We were to try out Ray’s the Steak, but couldn’t get the table until 11 at night, so we went next door to Gujillo Grill (Mexican Cuisine) instead. If you want a nice and quiet place to dine and wine, Guajillo is not the right place. It was packed and quite loud. We started off with Ceviche and mussels for appetizers. They both tasted fine, but the main courses were disappointing. From the ordinary enchiladas to the chewy steak to the dried chicken, the dishes weren’t impressive enough for a second visit.

Treated the sisters to Thai Herbs last night, which located on Route 1. Although the place was empty—we were the only customers—the atmosphere was cozy and comfortable. We ordered the usual: Fried Calamari, Pad Thai, Green Curry and Bangkok Sesame Beef. Except for the beef, which was overcooked, they all tasted decent. We made a wrong order of the grilled calamari salad, but it turned out delicious. The salad dressing was tangy, spicy and you could feel the herbs they mixed in the sauce. A Mango Margarita was a perfect choice to complement the spicy flavor. With great food and excellent service, Thai Herbs deserves several revisits. One suggestion: kill that music box.

I stuffed myself with spring rolls again. Four rolls were all that I intended to have, no more no less. The fresh greens, hot peppers, shrimps, pork and savory dip (apple sauce, hoisin sauce and mixed fish sauce) were so damn irresistible, maybe just one more roll. But then again, I only get to eat and hang out with mom once in a while so one more just to keep her companied. Then a quarter of a red-hot chilly pepper is still waiting to be bitten so one more won’t hurt. Still there was some dip sauce left. Can’t waste that one away because mom had made it. So make the last roll to clean up the sauce. Before I could put my bowl into the sink, mom yelled, “Only a few shrimps, meat, greens and sauce left, finish them up.” The final roll was so big that I had to double wrap it. Now I am sitting here regretting and disgusting as if I have just put a big rock inside my body.

Haven’t have fried banh tet with pickled daikon for a while. It’s actually pretty good for breakfast.

A cold cut assorted meat prepared arranged by my cousin’s wife. Isn’t she too pretty to be eaten? Don’t bite her mouth though. You might get burned.

Honey I want some che chuoi.
You want some che chuoi, baby? Here you go.
Honey, if you keep feeding me like this I’ll end up on the Biggest Loser.

Back in Viet Nam, mama used to make Bi Xao Tom Kho the day before I take the finals. She said the pumpkin helps make your brain wiser. I am not sure where that logic came from, but I always passed the exams and moved up the next grade. So thanks pumpkin and ma for the magic. It tastes fantastic once in a while.

Banh mi from the new Paris Sandwich (located on Mott street in New York Chinatown) is actually pretty good with its own light, crunchy baguette. When I ordered some to go, they didn’t separate the veggies from the meat the way I have instructed like all Vietnamese places do. The parlor actually runs by the Chinese, not Vietnamese. How mess up is that? They make money off our food, charge much more ($3.50 a pop without a buy-five-get-one-free deal), but don’t do it like the way we do. Even though their banh mi is better than most of Vietnamese places in the US, they are nothing compared to the ones in Viet Nam.

Update: Owner of Paris Sandwich, Jimmy Ly, had clarified that the place is not ran by Chinese even though most of the workers doesn’t speak Vietnamese. He wrote:

I would have to make it clear to you that your assumption about us was entirely wrong. It is not run by the Chinese. I am American born Vietnamese entraupenuer at the age of 24, looking to share our culture in New York. Before I opened I noticed the lack of good quality Vietnamese food In New York compared to states such as California, Texas etc. etc. You should come by when you have a chance to see all the great different types of foods that I’m trying to introduce to the people. Our food is truly Authentic Vietnamese. By Far we have made a big impact in the Vietnamese community and trying to unite us all in time on the Eastern sea board.

I was actually making a joke on the whole deal, but thanks for the clarification. In addition, “separate the veggies” was no longer an issue the second time I visited Paris Sandwich. They actually asked me if I wanted them separate; therefore, Paris Sandwich have been my last stop to pick up some fresh sandwiches everytime I go to the city.

Mama made some banging Durian Jello over the weekend. Though I am not a sweet freak, I like desserts with durian in them like: cake (Banh Bia Dau Xanh Sau Rieng), sticky rice (Xoi Vo Sau Rieng) and the brain-free durian shake.

Fried tilapia with herbs, lettuce, cucumber, vermicelli, rice paper, savory mam nem, a glass of wine and the whole family. Love both the food and the atmosphere so much that I want to do it again.