MILANO fashion treat

MILANO FASHION TREAT
By : Aly Abaquin

While in HCMC my last fashion extravaganza was the Milano fashion show wherein I had attended and treated to a fashion show that is a feast to the senses.

Sight, smell, and taste are all an integral part of the shopping experience in the bustling marketplace in HCMC. If you’re for exotic shopping the smell of the cinnamon, anise, black pepper, cloves and coffee (Vietnam is the world’s second largest producer of the latter) waft through the markets. Mixed with less pleasant odors of nuoc mam ( fish sauce), heaps of mangos, purple dragon fruit, enormous jackfruit and the pungent durian spills out onto the streets are basic staples in any marketplace but wait the rich and famous converge on the different level of shopping paradise.

The rich goes to the streets of Dong Khoi, the fashion high street that is, last season, yours truly was invited and was rubbing elbows with the crème the la crème of Saigon. Seen and tasted the Paris in the orient has truly been an exotic shopping paradise for over a century.

Proofs of these are the Milano Fashion show: Colours-bustling of colours is what we seen in the Catwalks, like their exquisite lacquered boxes, silk ao dai (vietnam’s graceful national costume for females) buffalo horns ornaments, elaborate embroidery, stone carved Buddhas, and intricate wicker basketry are elements of the fashion scene in HCMC.

So here are the pictures as I introduce to you  FASHIONISTA SAIGON.

Memoir of SPAMgon

Memoir of SPAMgon

 By Aly Abaquin

Nothing is more memorable than having friends together for dinner.

From entirely different countries and different culture we agreed

to enrich our taste buds with SPAM takeoffs.

Saigonites unite one evening for a Spam Party that conjure up taste and laughter.

The smell, the scent that can be momentarily fleeting but conjure up a colorful array of taste, the gathering of flavors  for this dinner of pot  luck that got its food inspiration  from that all American SPAM- cuisine.

We spamMATICS   conjured  dishes that spell bouncingly different.  The spam reunited us to be friends and conjure up memoir of our spam childhood.

I think every one of us have those spam moments.  I remember relatives from the states  from the  U.S. of A.  Those balikbayan boxes in the 70’s are with spam canned favorites for us to save in our pantry.  “Ala State side” many  Filipinos can relate to this one …  love this spam  “delata” ( can ) that my Mom kept from us since it is stateside and valuable … Hahahahahahaha.

She just open this can for special breakfast and for special occasions during the 70’s this was quite a gold commodity as it came from the states. Remember Cartimar and Cash & Carry stores that only carry this all American can back in the 70’s.

The smell and taste of spam detonate a softly but laughing memory of complex vision leaping out from my childhood. Memoirs that sparks during our SPAMATICS get together.

During the 80’s the Spam was beginning to be available in groceries and Spam sandwiches with Mayo made for a quicky snack or  “baon” for school.

The sliced fried spam with mayo and pickles are staples for our lunch boxes

Back then. Quick and easy and ready to go.

The  smelly spammy sweat that every kid loves when I was in school we used to share this sandwiches with coke and or orange juices. As recess is only 20 minutes then  so no choice but eat SPAMwich.

Well here are some pictures of our great get together and HAIL to SPAM.

I did the SPAM MIEN a spam pancit.  Spam mixed with veggies as topping for a nest inspired fried noodles. Hopping for that asian influence……Hoping the  taste is good as well as it appears.

 SPAM Miem, Spam CHEESE cake, Spam Hap chie, Spam peking rolls, Spam appetizers.

Spam everything!!!

 

Others did well,  Hmmp delicioso!!!!  Happy Spam Day to all !!!

Indeed Spam  can conjure up good childhood flashbacks.

What’s your Spam story???

“We do not remember days; we remember moments.”

 ~Cesare Pavese, The Burning Brand

Say a little prayer for you

"Say a little prayer for you"
 By: Aly Abaquin


Remember the song “say a little prayer for you” by Diana king revived and popularized again in 1997 by the movie “My best friends wedding” a classic romantic comedy film starring Julia Roberts & Rupert Everest . Remember the scene wherein Rupert Everest sang the song to Julia with glee and the twins plus the whole family joining in as they celebrate a pre wedding of Cameron Diaz and that guy??? Hmmp forgot his name.. ……Spectacularly funny.

Well we contemplated to sing that song in this resto although nobody is on a pre- nuptial stage among us but all have funny foodie memories where we could have done that scene with friends when we troop over to this hidden gem of a Resto.

