Van Express

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Miss K told me to pick the venue for our monthly corporate lunch. Our office typically orders from Skip the Dishes or DoorDash, but I wanted to support the small businesses near our office. When trolling the +15 for potential options, I spotted Viet Express, a Vietnamese restaurant with a mile-long lineup. For this post, let’s listen to “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift.

I offered to pick up a cake to celebrate several staff members’ past birthdays. I chose Sauce Italian Kitchen & Market so I could grab the cake on the way to work. While waiting for my train at Westbrook Station, I clutched the box lest someone try to rob me of my precious cargo.

I could have requested delivery for our lunch, but I was worried the food would take too long or the delivery person couldn’t find our office. So I asked Compass, M, and Office Guardian if they would take a quick walk and help me carry the food back to the office. Thankfully, I have colleagues who are always willing to help. When we arrived, I heard a wok hissing loudly in the kitchen. At 11:30 am, there was already a lineup. The owner remained relaxed and jolly despite the orders rolling in. He even asked us where we worked and if we needed help carrying the food to our office.

I ordered the Combo Vermicelli ($14.28) with spring rolls, chicken, beef and pork patty. Van Express uses good-quality vermicelli. The noodles were springy and weren’t soggy, even hours later. The portion was so huge! My takeout box overflowed with food. The fish sauce could be more potent, as I like my dipping sauce extra lively. However, I realize that most customers in downtown Calgary would prefer a more subtle dipping sauce.

Miss K’s Pork Banh Mi ($8.81) was the size of a Subway foot long sub. She asked for no sate sauce. She stated her banh mi was yummy with some heat to it.

The CEO and CFO stopped by before their lunch appointment. They told me not to order them anything to eat, but Miss K arranged for appetizers in case they changed their minds. Large and fresh, the salad rolls ($6.67) were packed with crunchy bean sprouts, lettuce, noodles and shrimp. I would get the salad rolls again. Everyone said the pork and vegetarian spring rolls ($6.67) were tasty.

Video ordered the Beef Pad Thai ($13.33), but she meant to request Beef Fried Rice ($13.33). She pouted as she ate and only nibbled on her food. When she complained that she wanted a rice dish, Office Guardian sternly told her to eat what was on her plate. I pushed Video to eat more Pork Spring Rolls ($6.67) and dessert, which she enjoyed. In turn, Video encouraged me to eat the rest of her food. I did and enjoyed the tangy flavour of tamarind in the noodles.

The Skor Cake ($70) was a hit! Even Ms. D took an extra piece to freeze at home. Office Guardian liked the cake wasn’t too sweet. Miss K noted the cake was moist, while Compass enjoyed the buttercream. When Compass and M shared that they had never tried Skor chocolate before, Miss K laughed and said they were so young and such babies. I retorted that Miss K looks as youthful as our co-op students, so I was surprised she knew about Skor bars. She smiled mysteriously and noted that she was older than she appeared.

Miss K is unbeatable as a social event organizer. She even brought in decorations and personalized goodie bags. I asked her where she bought the bags, as they looked so artisanal. She told us she made it herself and not to look a the bottom of the bag. So, of course, we looked and could see she crafted the bag herself.

I returned to the fridge in the afternoon and ate the leftover salad rolls. I shared the remains of my lunch with L for dinner. He was impressed with the wok hei in the beef, and I was pleased to see the food still held up, despite being refrigerated and reheated.

Next, I want to try the pho, stir-fries, and subs at Van Express. I’ll have to bring Compass along, as I always need help finding this gem in the +15. Pro-tip, if you are a fan of wok hei, I recommend you try the teriyaki beef. Hitting the Sauce gives Van Express two phat thumbs up.

Restaurants · Vietnamese

Rau Bistro

March 3, 2022April 8, 2022 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

One of my favourite cuisines is Vietnamese food. Pre-COVID, I would host make-your-own salad rolls and hotpot-style dinners for my friends. However, after dining out at Rau Bistro, I realized my homestyle version sucks in comparison in terms of variety, quality and technique. For this post, let’s listen to “Hit That” by The Offspring.

L and I ordered the Wrap Two Combo ($20) and one Seven-Course Beef Set ($35). Next time, I would pick the beef set and not the Wrap Two, as the items in the wrap combo are also in the beef set. Instead, I will order the Shrimp and Yam Beignets ($12), Bun Man ($15), and Bun Bo Hue ($15), which I hear from trustworthy sources are stellar choices.

