Stepping off the curb, she sachéed toward me with an alacrity that exuded confidence, and a hint of excitement. Countenance to countenance at last, we embraced.
It was one year ago, this Saturday past, that Natalie and I had our first date. I didn't imagine then, that that moment would lead us halfway 'round the world together. I am so very grateful to share this journey of exploration - in mind, body, spirit, and planet, with such a remarkable human being.
The delicious breakfast, so lovingly made by my partner...
And we treated ourselves with dinner at a marvelous vegetarian/vegan restaurant in the Old Quarter, Ưu Đàm Chay. The atmosphere is peaceful and contemporary, not unlike spending an evening at the spa. They have quotes of Buddha on the tables, and a philosophy that our relationship to food is immensely important and impactful. They use all parts of the food they prepare and cook; the skin of the fruit for the pomelo salad as a bowl, the shell of the coconut and pineapple as a cup for the drinks, etc.
The presentation is gorgeous, and the flavors are lovely!
The breadfruit was quite fibrous. It didn't have much flavor in and of itself. It relied on the cheese and almonds to add subtle salty and sweet flavors with a nice crunch that complemented the softness of the fruit.
The pomelo salad was delightful; a cavalcade of flavors and textures! The bright, juicy tang of the pomelo, crisp sweetness of the apple, the savory, fabulous chewiness of the mushroom, the creamy mango, the freshness of the mint, and the light salt of the shredded
Parmigiano-Reggiano.
The pine nut soup was divinely creamy. It had a touch of sweetness and lovely nutty, earthy qualities with a hint of brine. The bread bowl was soft and warm with the perfect amount of chew. It brought back great memories of my days in S.F. - Boudin clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, minus the consumption of animals!
And of course there was desert...Durian pizza! For the uninitiated, durian is a spiky-shelled tree fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has been dubbed the king of fruit and is likely the most unique, sophisticated experience of a fruit or vegetable that one can have. One bite is delectably saccharine, the next of carmelized onion, and the next at the threshold of inedible...
To borrow from one person's description, it is like eating a sweet, creamy, garlic custard while sitting in a men's locker room full of sweaty socks. I get that it seems looney then, why would one eat such a thing? There is that bite that is a perfect blend of all flavors, in a delectable custard sensation. It is exquisite! If you ever have the chance, it's a must try!
The flaky crust and saltiness of the cheese lent to the creamy sweet durian beautifully!
The restaurant is considered upscale by Vietnamese standards. We had eight dishes between the two of us, plus drinks, all for about the price of admission for two at the movies in the states.
A wonderful day!
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