No pun intended but this Malaysian culinary secrets “the Mosque” is literally at the back of the mosque the only one existing in Dist 1, although there are 12 mosque in the city this one is the main as we where told, constructed years ago in no. 66 Do Dung beside the tall Sheraton Hotel. Hence referring to the title say a little prayer.

Way to obvious perhaps,”well thank you aly for your creative title?” a friend exasperated and suggested that we talk of our Malaysian gustatory anecdotes.

You can not miss the façade of the Mosque is pleasantly peacefully colored of ocean Blue and lively Green plus the tall tower and intricate windows welcome you and one can wonder inside and take a look at this marvelous architecture.

As we did one week ago and to our surprise we see there are people walking at the back and when Herd Instinct sets in. We follow the troops as our stomach is wise enough and our sense off smell is stronger, so we all exoduses to this path of food finds.

The food menu is in scripted by black pentel pen in a white board conveniently located in the center amidst tables, red plastic chairs, rows of bikes park and i had a chance to snapshot a bike postcardlike  for prosperity, while you are transported back to Malaysia TRULY ASIA.

The curry chicken and fried chicken are a must haves plus yellow rice surely for the moment you wake up, before you put on your make-up, say a little prayer for you…

The song is now playing in our minds as we savor and laughingly humming the tune and then laughter sets in. Well that just us friends do not mind us folks as some people looking at us why we are glowingly happy. It’s the curry Magic!

To continue the curry taste lingers as well as the song….

"Forever, and ever, you'll stay in my heart, and I'll love you
Forever, and ever, we never will part, oh I love you
Together, forever, that's how it must be
To live without you
Would only mean heartbreak for me..."

Curry chicken and yellow rice had a spell on us indeed. :)

Hidden gem no longer.
The MOSQUE
No. 66 Do Dung Dist 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Beside Sheraton Hotel

Siu BLACK : Queen of Soul

Siu Black: The Queen of Soul


Siu Black is a prominent Vietnamese Singer and one of the most influential and important voices in the history of popular music in Vietnam. Siu Black reminds me of the most famous soul singer of the 60’s: The legendary Aretha Franklin.

Both Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin & Siu Black fuses soul sensuality of R&B, the innovation of jazz, and the precision of pop in their style. She has been mentored by Y Moan and recorded several songs of Nguyễn Cường, which endured her to the public.

Her powerful voice, down to earth disposition plus a friendly comedic presence have achieved great popularity among Vietnamese and foreign audiences. With numerous Golden accolades in national singing contest and was bestowed the Asean Golden Voice in 1996 (Japan).

Her Star continues to shine and enthrall everyone. Born in the wonderful sunny day of August 27, 1967 in Pleitonghia commune. This Lass is the daughter of the City of Kontum, South Vietnam Central Highlands.

She is proud of her ethnic background and is a member of the Ba Na (Bahnar) ethnic group. With her roots from the highlands she has transformed a house in 23 Cuu Long St. Tan binh district near the Tan San Nhat Airport as a venue for up and coming POP singers.

 As a way of her helping out artist and for them to make a name for themselves the Siu Black Café is a singing venue to hone their craft.

The café is decorated with ethnic flair reminiscent of the central highlands and showcases talented singers. While sipping your café sua da or smoothies one can listen to the melodic and emerging vietnamese sounds with glee.  Be astonished with the plethora of powerful voices singing rock, ballads and Pop Vietnamese music filling the air with different high notes coming from the heart.

We’ve experienced the hospitality of Vietnam’s music industry thru Ms. Siu Black’s invitation and their music industry is now healthy and evolving into more varied genres.

Kudos and more power to Siu Black who cares and continue to champion Vietnamese Music.
By the way did you know she is the Vietnam idol judge as well!

Siu Black Cafe
No. 23 Cuu Long St., Tan Binh District, HCMC
DT: 0873004289

Music Memorabilia ROCKs SAIGON!

MUSIC MEMORABILIA ROCKS SAIGON
By Aly Abaquin

Tired of hearing ABBA Music being played over the radio or even 70’s music being aired in taxi’s all over Saigon. Well your luck has been changed; look no further as the famous Hard Rock café is now in Saigon! ROCK N' ROLL is here to conquer the music bar scene.

Founded by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, the first Hard Rock Café opened its doors to the public in London in 1971. The brand name of Hard Rock Café has spread to over 157 venues in more than 52 countries, including 127 cafes and 12 Hotel/Casinos. And just last 17th day of December 2009 Hard Rock open its doors to Music lovers right smack in the middle of Kumho Asiana Plaza SAIGON.