The beef congee was homey and oh so delicious. At Rau, the soup is more broth-like and not the thick and fluffy style you find at Chinese restaurants. I appreciated how the soup was served boiling hot, which allowed the flavours of the oils and meats to pop. I enjoyed the vibrancy of the herbs and the interesting texture of the various meats, like the tripe and chewy bits of what I thought were white fungus and tendon. I would order this again.

The cold, wet papaya salad with beef jerky was a wild explosion of sour and tart notes. The dressing on the strands of bean sprouts, papaya and carrots were refreshing. The lime-marinated medium-rare beef salad offered lively bites from the crunchy slices of onion, balanced by the mellowness of the chopped tomatoes. I also enjoyed snacking on the shrimp crackers, which were light, crispy and melted in my mouth.

I’m a fan of the steamed giant meatball, which was like a more subtle, juicier version of a Chinese dim sum dish, sui mai. The meat was soaked in a peanutty sauce, soft and warm, cupped in a dumpling wrap. This was so tasty, that I ate most of it, as L preferred the skewers.

All the meats in the wrap combo and beef set are winners. The grilled la la beef and satay beef each tasted different, garnished with sauteed green onions or garlic. The meat cooked in the fondue was lovely, soft and tender. I found the shrimp paste plumper and fresher than Rau’s competitors.

I appreciated the generous amount of basil, mint, pineapple, lettuce, cucumber and pickled carrots in both dishes. Unfortunately, our wraps have no pictures because L and I haven’t mastered our wrapping technique. I had to throw away two rice wrappers because I didn’t soak the crepe long enough in the warm water, resulting in a sticky, congealed mess.

There’s so much thought and care that goes into every dish. I noticed even the sauces were prepared in such a way to offer a completely different flavour profile. For example, the spicy tamarind sauce was topped with peanuts and chillis. The fish sauce was light, sprinkled with heady garlic notes and sweet pieces of carrots. I found the anchovy sauce intense with pungent, savoury, salty notes.

Rau is different from the norm – there isn’t anything generic about the flavours here. L noted that even though the portions were so generous, he didn’t feel gross or overstuffed. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend visiting Rau Bistro. This is a restaurant worth hitting up. Hitting the Sauce gives this gem two phat thumbs up.

Bakery · Bars/Lounges · Cheap Eats · Curry · Fast Food · Happy Hour · Italian · Mexican · Patio · Pizza

First Street Market – Pure Street Food, Saffron Street, Moose and Poncho

November 10, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

On Sunday, L and I checked First Street Market. I’ve heard favourable things about all the vendors – particularly the places I’ve never tried such as Actually Pretty Good, La Mano, and Friends with Benedicts. However, on this visit, I came specifically for Pure Street Food and Moose and Poncho, two restaurants I’ve frequented in the past. For this review, let’s listen to “All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers.

We grabbed a spot at the First Street Bar, just in time for the tail end of happy hour (4:00-6:00 p.m.). I ordered a glass of the Vinho Verde (HH $5, Regular $7, HH Bottle $25, Regular $35) and L chose the Snake Lake Pilsner (HH $5, Regular $7).

The Portuguese white wine was served ice cold. I found this wine bright with strong tropical notes. Other than First Street Market Bar, I don’t know anywhere else in the city where you can get a drinkable bottle of wine for only $35. Where was this place when I was in school?

At Pure Street Food I ordered the Bun Bo Sate ($12) and a Fire Chicken w/ Melted Cheese Sesame Donut ($6) for L. The broth was thick, rich and beefy. The slices of beef shank, brisket and beef rib were flavourful and tender. The noodles had a nice bounce to them.

I took a bite of the sesame donut. The flavour of the crispy sesame shell was prominent. L thought the fire chicken was delicious and not painfully spicy like he experienced in Korea.

L ordered four tacos ($6 each): Carnitas (confit pork) and Suadero (lime-marinated confit beef). Both the pork and beef tacos were tasty. I found the seasoning and quality of the meats delectable. I also liked how the flavour of the cilantro wasn’t overpowering. I mentioned to L that I wish he ordered some salsas ($3.50 each) to go with the tacos, as Moose and Poncho make some wicked dips. He said he didn’t see that option when he ordered and the staff never mentioned there were additional sauces he could have purchased. L thought the tacos didn’t need any more sauce than the one he was provided.

