When Thanh and Kim Lai with their six children immigrated to the US from Vietnam in 1982, they dreamed of opening a restaurant that sold street food -- a taste of home from Ho Chi Minh. The first rung towards that goal was a 30-seat restaurant in the Eden Center that served Thanh's unique recipes. Thanh's cooking was such a hit, that their restaurant was featured in Anthony … [Read more...] about Four Sisters
VA
Iron Chef
One sunny weekend during the fall of 2013. The restaurant scene in G-Town was abuzz with tourist activity. I passed Georgetown Piano Bar then Jinx Tattoo parlor, soothing sounds of reggae music emanated from the brown brick establishment. Bandolero was next and this is where I hoped I would cut my first big deal. I was taken aback by the "Day of the Dead” atmosphere complete … [Read more...] about Iron Chef
Hong Kong Pearl Dim Sum
If you're looking for dim sum in Falls Church, the place to be is Hong Kong Pearl. They have all my favorites, and the menu has pictures and description that you can check off and provide to the server. Since I arrived later in the evening, there were no rolling carts with all the chatter. Cheung fun (steamed sheets of filled rice noodles served with sweet … [Read more...] about Hong Kong Pearl Dim Sum
Greene Turtle Hot Sauce
I walked into Buffalo Wild Wings on Richmond Highway, hoping to catch Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, but to my dismay of the 50+ flat screen TVs, none of them were showing my beloved Hawks. I asked the manager to put the game one, but they looked at me like I was asking them to put on cricket or something. Since tipoff had already started, I hightailed to the … [Read more...] about Greene Turtle Hot Sauce
Delightful Banh Gio
I just discovered a Vietnamese dumpling that is soft sweet and is perfect for breakfast or a light snack. It's wrapped in banana leaf bestow a grassy, tea-like flavor. I stumbled on Huong Binh Bakery in the famed Eden Center and decided to give it a try. Was in a bit of rush so I decided to try one of their ready-made dishes. Noticed they have my favorite Vietnamese … [Read more...] about Delightful Banh Gio
A Glimpse of Annapolis
I launched my paddle board at the vibrant Annapolis town dock next door to the prestigious grounds of the Naval Academy. If you wanna visit the Academy, you can request an escorted tour, but really the best way to catch a vivid, accurate snapshot of midshipmen life is from the banks of the Severn River. And the best time to go is in the evening when the midshipmen are done … [Read more...] about A Glimpse of Annapolis