New Day: New Beginning

    Food

    • Peruvian dinner

      We just got back from Peru and Bolivia 3 days ago, but I yearned to cook in my new kitchen and also to have a nice dinner with family. In Peru, I was impressed with the green rice and chicken, and the ceviche. Ceviche in Lima was awesome. We went to this small restaurant that… Continue reading

    • Roasted Corn Salad

        At Eric’s birthday party, we made this dish to go with tacos, beers, and mariachi music. It’s super easy and refreshing for a hot summer party. 1 bag of frozen roasted corn from TJs 1 bag of any frozen sweet corn (got mine also from TJs) 2 Tablespoon oil 1 yellow onion, chopped (I… Continue reading

    • Banh Xeo

      Banh Xeo (Sizzling Crepe), should not be confounded with Banh Khoai (Happy Crepe). They kinda look the same, taste almost the same with the following differences, according to my mom. Banh Xeo is from the South. The batter usually includes coconut milk. Mung beans is added to the bean sprouts. The crepe is crispy and… Continue reading

    • Lemon Chicken from Saigon Resto

      A recipe loved by us all, and our customers back then when my parents opened the restaurant in San Diego. It is not really an authentic vietnamese dish, but something that we concocted ourselves, with a blend of french and asian seasonings. Ingredients: 2 Cornish hens (or 6 chicken thighs with skin) Sea salt and… Continue reading

    • Shrimp Toast – Bánh Mì Chiên Tôm

      I’m listing here the two variations of Shrimp Toast that I know and have made. The first recipe is the shrimp toasts style from Saigon, and the one which Mom made back in 1977 at Saigon Restaurant in San Diego. This version can be baked, but I think it comes out drier than if deep-fried. Next… Continue reading

    • Hawaiian Meatballs

      A favorite at all parties, for adults and children. Super easy to make once you have all the ingredients; you just assemble the dish and leave it cooking for couple of hours while you’re off doing something else.  For this recipe, I use Kirkland italian-style meatballs. Safeway has Hoisin sauce in the international food area. This… Continue reading