Category Archives: Vietnamese food

Tee Tran’s Monster Pho Invades Oakland with Traditional Vietnamese Cooking

Posted on September 15, 2015 by

When the woman at the Small Business Administration discovered that 25-year old Tee Tran wanted a loan to open a Vietnamese restaurant even though he had absolutely no experience in the food business, she laughed at him. “You’re kidding me, … Continue reading →

Posted in Immigrants' stories, Oakland, Vietnamese food | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mother & Daughter Realize Big Dreams at Vanessa’s Bistro

Posted on March 31, 2015 by

As a child and grandchild of immigrants, I notice that in writing about food and culture I am repeatedly drawn to the stories of immigrants, their struggles and triumphs. And every time someone shares their journey with me, I feel I have been given a precious … Continue reading →

Posted in Berkeley, Immigrants' stories, Vietnamese food | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

For Lunar New Year, the Horse Gallops in with Traditional Foods of Tết

Posted on February 7, 2014 by

The Vietnamese celebration of Lunar New Year, Tet, serves up a range of traditional foods, including thick wedges of sticky rice filled with peppery pork and candied kumquats and nutty cookies. For the Year of the Horse, Son Tran, owner of Oakland’s aptly named Le Cheval Vietnamese restaurant, shared with me the details of these essential holiday dishes and other cultural traditions. Continue reading →

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Immerse Yourself in a World of Asian Flavors at Richmond’s Pacific East Mall

Posted on June 5, 2012 by

Take your palate on a trip of exotic Asian flavors at nearby Pacific East Mall in Richmond. Dine in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese or Thai restaurants. And sample sweets from around the globe. Adventurous cooks and homesick transplants will find almost any Asian ingredient at 99 Ranch. Continue reading →

Posted in Chinese food, gluten-free food, Japanese food, Korean food, Taiwanese food, Thai food, Vietnamese food | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ten Places to Master Piroshkis, Paella or Pad Thai: Ethnic Cooking Classes Around the Bay Area

Posted on November 3, 2011 by

As I walked up the stairs to Kitchen on Fire’s spacious Berkeley loft, an inviting aroma of toasting cumin laid out an olfactory welcome mat. Chefs Olivier Said and MikeC., co-owners and culinary over-achievers, have a book coming out and … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethiopian food, Indian food, Italy, Malaysian food, Morocco, Spain, Thai food, vegetarian food, Vietnamese food | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hot on the Taro Trail

Posted on October 25, 2011 by

Taro-obsessed, East Bay writer goes hunting for ethnic restaurants that cook up this tropical plant in various incarnations and details her Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and Hawaiian discoveries, both savory and sweet. Continue reading →

Posted in Chinese food, gluten-free food, Hawaiian food, Thai food, vegetarian ffod, Vietnamese food | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Vanessa’s Poke Leaps Across Cultural Boundaries

Posted on June 5, 2011 by

Vanessa’s Bistro serves a superb Tuna Salmon Poke that melds elements from Hawaiian, Japanese and Mexican cuisines with chef Vanessa Dang’s Vietnamese twist. Continue reading →

Posted in gluten-free food, Hawaiian food, Japan, Vietnamese food | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment