurai, when participating in the Obon-Odori ended up, comically not dancing well despite trying his best.  This became, for the month of July the most viewed video of the month and boosted Speed Samurai's popularity ranking.  The end of the video show many of the Obon-Odori dancers clapping and encouraging Speed Samurai to continue dancing.  Other supers who have bowed out of the dancing portion have not had the popularity boost as though who do whether or not they dance well or not.  In the end, sociologists believe the boost is because the superhero has become more approachable and human.

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Chinese New Year 

 

On the last weekend in January, the Chinatown section of Little Asia celebrates Chinese New Years.  Many restaurants offer specials and the streets are heavily decorated.  The police have a hard time as there is an increased criminal presence in the town, but mostly, the criminals do not interfere with the festivities.  Firecracker refuse litter the street as long strands of fire crackers scare away the demons from properties.  This long standing tradition including the awesome presentation of the dragon dance by one of the local Wu Shu centers seems to genuinely bring good luck to the Little Asia, as the end of January and February seem to be high income months from the stores in Little Asia.

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All Woks of Life 

 

Located in the heart of Babylon City's Little Asia, All Woks of Life is a family owned and operated business specializing in hard to find Asian cooking tools. The unique stock of merchandise covers nearly every aspect of Asian cooking! For over 35 years, the store has enjoyed an excellent reputation for having a knowledgeable and friendly staff prepared to answer the toughest of customer inquiries.  The owners say that several martial arts superheroes frequent the store for their needs, though they only have one picture with Iron Dragon posted in the shop.  

 

Editor's Note: Based on the real life The Wok Shop, a shop in chinatown in San Francisco.  If you like to cook asian, it's the place to get your equipment.