The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/22/04 Section: Variety

Scott Brandis, 42, selects black bean garlic sauce and black bean chili sauce at Fook's Foods for a gift. (Jessica Lowry - The Red & Black) [Click to enlarge]

Students tired of run-of-the-mill ramen need look no further than Fooks Foods, a market which carries more freeze-dried noodles than the average college student could dream of.

Located at the corner of Baxter and Rocksprings streets, Fooks Foods is Athens' first Asian grocery store.

Karen Fooks, owner and manager of the store, said she wants to bring Asian food and cooking into the spotlight.

"I want to provide authentic Asian food for the Athens community," Fooks said.

Fooks Foods opened in April 2003, offering a variety of foods, ranging from Asian eggplant to fresh tofu.

"(I would like to) provide the basic items of the Asian diet -- produce, sauces and rice," Fooks said.

Fooks also is hoping to expand the amount of prepared food she offers, as she may begin selling pre-made sushi.

"We carry noodle dishes and partially prepared foods -- things to grab and throw in your wok," she said.

Fooks has a wide background in food services. She was a chef in the Chinese restaurant industry for six years.

She worked for University Food Services before opening her market.

"I was hired as the assistant manager of Oglethorpe Dining Hall," Fooks said.

After working for a year, she moved to Bolton Dining Hall where she helped plan and undertake a renovation of the dining facility.

Part of her plan was to pioneer a "some assembly required" stir-fry and food station. Fooks also introduced fresh vegetables to the dining halls.

After she left Food Services, Fooks decided she wanted to start a business of her own.

Fooks does more than manage a grocery business. She often provides cooking advice and recipe ideas to her customers.

"People come in and ask 'What do I do with this?'" Fooks said.

Winter Benedict, a senior from Marietta, said she enjoys the variety of items available.

"I usually buy rice, tofu and some basic sauces," Benedict said. "I like that the prices are reasonable, and Karen is great at suggesting meal ideas."

The store's clientele is a mix of Asians and Americans, Fook said.

Additionally, high interest in cooking advice has sparked Fooks to organize classes on basic Asian cooking during the after hours of her store.

Her classes will focus on all types of Asian food preparation, including the art of hot pot cooking.

"(The class will be) the perfect way to introduce people to Asian cooking," Fooks said. "It will be a cooking and tasting experience."

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