Vietnam in a bowl..

We all know or have heard about pho, I'm certain?.. 

They call it total comfort food, even soul food, they call it Vietnam's answer to fast food. 

They also call it beef noodle soup, 

but according to Vietnamese writer Vu Bang, 

'To many persons, pho is no longer a dish - they are simply addicted to it, like tobacco addicts! 

So.. how does this very simple yet very tasty complex dish starts its life?

Well,.. longggggggg before you eat it for sure! A long slow simmering of beef shinbones, oxtails, scraps of meat in a great big pot brings into a rich clear consomme. 

This process alone takes about 24 hours if not right!

The cook then adds their spices, herbs and the family secrets. Chief among them will always be star anise, ginger and cinnamon. 

You take your seat on a small blue plastic chair and wait...

"Madam" he asks.. what kind of meat do you want today?

I have lean meat thanks.

He immerses a sieve full of precooked rice noodles into hot water for a moment, lifts them out, drains them with a shake, and pours them into your bowl. 

Skilfully with the eye of the florist, he arranges atop the noodles, a bouquet of white onion slices, tiny shavings of ginger perhaps, something green. 

And then slices of red raw beef. 

He lifts the lid of his stock pot and the heady steam billows out, 

enveloping you in a thin and gossamer cloud of dew that separates itself into those curly wisps of mornings in a Vietnamese painting. 

You know you are about to eat poetry!

Ladles of the simmering broth fill your bowl, its heat quickly penetrating the meat and cooking it to perfect tenderness in seconds. 

The Maestro has done his part.

Now you take the baton.

From the garnish tray, add a squeeze of lime juice, add a few crisp bean spouts, a dash of chili sauce, lastly add a sprinkle of coriander leaves and/or mint and basil.

Voila Vietnam in a bowl!

The best way to eat this bowl of Yin and Yang is get stuck into it and enjoy!

Pull the noodles up with your sticks and slurp them into your mouth. Then slurp a bit of the broth from your spoon. Again use your sticks and layer a few noodles onto your spoon, with a mint leaf a a bit of the beef - aah.. perfection!

This full and well balanced meal in a bowl will cost you (depends where you eat it) under $1. 

Can be eaten day or night.. 

In the south its popular for breakfast, especially among the farmers.  

Its cheap and filling - has plenty of carbo's to fuel the body, enough protein to keep the body together, and plenty of liquid one needs in the tropical heat. 

Viva Vietnam - you're amazing! 

You gotta give a little.. take a little.. and let your poor..

Sharing meals together means sharing burdens together.. 

A peaceful setting, away from the TV is a must when you're eating.. 

pinterest 

 Even if you have a baguette with cheese and tomato and ham! Make your meals peaceful. 

You've got to give a little, take a little,
and let your poor heart break a little.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

You've got to laugh a little, cry a little,
until the clouds roll by a little.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

As long as there's the two of us,
we've got the world and all it's charms.
And when the world is through with us,
we've got each other's arms.

You've got to win a little, lose a little,
yes, and always have the blues a little.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

Bette Midler made this song famous in 'Beaches' 

'He needs Food Blog' ooh!! Aah.. Ninh Van Bay too good!

 

 http://heneedsfood.com/2012/09/six-senses-ninh-van-bay-vietnam/

Thank you John, for permission to publish..

Welcome to Six Senses, Ninh Vân Bay, a secluded property at the bottom of a forested promontory that juts into the South China Sea. Stepping off the boat we’re warmly greeted by management and introduced to our personal butler, yes it’s that kind of place, and after a bit of paperwork we’re taken to our villa.

This is where things started to feel a little familiar. Six years ago we stayed at its former sister property, Soneva Gili (now Gili Lankanfushi), in the Maldives. Luxurious overwater bungalow, Robinson Crusoe-style set-up, pretty lush. I know, it’s sickening but someone’s gotta do it.

Ninh Vân Bay is the only place in Vietnam that has its own time zone. Just to ease you into the Six Senses lifestyle the time is set forward an hour; a longer day to do a whole lot of nothing. Well, not nothing. There’s bush walking, bike riding, swimming, eating and drinking. That’s for starters. Let me walk you through our little pad.

Our beachfront pool villa is nestled amongst the brush, overlooking the calm bay. Downstairs there’s the bedroom with bi-fold doors and a daybed that opens out onto a small terrace that drops into a private plunge pool. Not too shabby at all!

At the rear a large bathroom opens onto an enclosed courtyard, complete with outdoor shower, and back inside are two vanities on the opposing walls. The free-standing wooden bathtub went untouched and was more of a pretty obstacle than functional device.

Head upstairs and you find yourself in an open-plan lounge space. Table and chairs overlooking the plunge pool and beach, there’s a minibar, coffee & tea facilities and a cushy daybed made for slouching the day away. Oh look, complimentary champagne! Let the sloshing begin.

Please visit John's link..
He's blog is SO real, it makes  you feel like  you're there!
http://heneedsfood.com/2012/09/six-senses-ninh-van-bay-vietnam/
Well done John... Your talent is very tangible