Hard Rock is an American fare in the atmosphere that rocks. So HCMC get ready to be rock!!! Western music lovers now has a venue to really rock it and listen to american sounds as well as see the collection of MUSIC MEMORABILIA.

Hard Rock is known for its collection of rock and roll memorabilia. The cafes solicit donations of music memorabilia but also purchase a number of items at auctions around the world, including autographed guitars, outfits from world tours and rare photographs are often to be found mounted on cafe walls. The collection began in 1979 with the gift of an un-signed guitar (a Red Fender Lead II) from Eric Clapton, who was a regular at the first restaurant in London. This prompted Pete Townshend of “The Who” to give one of his guitars, also un-signed with the note "Mine's as good as his! Love, Pete." Hard Rock's archive includes over 70,000 items and it opened a Hard Rock museum named "The Vault" in London, located near the original cafe.

When asked the quintessential question of “What’s the single greatest piece of memorabilia in the Hard Rock collection?” Officials have this to say: “There are a few pieces that are so mind-blowingly historic that they just might qualify for that rarified title”. Or better yet just click on to www.hardrock.com and check out a handful of contenders from their interactive memorabilia website. Just click on the photos to see these pieces in amazing detail and get more of the back story.

If you’re the social network freak just chime in to their discussion over at Hard rock facebook page and interact with music lovers and collectors.

What to EAT!!!

Of course when in hard rock eat the all American burger! HRC’s Classic Bacon Cheese Burger , grilled with your choice of melted cheese, topped with crisp bacon and served on a toasted bun, fries and tomato, onion, pickles and lettuce. Plus smothered it with Catsup and your in burger heaven. What the hell !Their burgers are really staples of true blue American diet.

Now playing beautiful music in Saigon, ROCK N ROLL lives forever!!! Having said that I miss the electric guitar signage that auspicious symbol of HARD ROCK!

Well Eric Clapton wouldn’t mind if they’ve erected that in Kumho ASIANA PLAZA.

Hard Rock Ho Chi Minh City
Kumho Asiana Plaza
39 Le Duan Street
Telephone:
+84-8-6291-7595
+84-8-6291-7596

STREET FOOD

STREET FOOD
By Aly Abaquin

Remember the time when your parents would not allow you to eat street foods. Reminding you that this street food is not good, unhealthy and somewhat diarrhea laden or if not careful you’ll have food poisoning.
But you always noticed all people are eating and ever wonder why are they eating it if its not good?
My mom will always have all these answers that she will whip up just for me to shut up.

For instance she will tell us that the ugly food will produce little monsters in our stomach and cause stomach ache. For the word diarrhea for a 7 years old kid will not understand at all.

I remember every summer when the dirty ice cream man/ "SORBETERO"  will peddle this ice cream in wheels  in the afternoon and all kids in th neigborhood except us will not buy them because its dirty ice cream. (refers to how they make them locally in their homes or some dirty factory)

We will have fights over why the other kids eat them while us will wait for Magnolia (the brandname of locally produce ice cream in the philippines) that is more safer and cleaner.


Ttill then my mom will have galloons of Magnolia Vanilla & Chocolate  ice cream stash in our fridge when that dirty ice cream sound its bells and allure all the  neighborhood kids to have a taste of the refreshing candy colored ice cream. In doing this everyday  the "Mamang Sorbetero" Ice cream man won over the battle with us because  later on my mom  allowed us to eat the "good" dirty ice cream saving her trips to the supermarket. Freedom at last as we tasted in delightful glee every bit of flavor: cheese, ube, chocolate and vanilla : dirty ice cream never tasted so good.

So my fascination with street foods are honed and thru the years grew up loving to taste this little food wonders which are staple of each country, showcasing their food culture.

FAST FORWARD To HCMC.
The term "street foods" describes a wide range of ready-to-eat foods and beverages sold and sometimes prepared in public places, notably streets. Hence: no hygienic control or better yet the food safety preparation is null and void.

The demand for relatively inexpensive, ready-to-eat food has increased as people have less time to prepare meals. Urban Migration has stimulated the growth in street food vendors in many cities since the daily need among many working people eat outside the home is evident due to the daily commute to their work place.

One in particular very popular in vietnam is the FISH BALLS. Yummy in capital letters!

So in picking your street food stalls and if your adventurous eater outer like yours truly.