I was still hungry, so I ordered a Masala Dosa ($13) from Saffron Street. I remembered seeing Miss Foodie rave about this vendor. As always, she is correct. The crepe was light and delicate, fragrant with the smell of coconut. The potato filling was soft and creamy. I enjoyed alternating each crispy bite into the lentil stew, tomato and coconut chutney. I would order this again.

First Street Market reminds me of the food halls in Toronto, but more intimate and modern. I appreciate the concept – chef-driven, high-quality fast food paired with a bar offering inexpensive drinks. I look forward to my next visit! Hitting the Sauce gives First Street Market two phat thumbs up.

Banh Mi · Cheap Eats · Vietnamese

Bake Chef – Date night 9 out of 19

October 7, 2021October 7, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

On Monday, I met L at the University of Calgary to vote for Calgary’s new mayor – Jyoti Gondek. After we voted, we went on date 9 out of 19 at Bake Chef. For this post, let’s listen to “The Times They Are A-Changin” by Bob Dylan.

I wanted to order a cold cut sub because one of my favourite things about a banh mi is the contrast of the warm toasted baguette and the refreshing chill of the vegetables and meat. However, the last time I tried a cold cut at Bake Chef I was not impressed, so I ordered what L recommended.

L and I both ordered the Beef Sate Sub ($8.10). We went to his office to eat our lunch. I was relieved because I know I would have embarrassed L with my banh mi photo shoot. However, even in the privacy of his office, I could sense L was nervous. His eyes darted around as the crumbs and carrots started to fall on the table. L is sensitive to food smells, so I think he was worried I’d drop the subs on the floor, which would definitely leave an odour behind. Personally, I would love to work in an environment that smelled like my most favourite food in the world. Lucky for him, no sub was injured in the making of this blog post and I left his office stink free.

The baguette was soft and squishy, significantly lighter than Saigon Deli and Trung Nguyen. The generous amount of beef was hot, saucy and sweet. I enjoyed the gooeyness of the melted white cheese and the texture of the ribbon-like cucumbers. The carrots, red onions and jalapeño provided a crunch that help to balance out the soft texture of the beef.

How does this sub compare to all the other banh mi heavy hitters? The vegetables were fresh, but the carrots weren’t pickled. Size-wise, this sub is packed with more meat than even My Tho, To Me Sub and MyMy Sub. L prefers the texture and taste of the beef at Bake Chef over Saigon Deli, which he finds too dry. Bake Chef’s sub is also the most filling – I was stuffed for the next five hours. The bread is light and dry, so the sub gets soggy rather quickly. The addition of the lettuce and cheese makes Bake Chef’s sate beef sub the least authentic, but that doesn’t matter to me, as the overall flavour is great.

If you can, get out for the advanced vote. The ballot process this year is more complicated than previous elections. There are two ballots – a municipal and a provincial ballot. As well, voters will be asked to vote on adding fluoride to our water, select nominees for the Senate of Canada and vote on referendums about equalization payments and Daylight-Saving Time.

Banh Mi · Cheap Eats · Restaurants · Vietnamese

Thai Thien – Date 7 of 19

September 9, 2021October 7, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

I met up with Reeves at Cactus Club. Before I left my house to meet her, I looked up restaurants that would be open after our girls’ night. I spotted Thai Thien (formerly Thai Tai Sub) on 811 1 ST SW. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to have banh mi date night #7 out of 19. For this post, let’s listen to “You Were Meant For Me” by Jewel.

Cactus Club has half price wine on Tuesday and Wednesday. We drank some wine and Reeves ordered calamari. I nibbled on some of the hot peppers, but I was saving my appetite for the main course – a banh mi. I read the Google and Yelp reviews of Thai Thien beforehand so I didn’t have the highest expectation. I incorrectly assumed that a place like Thai Thien, one that caters to the downtown work crowd and tourists, wouldn’t have pate in their assorted sub ($4.99). I was happy to find out I was wrong.

I requested a white baguette as I read in the reviews that the brown version is too doughy. I found the interior of the bread soft and light. The cucumber was quartered and each piece was noticeably crisp and fresh. The carrots are pickled and crunchy. The sliced onions gave off a pleasing pungency. I counted two layers of cold cuts. Next time I would request extra meat to balance out the heavy ratio of cucumber. I appreciate the generous layers of pate, mayonnaise and butter, which I think is Thai Thien’s strong suit.

