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| First name:: | Cathy |
| Middle name:: | Nhu |
| Like your name:: | I like Catherine more than Cathy. SO sophisticated. |
| Named after anyone:: | Nope. |
| Any nicknames:: | Tuffy |
| Age:: | 28! |
| Birthplace:: | La Mesa, CA |
| Time you were born:: | 10:02 AM |
| Current location:: | Los Angeles, CA |
| Height:: | 5’3″ |
| Like your height:: | Very much. |
| Eye color:: | Brown |
| Contacts/glasses:: | Both! |
| Hair color:: | Black |
| Natural hair color:: | Black |
| Dye your hair often:: | Nope. |
| Righty or lefty:: | Right |
| Your favorite… | |
| Type of music:: | Pop! |
| Band or singer:: | Green Day |
| TV show:: | Friday Night Lights |
| Movie:: | Mighty Ducks II |
| TV channel:: | MTV |
| Radio station:: | Q102 (Philly), Channel 933 (San Diego), 91X (San Diego) |
| Place to be:: | In the sun. |
| Thing to do:: | Make someone laugh. |
| Food:: | Carbz |
| Non alcoholic drink:: | Horchata |
| Alcoholic drink:: | Mojito |
| Animal:: | Monkey |
| Holiday:: | Valentine’s Day |
| Season:: | Summer |
| Sport:: | Running |
| Place to shop:: | Nordstroms Rack |
| Clothing brand:: | Marc by Marc Jacobs |
| Scent:: | Speed Stick |
| Restaurant:: | Buddakan |
| Fruit:: | Mango |
| Vegetable:: | Okra |
| Fast food restaurant:: | In-N-Out |
| Pizza topping:: | Pineapple |
| Ice cream flavor:: | Hazlenut gelato |
| Magazine:: | YM! Us Weekly, Outlook Traveller, Theme |
| City:: | Phu Quoc |
| Color:: | Green |
| Number:: | 37 |
| This or that… | |
| Chocolate or vanilla:: | Vanilla |
| Pepsi or coke:: | Water |
| Hot or cold:: | HOT!! |
| Black or white:: | Black |
| Dog or cat:: | Sea monkeys |
| French toast or pancakes:: | French toast |
| French fries or onion rings:: | Onion rings! |
| Hamburger or hot dog:: | Hamburger |
| Pepperoni or sausage:: | Sausage |
| Britney or Christina:: | BRITNEY 4 EVER! |
| McDonalds or Burger King:: | In-N-Out (read Fast Food Nation) |
| 50 Cent or Eminem:: | Eminem |
| Canada or Mexico:: | Canada! I heart Nina. |
| Hug or kiss:: | Smooch! |
| Movies or TV:: | TV |
| Truth or dare:: | Truth |
| Do you… | |
| Shower daily:: | Yes. |
| Sing in the shower:: | Yes. |
| Like to sing:: | Yes. |
| Like to dance:: | Yes. |
| Smoke:: | No. |
| Drink:: | Not so much. |
| Cuss:: | Yep. |
| Talk to yourself:: | Not like Jen Yee does. |
| Believe in yourself:: | Yes. |
| Play an instrument:: | Kinda. |
| Go to school:: | No. |
| Go to college:: | No. |
| Have a job:: | Sometimes. |
| Like your job:: | Sometimes. |
| Want to get married:: | Yes. |
| Want to have kids:: | Maybe. |
| Get along with your parents:: | Yes, when I’m not planning trips abroad. |
| Get along with your siblings:: | Yes, when we don’t spend time together. |
| Drive:: | If I have to. |
| Random… | |
| Do you think you’re trustworthy:: | Very much so. |
| Think your funny:: | I am SO funny. |
| Ever toilet papered someones house:: | Sadly, no. |
| Gone garbage can tipping:: | Nope. |
| What are your parents names:: | Thuy. And Thuy. Vietnamese names are cool like that. My cousin’s name is Thuy too. |
| Siblings names:: | Victor |
| Do you wash your hands frequently:: | Yes. |
| How many time a day do you brush your teeth:: | Two. |
| Collect anything:: | Restaurant matchboxes, passport stamps. |
| Ever been in love:: | Yes! |
| In love right now:: | YEP! |
| What color pants are you wearing right now:: | Blue jeans. |
| How does your hair look:: | Awesome. |
| Ever had your heartbroken:: | Cracked. |
| Ever broken the law:: | Yes, speeding. |
| Been arrested:: | No. |
| Been out of the country:: | Yes. |
| Can you stick your fist in your mouth:: | No. |