I advise you to pick streets foods stalls that are busy. Seeing many patrons lining up is an indication of sumptuous meals being prepared constantly fresh. Locals who hover like bees hungry for nectar is an indication that this food stall is very popular and clean enough. The food should be cooked in high fire killing any bacteria and clean flowing water is seen. These things are important if you are very particular about hygiene. No food monsters here mind you.

If not there is always the reliable Imodium pill that helps you ease the pain of diarrhea.

That jagged little pill will do the trick once you feel your stomach is growling.

Like fast foods, the final preparation of street foods occurs when the customer orders the meal which can be consumed where it is purchased or taken away. Street foods and fast foods are low in cost compared with restaurant meals and offer an attractive alternative to home-cooked food.

Which brings me to again to my YUMMY favorite Street food : FISH BALLS, SQUID BALLS, SHRIMP BALLS and Hot dog. They are skewered pieces of balls made from flour mixed together with morsel of either fish, squid or meat and seasoned with salt pepper & spices then deep fried in a hot pan along the streets of Saigon. Then served with hot sauce or catsup.

Here are the delectable pieces in picture. Help yourself to one when you pass by any street corners in HCMC. Some are being peddled along thorough fares by HA LONG  Boy  and vendors are amazing marketers institutionalizing Street food in every nook and cranny.

Passionately Curious

Passionately Curious: The delectable path of food writer, Richard Sterling

The award wining food and travel writer opens up about his love of culinary adventure.

By Aly Abaquin

Perhaps there is no perfect word nor phrase to describe oneself when he is fulfilling his dream or simply following his bliss. But wait have you heard of the phrase Passionately curious?

These words put together make an extremely powerful meaning.

Remember Albert Einstein uttered this “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." What does it mean? Einstein encouraged inquiry. "The important thing is not to stop questioning and curiosity has its own reason for existing”

Passionate Curiosity is one characteristic renowned food and travel writer, Richard Sterling possesses.

Sterling is a travel food, lifestyle journalist, the principal author of Lonely Planet's World Food Series.
His writing is provocative and testosterone-edged, but poignant and hilarious, and when asked where he gets his inspiration? Without a blink of an eye he said PASSIONATE CURIOSITY.

“Passionate curiosity about the world as I said I grew up in a rural place. A very good place to grow up,” But very narrow place not much range of experience and then I was sent to Asia and the world just opens up and so I always had a great curiosity on everything that I see, eat and drink.”

New York Times dubbed him the Indiana Jones of Gastronomy for his willingness to go anywhere and court any danger for the sake of a good meal. He has been honored by the James Beard Foundation for his food writing, and by the Lowell Thomas awards for his travel literature and has authored a dozen books and scores of magazine articles.

In this short interview, Richard Sterling takes us into the inner working of his heart, his soul and stomach.
He shares his most compelling stories from a lifetime of travel and adventure. Whether breaking bread with a murderer in Baja dessert or enjoying shipboard dalliance with a mysterious new acquaintance on the South China Sea.  Sterling shares his most memorable adventures.

When asked to recount just one Sterling replies: I was in the Philippines a restaurant in Zambales province called Three Roses. I was excited to try this new culinary adventure and three Filipino friends took me there as their guest. I was excited  until they've place the  dish before me.  It was a dog. All I could see was every dog I ever own seated in the table growling at me. It was quite a trauma. I finally ate it. It was delicious but the dogs are barking in my belly all night long.”

Sterling has a bevy of equally captivating tales. Some of which he chronicled in his book : The Fire Never Dies:One Man's Raucous Romp Down the Road of Food.
He joined the Navy by the age of 19 and had not dropped the anchor since. Sterling is still sailing the horizon that keeps the flames of his soul alive. Passionate about food when he landed in South East Asia, he claims  to have found in a "culinary Disneyland.” the writer immediately fell in love.

Aside from dog is there any food you won't eat  despite having an iron stomach? “I don’t care for tofu, to my mind it is tasteless, odorless, colorless. I would rather eat spam a perfectly good food substitute.”

Then I concur food should be tasted and chewed so that every morsel and bite is an adventure to itself.
Amongst  hearty laughter we chat  like old friends. Both foodies, who  love to travel & write, the conversation was smooth, light -at times endearing.

So I continued to pry. Having said that, i followed up the question quickly with If you where a dish what will you be and why?