How does this cold cut compare to the other banh mi heavy hitters? Size-wise, the sub is similar to Trung Nguyen and Kim Anh. The flavour of Thai Thien’s pate tasted like Freybe’s pork pate, which gave the sub a westernized twist. I much prefer Xích Lô, Banh Mi Nhu Y, and My Tho BBQ’s pate. Thai Thien gives the least amount of meat but considering the rock bottom prices and the high rent location, I’m fine with paying a little extra to get some more meat. In terms of taste, Saigon Deli, Banh Mi Nhu Y, Xích Lô, Trung Nguyen, and Thi Thi offer a more traditional sub, which I prefer. Price-wise, this sub is an awesome deal, especially considering Thai Thien convenient hours and prime location in the downtown core.

The next week, I tried the Charbroiled Pork Sub ($6.25). Damn, this one is even better than the cold cut. The meat was seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. The ratio of meat to vegetable was perfect. The vegetables were fresh and crunchy. Every single bite contained that delicious balance of savoury, sweet and spicy.

For an inner city sub, you can’t get a better deal. I was stuffed and blissfully happy for only six bucks. Hitting the Sauce gives That Thien two phat thumbs up. Thai Thien is open from Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Banh Mi · Cheap Eats · Vietnamese

Obanhmi- Date two of 19

June 25, 2021October 22, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

L wanted to knock off number two of the 19 banh mi dates he promised me. Since I was already in Inglewood getting a dermal infusion, I suggested he order our dinner from Obanhmi in Dover. I specifically asked L for the classic assorted sub ($5.50) and not the deluxe assorted ($7.50) sub. The deluxe version has pork belly and that would put my Noom app in a tizzy. For this post, let’s listen to “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.

When L picked me up, he asked me if I knew banh mi means bread in English. I said no, I just assumed banh mi was a Vietnamese sandwich. I asked him how he knew and he said there are informative signs posted all over the shop. He smugly added that while I asked for an assorted sub, it was actually called a cold cut. I bit back the urge to tell him no one likes a know-it-all but then I realized it actually turned me on that he knew more about Vietnamese subs than me.

L relished his Beef Sate ($7.50) sub. He thought the beef was flavourful, and not in the generic peanutty way. He noted the beef wasn’t evenly distributed, so one side of the sub had lots of beef and the other side had barely any. We both liked how the carrots, daikon, and onions were pickled. Each vegetable was crunchy and wet, tart and sweet at the same time.

My cold cut contained four layers of assorted meats. The baguette was delightful – the interior was light and fluffy and the outside crackled when I bite into it. The pate was subtle and buttery. I liked how the cucumber was sliced into thin, crisp ribbons. This is a saucy sub – the juices from the pickled vegetables mingled with the mayonnaise and pate.

How does Obanhmi compare to all the other banh mi joints? Obanhmi gives more meat than Trung Nguyen and Thi Thi, but not as much as Saigon Deli. However, Obanhmi is more generous than Saigon Deli with the butter, pate and vegetables. Size wise, Obahmi subs are bigger than Kim Anh and Trung Nguyen but not as stuffed as To Me Sub or My Thou BBQ. Personally, I thought the pickled vegetables and crusty baguette give Obanhmi a slight edge over some of their competitors.

Note: L said I was going to drop the subs taking this picture. I didn’t, but I took this picture over the counter in case the subs fell out of my hand.

I’d rank this banh mi up there with all the other heavy hitters – Saigon Deli, Banh Mi Nhu Y, Trung Nguyen, My Thou, and Thi Thi. Pro tip – sign up for the point system. Accumulate ten points and you get a free sub. Hitting the Sauce gives Obanhmi two phat thumbs up.

Banh Mi · Cheap Eats · Vietnamese

MyMy Sub – Banh Mi

May 13, 2021November 13, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

I’ve been decluttering my house and selling random items on Varage. As of Tuesday, I made a whopping $15. To celebrate my windfall, I informed L that I was buying lunch.

Eatswithminnie has been posting about MyMy Sub, a newish Vietnamese takeout place by SAIT. When she told me that My My’s cold cut is better than Saigon Deli, I had to see it for myself. For this post, let’s listen to “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.

I took Minnieeats’ advice and called to place my order. Pro tip – there’s plenty of reserved parking at the back of MyMy Sub. I ordered a Cold Cut Sub ($8) for myself and L a Charbroiled Pork Vermicelli ($12). I could tell from the weight of the bag that the portions were big.

