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Zachary Stories

AAPI Stories: Christine Merritt

Christine Merritt was born in Korea, where her parents met while her dad was stationed in the military. When she was four, the family relocated to Fort Polk in Leesville, LA. Her mother dreamed of opening a Korean restaurant, and for one year, Christine and her sister made that dream come true. The secret was their mother’s famous Korean egg rolls, which were so popular the family considered selling them in grocery stores.

Then Covid hit, and like many other restaurants, Little Korean Kitchen was forced to close its doors. Christine and her family then relocated to Zachary. With teenage twins and a toddler son, Christine stays busy, but thoughts of reopening the restaurant are never far from her mind. She hopes that one day in the not so distant future, she can rectify the culinary gap of Korean food in Greater Baton Rouge.

Meanwhile, she and her family are planning a trip to Korea in 2024 for her grandmother’s 100th birthday celebration. Food will, of course, be a huge part of that party, along with a special ceremony honoring the Matriarch. Christine and her daughters, Calli and Taylor, will don Hanboks, colorful dresses that are traditional to Korea. 

Traditional hanboks are an important part of Korean culture, worn to celebrate special occasions and holidays. Twins Taylor (blue) and Calli (pink) Merritt.

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