“I think I would be something spicy and a lot of sauce. Something like a Vietnamese Curry.” Indeed the guy has Gusto, Spunk and Spice. He is quite tall and debonair in stature and has many things to offer. Remember he is fueled with enormous amount of creativity and passion that commands attention.

Spurned by the idea that food makes strong bonds with family, history and culture. I asked him what his comfort food is?

His smile and twinkle in the eyes are reminiscent of that scene from the movie Ratatouille.
As always a true blue American he said “When I go the United States something I always want to have within a day or two of my arrival. I go to a Bar and grill a very simple place and have a cheese burger and a draft beer. Hopefully thankful Hank William Sr. is playing at the jukebox.”

I was also curious if this award winning travel journalist is a cook. Julia Child said be a fearless cook are you one aside being a fearless diner?

He confirmed that like Julia he never apologizes on the food he cooks
“Sometimes a dish that I create does not come quite the way it would. They do not know that. I prepare dinners and sometimes things not what you hope to be. I personally disappointed but served it forth….Enjoy!”

He continues to share with all the travels his biggest challenge on the road was loneliness.
“There is this profound loneliness if you’re a stranger in a strange land. All by yourself even though you’re having a lot of fun…. It’s fascinating to see new people and eat new food and experience the new country. Just can’t shake it off for the day. You have to work thru it. Alright I would be lonely in a day or two but shake if off and continue.”

His advise to aspiring travel writers like myself is: “If you want to be a good writer you must read great writers. Great writer will rub-off on you.”

You’ve gone around the world and become successful. Is there anything else that you would like to fulfill?  “I want to do the same thing, continue  exploring the world through my eyes, my mouth, heart, stomach and sharing it to others through my writing.”

Sterling is currently writing a new book about working and living in Vietnam.  Inspired by Rudyard Kipling's "Mandalay" & Paul Theroux’s Great Railway Bazaar

His highest aspiration is that people will be inspired to eat adventurously and also feel inspired to travel through the pages of his books.

Like his adventures, Richard Sterling is heart-felt, sensitive, yet hard-edged and witty, creating a unique view of this man’s Passionate Curiosity: the very core of his being.

 The article in its condensed version appeared in East West: Gastronome : Feb 2010

 

With the famous Richard Sterling.

Other books worth reading  from Richard Sterling

Photos: courtesy of Mr. Richard Sterling

All books available at http://www.amazon.com/

Eat all you can madness

DIN KY: Eat all you can madness

By Aly Abaquin

Are you looking for that satisfaction of getting big value for your money? Well one resto in HCMC is up to give you a wide selection of vietnam’s gastronomy buffet style: eat all you can. Its full moon and as they say madness strikes everyone when there’s a full moon: EAT ALL YOU CAN MADNESS that is.

Din KY is located in 48-50 Le Thi Hong Gam dist 1 and for 145,000 vnd ($7)per person: eat all you can and yes folks it is open 24 hours at that.

I with a friend in tow tried and tested this very popular vietnamese restaurant that can house a huge number of people a good choice for Big Bigger Biggest get together, parties and the likes.

Do not be shy for the buffet of 100 dishes are plenty and ready to serve hungry mouths. A marathon of eating is now on the loose as we partake to see what is in store for us. Good thing we did pass out on lunch for this day we are ready to dive in to this smorgasbord disneyland of vietnamese cuisine.

The atmosphere is so festive as we see families celebrate their kids birthday, from mother, father , brother, sister, auntie, uncles, grandma and grandpa all in attendance shall we say all the clan is here to give the celebrant a bright b-day. We also see foreigners being treated by their vietnamese friends and so groups of people acquaintances, employee, employer outings and or just friends enjoying beer & food galore.

The menu is a dazzling array of large serving of Pho, hot pot, appetizers, fish ,seafoods from ban xeo to rice meals. From Veggies to carbs all present.

The place is chaotic, happy, dizzying, dashing frenzy of people looking for each dish that caught their fancy. You’ll surely tend to divide and conquer as I and a friend are on a food trip so to speak. We just partake what we like to eat and not be gluttons in the process we select to taste test everything in tiny bite size pieces then and go back to our favorites so to savour the buffet. The pictures will tell you what we go for.

Why not take yourself to a foodie adventure. I will bet my bottom dollar that its gonna be a wild and memorable one. As we did experience it one full moon ago.

ADDRESS: 48- 50 Le Thi Hong Gam, Dist. 1

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

PHONE: (84-8) 3829 4112

E-MAIL: buffetngondinky@yahoo.com

HOURS: 24 hours