I was so excited to try my sub that I cursed every single car ahead of us that made a left turn. Finally, when we got home, I frantically tore the wrapping paper off my cold cut sub. Lo and behold – this was a real beauty.

The bread is excellent – glossy and crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The assorted meats were mild in flavour and cut into thick slabs. The texture of the meat was spongy and reminded me of the shrimp balls I eat in Chinese hotpot.

The only vegetables that are pickled are the carrots. The onions and cucumbers were sliced into coarse chunks. I noticed MyMy puts green peppers in their subs, which is unusual. The pate was nice – not overly metallic yet pungent enough to taste it in every second bite. I enjoyed the sauciness of the mayonnaise.

L enjoyed his dish. The charbroiled pork in L’s meal was salty, with a texture similar to the grilled pork meatball at Cuty Restaurant. The noodles were rounder and thicker than the standard vermicelli noodles. The portion was so generous L could only eat half his serving. I noticed there was an absence of bean sprouts. The spring rolls didn’t travel well. By time we ate, the spring rolls were soft. The nuac cham (dipping sauce) tasted strongly of fish sauce and vinegar.

In the bread department, MyMy’s baguette is one of the best in the city and comparable to Trung Nyguen. Size wise, the baguette is bigger than Kim Anh and Trung Nyguen. Compared to Saigon Deli, MyMy is more expensive, though price is moot because the latter adds more vegetables, meat and pate into their subs. MyMy’s sub has more meat than Trung Nyguen, Thi Thi and Kim Anh’s cold cut sub. Flavour and texture wise, I do prefer Saigon Deli’s assorted meats over MyMy. For pate, MyMy ranks higher than Kim Anh and Saigon Deli but lower than My Tho BBQ, Trung Nyguen, and Thi Thi. For vegetables, I prefer the sweet pickled carrots at Trung Nyguen, Thi Thi, and Kim Anh over MyMy. I also favour the daintiness of the cucumber slices from Thi Thi and Trung Nyguen over MyMy’s quartered pieces.

MyMy food taste more homemade than the other banh mi stores, as the flavours are simple and wholesome. It’s always nice to try something new and if you like assorted subs, I would give this place a go. Another reason to check them out is their more unique dishes.

One interesting item on the menu that I haven’t seen before is the Mixed Rice Paper ($8.50), a popular dish in Vietnam. For vegetarians looking for a good sub – try the veggie version. Wtigley said the bean curd makes for a particularly good vegetarian sub or salad roll. Either way, if you are looking for something different, you won’t be disappointed.

Banh Mi · Cheap Eats · Deli · Vegetarian

Saigon Deli – Assorted Meat Sub

March 8, 2021June 8, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Jacuzzi asked me why all my reviews are positive in Calgary and more negative in Vancouver. I prefer focusing on what I like about a restaurant over what I didn’t enjoy. As for the difference in tone between the two cities, let me just say your company does influence the overall experience.

There’s one spot in Calgary that I wasn’t initially keen on, but after my second visit, I’m happy I gave it a second chance. For this post, let’s listen to “All The Time” by the Bahamas.

Saigon Deli is one of the most popular banh mi shops in Calgary. The foodies that really know their Vietnamese cuisine swear by it. Three years ago, I tried the chicken and beef sate sub at Saigon Deli. I wasn’t impressed. However, after seeing Foodkarma, MissFoodie, and JustaYYCFoodie post their pictures on Instagram, I realized I ordered the wrong thing. The banh mi to order at Saigon Deli is the Assorted Meat Sub ($6).

When I arrived on a Sunday afternoon, three staffers were furiously filling orders. Service is efficient and considerate. I don’t know how the staff can keep track of all the orders, as each request is verbally called out. One customer wanted only half a sub with pate. I wanted three assorted, two toasted with one without cilantro and the other with no cucumber, and the last one untoasted with no cilantro. Though there was clearly an overwhelming number of orders, the staff made sure my order was right. For example, when I mentioned I wanted one sub not toasted, I was asked if I wanted the vegetables on the side.

The pate has a rougher texture and a stronger, richer flavour than Thi Thi, Trung Nguyen and Kim Anh. The meats were thickly cut and flavourful. The toasted bread was crunchy, but not so hard it cuts into the roof of your mouth. With the smear of yellow butter and the smell of the pungent white onions, I found this sandwich rustic and satisfying.

