Monthly Archives: August 2011

vietnamese summer rolls (goi cuon) with peanut sauce: an OCD tutorial

vietnamese summer rolls (goi cuon) with peanut sauce: an OCD tutorial

Whether you call them Vietnamese summer rolls or fresh spring rolls or “salad rolls” (which is the direct translation of goi cuon), variations on these tasty bites are wildly popular these days. I see versions at all kinds of restaurants, in magazines, on blogs, and at potlucks and dinner parties, where they are often a hit among guests. I suspect the popularity is due in no small part to how good something so healthy can …

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vietnamese herbs and herb farm in northern va

vietnamese herbs and herb farm in northern va

One of the most exciting things about visiting Vietnam for me is seeing the abundance of fresh herbs at wet markets and restaurants. I love sitting down (more often than not on a roadside plastic stool :) to a big plateful of herbs set in front of me. Many restaurants have whole baskets full of pre-picked, pre-washed herbs that the servers pile onto a plate, and after you finish your meal, they dump the remaining …

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beijing: made in china

beijing: made in china

On our trip to China last year, we decided on Da Dong for our one Peking duck experience. This time, we thought we’d try another place whose duck came highly recommended: Made in China. Located within the Grand Hyatt, this restaurant certainly is a cut above most of your Peking duck joints. The decor is pretty fancy but also actually quite fun. There are a number of open kitchens stationed throughout the restaurant, allowing diners …

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beijing: roast leg of mutton (碳花烤羊腿)

beijing: roast leg of mutton (碳花烤羊腿)

On one of my walks in Beijing last summer, I happened to stumble across this sign… It was set at the corner of Andingmennei Dajie, right at the entrance to Jiaodaokou Beitoutiao, and I knew right then and there that I needed to bring my husband here. Several months later, when we went back to Beijing, I finally had the opportunity to do that. And, boy, this place did not disappoint. First of all, any …

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