Sunday “Stuffs”

This past week the Missus and I were invited to dinner, along with Chubby Panda, Cat, and Elmomonster(who unfortunately couldn't make it), by the one and only Beach. We'd been looking forward to dinner with the larger than life, irrepressible Beach, ever since Chubby Panda and the other OC Foodbloggers  dubbed Him the "Don of Little Saigon".

The Missus and I had an indication of how unique this evening was going to be when we ran into this caravan, a few blocks from Beach's home.

It was quite a stunning scene, watching tanks roll down the side streets of this upscale All-American residential neighborhood. The soldier was having a blast waving at all of the people staring in stunned silence as they drove down the street.

We arrived at Beach's beautiful home, and was greeted with warm smiles as we drifted into conversation, like we'd known him forever. When we had first arrived we weren't sure that we had arrived at the right place, but once we caught a whiff of the wonderful fragrances in the air, we knew we must be a the right place.

Soon the Kubota Manju started flowing, Chubby Panda and Cat arrived, and we started in on a fabulous meal. Anything I could right would pale in comparison to Cp's post, so please read it here!

I'll just share a few photos, and a few words. Just let me say that the Bun Cha Hanoi that Mr and Missus Beach made was fabulous….it has set the bar for comparisons at a very high level, which I don't think will be surpassed. Pictures speak louder than words….

See what I mean?

I'd been told many times that the best Bun Rieu can't be found in a restaurant, but in the home of a skilled cook. I now understand what was meant by that. Mrs Beach, made an awesome rendition of Bun Rieu….which also happens to be the Missus's favorite. She was in Bun Rieu nirvana.

I think I lost count after the 25th time the Missus said, "this is sooo good!" The one big revelation to me, was how soft, tender, and full of flavor the "Oc" (snail) was. We've stopped ordering Bun Rieu Oc in restaurants because of how rubbery, tough, and flavorless, the Oc usually is. This was delici-yoso!!! In fact, I mentioned that I could just eat the Oc on rice and be perfectly happy!

I found Beach to be a man of "Big"…big smile, big laugh, big portions, big voice, but most of all…big heart! Mr and Mrs Beach, we really appreciated your graciousness and generosity, and of course the food was great.

Oh wait, I think Beach and CP learned that the Missus had something "big" of Her own…. "Big Appetite"!

Thanks for everything Beach!

It was great to see you again CP, and we finally got to meet Cat. Don't forget to read CP's detailed post here.

Some updates.

What was once Osaka Kitchen, is now another outpost of Sushi Deli.

And in the strip mall on Convoy that seems to be undergoing eternal renovation, Bolsaa Vietnamese is gone, and will be replaced by Louisiana Crawfish restaurant.

Made me wonder if this will be one of those Vietnamese Cajun Shrimp/Crawfish places that have sprung up all over Little Saigon. One can always hope!