In my books, Saigon Deli assorted sub ties with Thi Thi, even though the sandwiches are different from each other. Thi Thi uses pickled vegetables, and their pate is whipped and melts in your mouth. The cold cuts in Thi Thi’s sub are also thinner and more subtle in flavour. I also find Thi Thi is heavier on the mayonnaise and with the addition of melted white cheese, makes for a decadent treat. Saigon Deli’s cold cut is more meat focused – the amount provided in each sub is more generous than all its competitors.

Here’s a pro tip for both places. Ask for your sub untoasted and for the vegetables on the side. That way when you get home, the sub won’t get soggy and you get extra vegetables. Just look at the picture above of the first sub I ate immediately after ordering at Saigon Deli and the version below of the sub I reheated the next day at home.

This Wednesday is L’s and my first date anniversary. I’m planning on ordering banh mi from Thi Thi to celebrate. While I’m a big fan of Saigon Deli, Thi Thi is closer to us and L loves the sate beef sub. Hopefully Thi Thi won’t sell out by the time we finish work.

Fusion · Restaurants · Vegetarian · Vietnamese

Pure Kitchen & Bar – COVID-19 takeout edition

July 23, 2020 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

L and I dropped by Uncle Ben’s house for dinner. Since Veggie Girl is having pregnancy cravings for bún (vermicelli bowl), we ordered Vietnamese takeout. I picked Pure Kitchen and Bar because their vegetarian dishes offer a more varied selection than its competitors. For this post, let’s listen to “No More Drama” by Mary J. Blige.

My photos are particularly bad as I didn’t feel like even putting in my usual half-ass effort. Pandemics make me unmotivated for self-improvement. Hopefully Pure Kitchen and Bar doesn’t mind me using some of their Instagram photos.

Screen Shot 2020-07-22 at 11.35.43 AM — Photo credit: Pure Modern Asian

I’m a big fan of the Papaya, Mango & Shrimp Salad ($13). I thought there was a lot of shrimp in this dish, particularly for the price. The fresh basil was aromatic and plentiful. The shredded papaya and mango was pleasingly chewy. The chilli lime sauce was really spicy. I liked all the crunchy elements in the salad – peanuts, fried taro and crispy onions. I couldn’t finish this salad in one sitting and the next day, it tasted just as good.

Screen Shot 2020-07-22 at 3.22.06 PM — Photo credit: Pure Modern Asian

L and I shared the Salted Duck Yolk Shrimp Tempura ($15). This dish illustrates how Chef Lam has mastered the art of takeout. I want to know how the shrimp remained so crunchy almost forty minutes after picking up our order. The dipping sauce of nori and tobiko mayo stood up beautifully against the crusty battered shrimp. He needs to charge more for this dish.

Veg

I ordered Veggie Girl the Vegetarian Vermicelli ($15). She raved about the texture of the fried tofu and noted that other Vietnamese restaurants often skimp out when it comes to the vegetarian dishes. Veggie Girl mentioned the vegetarian spring roll tasted similar to a Chinese style egg roll.

Screen Shot 2020-07-22 at 11.34.50 AM — Photo credit: Pure Modern Asian

I ordered Uncle Ben the Lemongrass Ultimeat Feast Vermicelli ($17) because he doesn’t often get the chance to eat meat. The ultimeat feast includes chicken, beef, shrimp and a pork spring roll. Uncle Ben mentioned the shrimp was large and not like the peanut sized ones that other Vietnamese restaurants use. He said that all the meats were generous in size and not overcooked. When Veggie Girl mentioned she was digging her spring roll, Uncle Ben chimed in that he enjoyed his spring roll as well. When I pressed him to describe the flavour he said, “It tastes like a good spring roll”. Uncle Ben, for the love of my blog, you got to work with me.

Screen Shot 2020-07-22 at 11.34.37 AM — Photo credit: Pure Modern Asian

I ordered L the Caramelized Chilli Lemongrass Chicken ($17) but I substituted vermicelli noodles for the rice. When I handed L his food, he asked me what I got him. I reminded him that in March, he wanted to try the lemongrass chicken but with noodles instead of rice. I tried a bite and I can confirm that I prefer the original rice version. The rice soaks up the rich flavour of the lemongrass better than the noodles.

