Can you believe that it's that time again? What's also hard to believe is that I've gone to every one of these all they way back to 2006! It's now the 7th annual….man, we've been around for a while now….
I've managed to post on each one except for last year when I went on Saturday evening. I took photos, but it was late by the time I got home and I really didn't want to do a "hey, look where I went and what you missed" type of post. So this year I went right when they opened up today.
Since they've moved to Balboa Park in 2008, the set-up has been basically the same. All the carnical rides and games near the entrance, the main stage to the East, the cultural area to the Southeast…..
Though I didn't see the Phuoc Duyen Pagoda this year? All the businesses and sponsors have the central area, with the food stalls to the Southwest.
I wasn't really wowed by the selections thia year, with all the usual suspects…..
Though I was surprised to see that Homestyle Hawaiian is doing the "Fair Circuit"…….
The two most interesting food booths were lined up to the west of the HH booth.
The Sticky Rice Booth had Lao and Thai items on the menu…..
I thought some Kao Piak would be just the thing to take the chill off….unfortunately, they weren't ready yet. On a more (possibly) positive note, I was told that they make their own noodles, so this one might be of interest.
Next door, the Van Lang Booth (I believe it's the booth of the Vietnamese Language Center) also had some interesting stuff on the menu…..
Though they weren't ready as well. I guess that's the opposite problem I had from last year. This year, I was too early.
Anyway, even though I don't think the food offerings have hit quite the same heights as the 2007 festival, it still might be a good enough reason to get on out and have a good time.
There was also an additional payoff for me as I got some interesting info from a couple of signs around the fair:
I knew that Pho Ca Dao was expanding East…….
But I didn't know that Ba Le was returning to Linda Vista…..
San Diego Tet Festival 2012
Friday 01/20/2012 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 01/21/2012 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 01/22/2012 11:00 AM – 05:00 PM
wow time sure flies! interesting they are serving Hawaiian food too…
Wow – Pho Ca Dao must be doing well to open another restaurant (and in Santee!). I will say that every time I’ve been to one of their restaurants, it’s always busy.
I was never really impressed with Ba Le, but I’m hoping this incarnation will work out.
We’ve never gone to the Tet Festival because it always seems to coincide with family stuff.
Hi Kat – Time sure does…..
Hi Sandy – Wasn’t a big fan of Ba Le either, so we’ll see. Looks like Pho Ca Dao continues their expansion…….
Thank you for sharing Tet at Balboa. Reading this blog always makes my heart smile. 🙂 Happy Lunar New Year!
Hi Mscinda – It’s so nice to hear from you. I hope all is well. Best wishes for a fantastic New Year to you!
do you ever go up to the one in little saigon? (this year’s is next week) they’re advertising it as the “largest” one
Hi AKB – We did one year, but man it was just too much for the Missus and I. I usually like to go early to festivals so I can avoid the crowds…….