Yes, I know, it's usually "eating with friends" or something close to that. But man, I've had some great meals, fun times, and have gotten to know some really great people. A couple of months back, i had the opportunity to be a guest at another of those amazing meals, and guess what? Lucky me, my friend's mom invited me over again! The Missus had to work, and Peter's brother John couldn't make it….but I sure as heck wasn't going to miss a chance like this one! This time it was more intimate, Peter and his lovely wife Angela, Van, and the wonderful cook that is their mom!
She had mentioning having me sample a few special dishes from her upbringing in Northern Vietnam and I was honored to have been able to…well eat more than my fair share of these wonderful dishes.
The first dish featured pig's feet one of my favorite's and you can follow along as it was put together before my eyes:
Man, don't you just want to jump in? Well, not so soon……
You have to wait for the shredded banana blossom….ok, ready now? Nope, they'll be no jumping the gun on this one.
I've had Gia Cay (Fake Dogmeat Stew) before, but it was never quite as rich and delicious…..the term "stick to your ribs" was made for this dish.
Next up was the flavorful Pho Xao Don or Pan Fried Pho, the rice noodles are combination of crisp and yet chewy…..that wonderful textural contrast that I love. Never had this one before.
The Xoi Ga was wonderful, Sweet-Sticky rice with chicken!
I loved the Thit Bo Ham Kieu Hanoi – Spicy Beef Stew-Hanoi style…..though Peter did catch a bit of heat for purchasing the wrong kind of baguette for dipping, I wasn't complaining.
And while we were working on the two growlers of beer from Ballast Point, even more food started coming out. She even recalled how I enjoyed the silkworms so she made sure to have some on hand….you know, I have the feeling that if it wasn't a weeknight, I'd still be there now! Peter later told me that he didn't ever recall having those dishes before. All I can say is that it was a fantastic and memorable meal and the company made it unforgettable.
Thanks again for an amazing meal!
I know this is rather late, but I also need to mention that our very good FOY (friend of yoso) "Chef" Yummy Yummy invited us over for Bun Rieu night back in July. Unfortunately, while all the other "Grazers" (more on this later) could make it, the Missus and I couldn't. The ever so thoughtful "YY" sent me a text telling me she had saved some Bun rieu for us and the next day I picked up a very neatly packed package with two containers of Bun Rieu and all the fixins'.
She had packed everything down to the limes! It ended up being two meals for us!
The Missus loved it…..which says a lot! And life is so much better with friends who love to eat as much as you do. Right?
Sorry I took so long to post this YY…..thanks again for being so thoughtful!
Wow, you’re one lucky guy Kirk! Pan Fried Pho sounds something I can really get into. Know of any spot in SD that might have it?
some interesting but delicious looking foods!
Hi Dennis – There’s no place in San Diego that makes it this way. At most places you’ll get something resembling Chow Fun.
Hi Kat – It was!
Lucky!!!
i just love the coulours of all these meals !!bravo !!pierre
Silly question. But what does silkworms taste like ??!! Were they deep fried?
The pics of the food are beautiful…
So lucky! Everything looks delicious. It is definitely more fun to have friends who love to eat!
Their mom must really like you! That’s a lot of dishes!
Btw, my dad grows this leafy vegetable that you’re supposed to eat with the cay. Not that he eats cay but he grows them for some reason. It smells really weird.
Yes Jan…very lucky!
Thanks Pierre, all credit goes to the fabulous cooks!
Hi Faye – Slightly gushy and depending on the quality it can be musty or even a flowery shrimpy flavor. The best I had was in SEA. That was fresh and live before being fried, these are canned.
Do you mean La Mo TFD? I’d like to try some, I don’t think I’ve had that. To me the funkiest VN herb is Diep Ca…..
Lucky you…
so sweet and generous a friend and such a thoughtful gift! =)
That was such a fun dinner. Peter’s mom really enjoys cooking for you. The Ballast Point beers that you brought were perfect with the dishes!
Yes, Bill….I’m very lucky!
Hi Lynnea – I’m quite fortunate to have such good friends.
And I love her cooking Ange! And you just can’t beat the great company.