Screen Shot 2020-07-22 at 11.36.25 AM — Photo credit: Pure Modern Asian

I ordered the Crispy Chicken Noodle Soup ($17) to eat the next day. The broth contained strong notes of garlic and something sweet. I opted for the spicy broth version and by the end of my breakfast, my whole face was perspiring. Yes, this is definitely a pho to eat at home alone, and in the dark. The portion was so generous I was able to make the soup last for two meals.

pho

With the rising number of COVID cases in Calgary, L and I are being extra careful where we dine. Currently, Pure is only accepting takeout or delivery orders. If you are ordering pickup, you have to call the restaurant once you get there and an employee will bring out your order to the door. I’ve ordered twice now from Pure Kitchen and I’m satisfied with their safety precautions.

salad

Bars/Lounges · Beer · Chinatown · Restaurants · Vietnamese

Paper Lantern – COVID-19 dine-in edition

July 16, 2020September 4, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Lovegastrogirl and I checked out Paper Lantern, a new underground tropical Vietnamese lounge in Chinatown. On Friday night, Paper Lantern was spinning some nostalgically old R&B tunes. So, for this post, let’s listen to “Try Again” by Aaliyah.

When we sat down, I immediately noticed two things. First, the staff take sanitation seriously. I saw tables being thoroughly cleaned in between parties. As this was Lovegastrogirl’s first time out in a restaurant since COVID-19, Paper Lantern’s safe practices put our minds at ease. Second, the music is played at an optimal level. For what my terrible eyesight lacks, my excellent hearing makes up for in spades. The music was loud enough to get into yet low enough to carry on a private conversation. A pet peeve of mine are restaurants that play music at a power level their speakers are unable to handle, resulting in fuzzy bass.

The prices at Paper Lantern are easy on the wallet. Well-made and sizeable snacks range from $7-$12. Cocktails cost from $10-$18, wines from $9-15, and beers from $6.5 – $8. On the evening we visited, pina coladas were on special for $8 and a shot of premium rum sold at cost.

Lovegastrogirl and I had no problem sucking back our pina coladas. Our chilled glass stayed frosty until the last delicious drop. I liked that my drink wasn’t too sweet and I enjoyed the balance of rum to the flavours of the coconut and pineapple. A coconut flake lodged in my throat and I started self-consciously coughing. I looked around the packed room and thankfully, no one gave me stink eye.

Paper Lantern does a “break-even” special – a shot of premium liquor sold at cost. We tried Flor de Cana ($7.22), a 25-year slow aged 80 proof volcanic ash enriched rum from Nicaragua. I enjoyed the clean burn in my throat as it warmed me up.

We shared an order of Beef Thịt Lụi Nướng ($8). We received three skewers of soy marinaded beef, topped with grilled and crispy onions and accompanied with a dipping sauce of coconut hoisin. We requested no peanuts due to Lovegastrogirl’s allergy.

skewers

I enjoyed the taste of the charbroil beef and the generous toppings on each skewer. Lovegastrogirl taught me a new trick. Get your friend to shed some light from their phone while you take a photo. Not only do you get a clearer and brighter picture, your flash doesn’t go off and blind other customers. L will be relieved.

We tried the Thịt Ba Chỉ Ram Mặn ($10) – a stir fry of pork belly, shrimp and pineapple on top of steamed rice. I enjoyed the sweet and tart glaze on the caramelized pork and shrimp. The portion of protein and rice was generous. I would order this again.

pork bowl

I’m planning on bringing my work family in early August to check out more of the menu. Office Dad said he will come if he’s allowed to bring his wife Jay Low. I like his wife, so I said sure. Office Dad told me that Jay Low used to have a little, but now she has a lot. He said don’t be fooled by the rocks that she got, she’s still Jay Low from the Block.

rice bowl better — Photo credit: @lovegastrogirl

For our third drink of the night, Lovegastrogirl ordered a Saturn cocktail ($10) and I ordered a glass of Reynolds Branco. This white wine was described as a tropical vacation in a glass. I found this wine rich, creamy and smooth. I thought this was an unusual wine and I enjoyed the chance to try something different.

I’m thrilled that Calgary has a unique speakeasy in the heart of Chinatown. This is something the neighbourhood needs – an urban escape with tropical beverages and yummy Vietnamese bites. Chinatown is changing and I’m loving it. For information about the entrepreneurs behind Paper Lantern, check out food writer Elizabeth Chorney-Booth’s detailed review.