Back in the Heartland

Wow. Can't believe that only a couple weeks ago, I was sitting at a food stall in Saigon, Vietnam, munching on some chili noodles. How quickly things can change...

Back in Minnesota, I have decided to keep the blog thing going in order to chronicle my asian cooking adventures. I am obsessed. I will be the first to admit. So very different from my experience in India. After a month of being force fed the most unbelievable curry, I couldn't stand the smell of it. Vietnam was a slightly different. First of all, I had control over how much food entered my body. Second, nobody was standing over me, watching, judging, as I ate. Needless to say, I am still hungry for Vietnamese food. Lots of it.

One of my first missions upon return to the great M.N. was to head to Nicollet Ave and find me some good asian eats. It has been said that Minneapolis has some of the best vietnamese food outside of Vietnam (if you want a source...go google it). and I agree. I headed to Quang Restaurant [www.quangrestaurant.com 2719 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, MN (612) 870-4739] on a Saturday afternoon and the place was PACKED. For good reason. The Phó tasted as though I was still sitting in that roadside food stall in Saigon.

Glancing down at the counter, I saw them. In all their amazing rice crepe glory. Bánh cuón tóm thit. (the accent marks are so not right on that one..once I figure out technology I will fix it). In plain English: Soft Crepé Spring Rolls. Also referred to as a Little Piece of Heaven. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth rice crepés are folded with pork, shrimp and wood ear mushrooms.

When I first had them at a hostel somewhere between the central highlands and Me Kong, they only had mushrooms. Delicious. Dipped in a sweet fish sauce and accompanied by

fresh herbs and chicken sausage, these make the perfect breakfast. or snack. or dinner. or whenever you want something amazing. At Quang, these pancakes are the real deal. Served with all the necessary accompaniments, made fresh, and for only seven bucks. GO TRY THEM. P.S. only served Saturday mornings, and I suggest you get there early. Here is a picture to wet the appetite...

After grabbing some Phó and crepés to go, I headed across the street to the Asian market. and spent about an hour checking everything out. I was in heaven. Everything you could need to make whatever spectacular asian dish imaginable. Not to mention an insane meat and seafood selection. If you need ofal, or shrimp, at a seriously good price, this is your place.

Basically, I love the place and really hope you do, too. So, after you have one of the best vietnamese meals of your life, head across the street, pick up all the ingredients, and try making it yourself :) Bon Appetite!

Au Revoir Viet Nam

and so tomorrow my journey through this wonderful land comes to a close. *tear* I have truly come to love viet nam; its people, culture, and endless beauty. It will always have a special spot in my heart. Can not wait until I return!!

OK.. so the sappy crap is over. Last few days of our motorcycle trip were amazing - as to be expected. I can't feel my ass, have the most rediculous tan lines and am beyond exhausted. Looking forward to spending the next three days poolside.

hmm.. where did I leave off? OH the cool swim spot. SO, after that we went cruising towards the MeKong Delta. Flat, endless rice fields, and HOT. like REALLY HOT. as in I have been in a constant state of perspiration for the past three days. Even when I am sitting in an air-con room. That paired with exhaust and dirt, minus showering.. WOW I am one sexy female. :)

highlights of past couple days: boat rides, floating markets and AN ASIAN BOOZE CRUISE. yes, you heard me right people. This boat was huge. Multiple stories, flashing christmas lights, every tacky decoration imaginable, and live entertainment. and we were the only two white people (waldos). AWESOME. unfortunately it was the last night, my gout has been acting up, plus kind of have given up drinking -despite Nip's endless peer pressure- (seriously..stop laughing. I honestly drink 7up every night) so I did not get to partake in the festivites. However, did eat some delicious food. Field Mouse. BBQ style. good. Eel..bone in eel...not my fave. That reminds me- the other night we had vietamese bbq. HOLY CRAP. I am bringing this back to America. Going to be a gold mine.

in conclusion....the trip was amazing. beyond words. If you ever come to Viet Nam you MUST let me know and I will hook you up with the most amazing guides. They know this country so well, are courteous, friendly and seriously entertaining. Our trip would not have been nearly as good without the experience of past six days. Also, my time here has been spent developing a serious obsession with vietnamese food. To all those whom I love dearly and cook for, just know that is all you will be eating for quite some time. don't worry, its good.

