Fox 29’s Karen Hepp’s Tasty Talks Rocks at Yangming in Bryn Mawr, PA

Karen Hepp is on point with Yangming owner Michael Wei.

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.” -Barbara Bush

“What preys on my mind is simply this one question: what am I good for, could I not be of service or use in some way?” – Vincent van Gogh

Tasty Talks. Sounds, well, tasty. Tasty and talk-y. But what, really, is a Tasty Talk? I would soon find out as I entered Yangming in April for my initial Tasty Talk experience. I immediately noticed the emergence of passing hors d’oeuvres’ trays, all top-rate in taste and presentation. I had reviewed the restaurant once: it could do no wrong then, and Yangming proprietor Michael Wei and his staff reached perfection yet again. I’m beginning to think they rarely waver in this regard.

Mr. Wei had generously and personally invited me to be seated with other media, communications, professional and creative influencers at the VIP table. Fox 29’s Karen Hepp was the keynote speaker, adding the “talk” ingredient to the Tasty Talks phrase. With her inimitable high energy and enthusiasm, Good Day Philadelphia‘s anchor Karen kept rapt more than 100 attendees, delivering a heartfelt address that epitomized Tasty Talk’s recurring leitmotif, “making a difference.”

Each speaker chooses a charitable organization about which to educate and inform those gathered. Mostly, the charities are causes close to the speakers’ hearts. The chosen organization then receives five dollars from each ticket sold.

Karen had selected Lifecycle WomanCare (where she serves as a board member) for this talk’s honor. According the their web site, Lifecycle WomanCare “provides a wide range of women’s healthcare services, from wellness care for women in their teen, college, adult and perimenopausal years to ongoing education on women’s health issues.” They have been providing dedicated midwifery care for over 35 years. Imagine a place where consistently exemplary care is available throughout one’s life cycle. That’s some kind of special long-term care. Karen discussed her own pregnancy experience aided by the organization as her husband, mother and father listened intently along with the rest of the audience. Karen’s association with Lifecycle WomanCare was born when a friend suggested she step up contribution-wise and consider becoming a board member. The time was right, and Karen was soon onboard.

Peppered throughout the crowd were the following Lifecycle WomanCare representatives, who all deserve a proud note of name recognition. To wit: Nikki Graham, Pam Brechbiel, Karen Fulton, Elena Comber Patty Siegrist, Chakia Brown and Caryn Rivers.

The “making a difference” theme central to Tasty Talks encourages each speaker to share his or her version of how said theme is embodied and manifested. Karen envisions difference-making as the meaning we bring to others. Asking the question many of us do: who will be there for us when we most need them, Karen answered, “Family. Family lasts. Family is who we make a difference to.” In so doing, she echoed another strong and vocal proponent of family as the grounding and supportive force in one’s life, Barbara Bush.

Another passion of the news’ anchor’s was fomented in girlhood during school days, when mothers would attend the classes and teach students about art and artists such as Van Gogh, Chagall, Picasso, Velazquez and Dali. Karen remembers the excitement she felt during this period and is now attempting to recreate similar feelings in a new generation by teaching art at the school her children attend. She brought along a few representative pieces to share qualities and observations–the better to illustrate visually just what art means to her. It was thrilling to see her obvious joy and to feel connected to a genuine community of like-minded supporters.

While Karen spoke, entrees were delivered to guests. There was a choice of three, all delectable, all to be shared. Feast your eyes below on a gallery of photos, including close-ups of the mouth-watering feast prepared with Tasty Talk care in mind, which is no different from the consistency of preparation by a staff that Mr. Wei takes great pride in. Okay: maybe an extra shake of community-minded spice or flavor went into the mix.

Launched in 2017, Michelle Leonard, a realtor on the Main Line and founder of Tasty Talks, began hosting the talks at Yangming. Her vision put into action became a perfect trifecta of a mission: connection, people and a community in partnership for worthy causes–all co-mingled with a bounty of delicious and creative foodstuffs. Mr. Wei often changes up the menu with surprising new offerings. All love it, particularly the now-regulars who delight in whatever unique item will make an appearance.

Wei, similarly community-minded, is happy to provide space and to treat what’s fast becoming a repeat and burgeoning crowd (over 90 individuals typically attend Tasty Talks on the last Wednesday of each month beginning at 12:30 p.m.). With the word getting out that a $20 pre-registered ticket ($25 for walk-ins fortunate enough to find an empty seat) buys admission, hors d’oeuvres, lunch, dessert, tax and tip as well as a media-personality speaker, who wouldn’t want to miss such a deal? Relax, eat, listen and learn, meet, greet and mingle–all for a $20 steal.

Shout out to co-chairs Michelle Leonard and Dr. Thanuja Hamilton for yet another winner of a Tasty Talk. Coming in June was featured speaker and former Governor Ed Rendell. Don’t wait: register soon before tickets sell out!

For more information, visit yangmingrestaurant.com.

Eddie Keels and Karen Hepp ‘flanked’ in advert by ‘members’ of restaurant’s Asian décor.

Yangming owner Michael Wei making Tasty Talk’s opening remarks.

April’s Tasty Talk beneficiary.

From left, Yangming owner Michael Wei, Fox 29’s Sue Serio, Tasty Talk co-chair Michelle Leonard, Fox 29’s Tasty Talk speaker Karen Hepp and Tasty Talk co-chair Dr. Thanuja Hamilton.

From left, co-chair Dr. Thanuja Hamilton, speaker and Fox 29’s Karen Hepp, co-chair and Tasty Talks’ founder Michelle Leonard and Philly Current magazine’s Eddie Keels.

The coveted VIP table. All seated here were later asked to stand as each was introduced.

The always energetic and passionate, Karen Hepp captivates the crowd.

From left, Dr. Thanuja Hamilton, Sue Serio, Karen Hepp, Michelle Leonard, Fox 29’s Thomas Drayton, Michael Wei and Sharon Kozden.

Fox 29’s Sue Serio giving it her best Bette Midler-like all for an applauding crowd.

Karen Hepp enthralls her listeners, sharing her fascination for art.

From left, Thomas Drayton, Karen Hepp, Sue Serio, Mike Jerrick, Michelle Leonard, Eddie Keels, Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Quincy Harris.

More professionals (with hearty appetites, no doubt) pleased to be in such stellar company and to share their talents while mingling with others.

Folks and photogs alike couldn’t get enough snaps of this celebrated line-up.

From left, Fox 29’s Karen Hepp with Sharon Kozden.

It takes a bevy: a bevy of professional and dedicated ladies with the talent, smarts and motivation to ensure yet another successful Tasty Talk.

Brian Kuznesoff, owner and publisher of Radnor Life & Style Magazine and Dr. Joanne Getsy.

Presenting Tasty Talks speaker notification and detailed menu, which is frequently changed and often surprises with a non-traditional menu item. Note the charming silver fortune cookie name-holder.