would post pictures, but I am writing this on an actual computer (why it is so long), will post pics in next few days. Tomorrow I head off to Bangkok, and against my mothers wishes, will be staying in central bangkok. Should be interesting...suppossedly things have calmed down, although every government around the world is telling me to "cancel all travel" hah. wish me luck.

xoxo

Easy Ridin'

wow. day three. and all I can say is this may have been one of the best decisions ever. have never been this dirty in my life. hair is almost in dreads due to lack of brush, extreme curls and no water pressure. wierdest tan lines. helmet tan, backpack tan, farmer tan, sandle tan..


but, this is one experience will never forget.

day one was filled with water falls, silk factory visit (yes, the ladies in my life have presents coming), temples, snake wine, lak lake...









oh, and we spent the afternoon trying to outrun a storm. and when I say storm I mean if this had been over water it would have been a hurricane; in the Midwest would have been considered a super cell spawning multiple tornadoes...we just waited it out in a roadside shack. no biggie..






day two consisted of a severly over priced, and insanely long, elephant ride; minority villages, natural park with most beautiful waterfall ever, and an amazing hotel where I discovered my own private swim spot. also made a friend with one of the resident dogs. she and I went exploring, and she was always at my heels. made me miss my zozo :(


mosquitos. thought I was immune thanks to my Minnesota upbringing. guess again:


looks, and feels, like I have the chickn pocks. benedryl anti-itch cream doesn't even work. these skeeters mean business. so now I just bathe myself in deet.

last night was awesome. place we were staying had no tourists-except us, obviously- so I found chase having pre-dinner cocktails with the local boys. FYI predinner drinking consists of home brewed rice "wine" poured out of aquafina bottles. this shit is toxic people. like WOAH strong. but delicious. and it is not taken with ice or soda, but shot, continuously. no joke. i would take one and instantly my glass was refilled and the entire table was staring, waiting for their guest to take a drink. This was accompanied by some bar food. Every pig part Americans would never dare to eat. Liver, intestines, stomach, and the best blood sausage I have ever had. Pretty sure these guys were suprised, and impressed, by some blond haired white girl throwing back shots and eating pig parts with the boys. it was awesome. would show you pictures...but none exist. sucessful night.


and just for you mom...to prove I am still alive


sans makeup, face washing and sleep. look like a bum, but hot damn I'm in heaven

love from Vietnam!!!


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DaLat

Today was amazing. Spent the day cruising the countryside around dalat with our own personal guides on motorcycles. beautiful. and got to eat some amazing food. family style.



also tried some snake wine. vodka infused with snake. no joke. stuff was toxic, but good



there is also bird wine, but we didn't get around to trying it. ok with me



mmmm...home cooking :)



dalat is a gorgeous city and so much cooler. summer in vail temps, much more my style. very influenced by the French, architecture is nicer to look at then Saigon.






THEN...the best meal so far. seriously. we went on the hunt for "duck restaurant" Anthony Bourdain ate at while in Dalat. Down a little street, far away from the tourist center we found it. distinguishable only by the beautiful cooked ducks in the display case. Sitting down and ordering two, we were definitely the entertainment. all the locals looked at us curiously probably wondering how we found the place, and why in the hell we were interested in eating thier duck. the girl sittimg across from me even offered up her discount card for hamburgers and pizza at a local chain restaurant. I smiled, and politely refused; explain that yes, I enjoy Vietnamese food so much more than my own native food. back to the duck...this woman is amazing. yes that is a huge cleaver.



this is what she creates with her god given skills



OH MY GOD. doesn't look like much, but this duck will bring tears to your eyes.

in other news: tomorrow we leave on a journey through central highlands and down to the Mekong delta. on motorcycles with our own private guides. dig it. so, I will be abandoning you for a bit. Just know I am happy as a clam meeting natives and eating like a god. :)

bissous

Location:Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai,Dà Lat,Vietnam

Comida Francais

we caved. after walking around da lat all afternoon gave up and ate at the hotel. French-ish food. pretty good. offered a much needed break from Asian food. I know, I know...kind of a sin considering where I am, but, damn did a baguette with chicken sound good.

got a new iPhone camera app which I am having fun playing with...












somewhat upset with myself for not bringing a better camera. idiotic..this country is a photographers dream. oh well. the point and shoot will have to do.

tomorrow we are going on a tour of da lat with our own personal "easy riders" motobike drivers. psyched.


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Location:Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai,Dà Lat,Vietnam

Vietnam's version of Cancun

Dear Mom and Dad,
Please send Zoey. She and I are going to live on the beach until the money runs out. Which, living here, will be a long time. Feel free to visit whenever.
Love,
Lauren

...First day in Nha Trang. A beach town seven hour train ride north of Saigon. Beautiful. Where the viets come to beach. Their Cancun. Cheap. Hot. but oh so much better than Mexico's version...




Staying right across from the beach. Spent the entire day recouping under a sweat cabana. all for a buck. not too shabby



Nice to have a break after the craziness of Saigon. this city still has the same energy, which is awesome. sitting on the beach, people try to sell you everything from sunglasses to cigarettes. example:



ignoring them all...I saw a woman carrying big pots. From a distance I spotted them. crabs. lots of them. Instantly got up from my chair to investigate...



this woman was carrying around extremely fresh seafood and cooking it right there on beach. fresh lobster, crabs, snails and scallops. all cooked right there, smothered in a delicious garlic butter and eaten sitting in the sand. easily one of the best meals I have ever had. followed up with an afternoon snack of chili prawns, spring rolls and delicious garlic veggies. I am one happy girl.

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Location:Tran Phu,Nha Trang,Vietnam

Viet-nom nom nom

in nha trang. beeeeeaches! and still crazy Vietnam.

you can't really tell but he is crying. sweet tears of joy...



why? well, let me introduce you to mr chili crab




my new best friend. thank u chase for introducing me to one of best foods EVER




also...breakfast of champions. this is how i start my day, everyday:




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Location:Tran Phu,Nha Trang,Vietnam

Saigon

alive and well...just eating some raw pigs ears and green papya salad



In other news...hair is a curly blonde mop. sweating from every pore. developing a sinus infection from the polution. dodging a million scooters. taking refuge from the heat in worlds largest mall. this city is crazy...

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Location:Ly Tu Trong,,Vietnam

Airport Food

Bangkok Int'l...



-WIN

the Holy Quad:





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Location:Nong Prue,Thailand

tUk-Tuk

WARNING: It is 5am, I can't sleep, so I am writing..this is going to be a long one..get a cup of coffee.

Survived day one of travel. Spent the day exploring Bangkok. and by golly, explore we did. Wandering the streets, looking somewhat discombobulated, a very nice Thai man pointed out the Bangkok map posted to a stop light. Kindly, I replied we were just wandering. In true Thai fashion he offered up a bucket load of good advice. Apparently the Thai government was running some special, where for 30baht (that's ONE DOLLAR people) a tuk-tuk would drive you around Bangkok to all the major tourist sites -and a few attempts to get you to buy gems, suits, etc-. HOLY CRAP! I replied and we quickly jumped in the next Tuk-Tuk. Let it be known that a tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled contraption outfitted with a quite comfortable seat in the back, is decorated brightly, and speeds through the traffic of Bangkok like on a death mission. (sorry mom, don't worry, I survived) I have determined that no matter what the books say, this is the best way to see the city. You can reach out and touch the car next to you, get covered in exhaust and dirt, and get all the smells and sounds which are so necessary for a sucessful Bangkok experience. Be warned, the tuk-tuk driver WILL try to rip you off. Negotiate price FIRST, and be ready to walk away (thanks Dad for that lesson). I guarantee they won't let you. You will win.

Our tuk-tuk driver, by the way, was AWESOME. He chauffered us around Bangkok with true professionalism. We saw all the major Buddhist Temples, but to be honest, I had much more fun cruising around in our little tuk-tuk. Plus, lets not lie, we are on a mission for food here, not temples; and let me tell you, food was delivered. Breakfast consisted of fried rice created by the cutest little thai woman on the street outside the first temple we visited. A huge wok, fresh veggies, and a ton of chilies equals the best breakfast so far. Sitting on a plastic stool, we quickly covered our rice with the necessary condiments, all set out for our use. Chilie oil, dried chilies, fish sauce, salt, and more chilies. YUM. I alsmot cried I was so happy.

Who has a custom tailored thai silk suit? yeeeaaahh...thats right, Lauren does. and for an insanely cheap price. I couldn't resist. Big-Girl job interviews, you have no idea what is coming. While drinking a nice cold thai beer, Chase and I were measured and covered with different fabrics. Half hour later, we walked out of the shop with the promise of a sweet. sweet suit upon on our return to Bangkok. dig it.

After walking around to the multiple restaurants located in our hotel (we upgraded..this place is nice) determined checking out the 7-11 at end of street was our best bet. Let it be known that 7-11 in Bangkok are my new favorite place. Maybe it is the small plastic stools, under a bright flurocent light with traffic flying by at high speed. Or could be the exhaustion and humidity causing delirium. Whatever it is, those noodles tasted like they fell from heaven. and for one dollar. I am telling you people, if you come to Asia and eat at the hotel you are an IDIOT.

Today we leave for Saigon, Vietnam.. I am BEYOND excited. Return to Bangkok on the 26th (for you mom) Now off to do some sunrise yoga on the roof. yeah...you are jealous. :) bissous!

Bankok

Dear Asia: I love you. It is good to be back. Hot. Humid. Scooters running everywhere. Almost running you over. Food stalls. Foreign languages. People trying to sell you EVERYTHING.

Survived the twenty something hours of travel. Tired but oh so excited to start exploring. Right now in the tourist mecca of bangkok. Trying desperatly to get out of here and find our way to a legitimate cafe. Instant coffe, a steaming bowl of noodles, and people watching; here I come.

One day in Bankok then off to Saigon. excited! Hope all is well on the home front.

xoxo
L

"What the hell is 'Sea-Tac'??"

1:04 pm. Pacific time. Location: Seattle airport, gate S9. Status: bored shitless. Arrived, early, to Seattle to find our flight to Bangkok delayed until 3pm. That left us with a five hour layover. WOOOHOO! So, what to do? Why, take a culinary tour of Sea-Tac Int'l airport, of course! After navigating the MULTIPLE trams, we found the main terminal where we settled at Anthony's Fish House. Fish is big around here, by the way. For example, my bloody mary came with a shrimp floating on top. That was a first.

Ate fried oysters for the first time. Not my favorite. Which is kind of weird considering I could eat a million raw oysters in one sitting. Chewy texture...odd flavor. Not for me. So I ate the bread instead. While noshing on some generic, dry white bread, we began to talk about the delicious food awaiting us in Vietnam. The main topic was what we would and would not be willing to eat. I immediately said any domesticated pet is off limits. Chase went with horse. However, after more contemplation, we determined that a dog, infact, would be ok to try. But only a lazy dog. Like the kind that doesn't run, or play, just sits around in the shade under a tree all day. Otherwise the meat would just be too lean, and therefore not worth eating. Cats are too nimble and quick. Plus, I don't like their attitude. So no cats, but maybe a lazy dog....

Off to try and con my way into a window seat, get all the necessary travel goodies, and retrieve Chase from the bar. Next up, BANGKOK!

यात्रा.viajes.TRAVEL.voyage.ταξίδι.

Every six months of so it hits. An itch. Constant anxiety, almost. Only curable by boarding a plane. A plane going anywhere. I travel. That is what I do; who I am. Granted, most of those planes are taking me back to Minnesota, or to visit Grandma, but none the less, I am traveling. Moving, exploring. Seeing something new. Could be that annoying characteristic which makes me question everything; a need to constantly be learning. Or maybe it is my inability to face any emotional "issues", resulting in me fleeing the current location. quickly. Whatever it is, I need to travel, meet new people, try new foods. It has been over two years since the last adventure. Last trip was to India. India changed my view on the world; and had me refocus my priorities in life and adventures. It also created an unending interest in Asian culture. and food. Now, I am lucky enough to be off on another adventure. This time to Vietnam and Thailand.

Vietnam has been high on my list for years. Mainly because of the FOOD. I fully intend to eat my way through the country. No food stall left behind, no bahn mi or pho abandoned. I also plan to wear dresses or stretchy pants as a disgusting weight gain is only to be expected. Pepto, immodium...my new best friends. This blog thing will be used to make all of you jealous. or not jealous. whatever. Please take note: I am new to this whole blogging thing. That is, if anyone is even reading this. I tend to be a private person. So don't expect daily updates. In fact, I expect this whole project to be abandoned by day three. Wish me luck. BON VOYAGE!

Peeling The Onion

Cath wins. No matter how much I try to rebel - Cath always wins. So here it is. A blog. Just for you, Mom. Purpose of this adventure: to chronicle my travels through Vietnam and Thailand. Secondary purpose: to share, praise, whine, and laugh about my life.

So welcome. Join in my quest to peel the onion that is my life. (and deal with all the cheesy crap I come up with)