| When was the last time you got drunk:: | STK |
| Do you do drugs:: | No. |
| When was the last time you were high on anything:: | Right now. On life! |
| Do you prefer the lights on or off:: | Dimmed. |
| Would you ever get plastic surgery:: | No. |
| Do you prefer boxers or briefs:: | Boxer briefs. |
| Do you like to laugh:: | Yes. |
| Ever had a bloody nose:: | Yes. |
| Have you ever caught a fish:: | Yes. |
| What was the last thing you ate:: | Pancakes with maple syrup. |
| What time do you go to bed:: | 11 PM |
| What’s your favorite color:: | Green |
| Do you like to give or recieve:: | Both! |
| Are you obsessed with anything/anyone:: | Coach Schultz says that obsession is not a good thing. |
| Do you live alone:: | No. |
| Do you own a blender:: | Yes. |
| Do you like the snow:: | Sometimes. Only when it doesn’t interfere with my running. |
| Ever been up a mountain:: | Yes. |
| Ever been rootin’:: | I don’t think so. |
| Do you like surprises:: | Yes. |
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Love your posts on Vietnamese foods. I haven’t visited VN for nearly 7 years and are desperate to go back to visit. Thanks for the tips on where to find good local foods. Keep up the good work & enjoy what VN has to offer!
Cathy, or should I say Ms Gastronomer,
I found your blog recently while googling some info about philly restaurants and found it both excellent and very informative. I also found your book review section and found it to be spot on. I thought I might recommend a book for you (& perhaps the astronomer). I recently picked up the “Molecular Gastronomy”, an english translation of a book by a french chemist and gastronomer, Herve This. The book is actually part of a series “Arts & Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History”. I found it absolutely intriguing because it wound its way through the kitchen, the table, the mouth, nose, throat, and history of good food, as well as the language we use to describe it, all from the perspective of the molecular and tissue level of food. Of course it is not a ‘food fiction’, ‘art of food’, nor a ‘how to’ book, but it is a rare and rigerous little treat on the why and whyfore of everything from salt to foie gras to gels to wine and roasts, and it doesnt seem too shallow or much like a school book. Anyway, my partner and I are about to visit philly for the first time and per your blog we now have several options, so I wanted to say hi, thanks for the interesting blog, and keep writing.
regards,
Luke
Hi Cathy,
I stumbled on your website when searching Vietnamese food websites. I’ve enjoyed it very much so far, since my Mom is Vietnamese and I LOVE my Vietnamese food. What I couldn’t find is what you and your boyfriend are doing there? I’m thinking of quitting my job and going there for a few months… however, i’m not sure i’m interested in teaching English. I was just wondering what other job opportunities exist. I’m from Canada. Hope you’re enjoying your time! I would love to be there!
Nina
I very much love your website Cathy!!! Having spent so much time in Thailand and Myanmar, looking and reading at this I got so hungry for all of those foods that you can’t find in the USA! (Why is that?) WHen I eventually make it to VN, I will know exactly what I want to eat, thanks to you!
first off, love your blog. i feel like such a taker. thought i would drop you a thread to say thanks. waz born in Britain, raised in Philly, was a sou chef La Bec Fin back in-da-day and now reside on the L.E.S. and married to a sweety i met in Saigon, so i feel an eery connection. been using your site like a dog chewin a bone and wanted to say Kudos to you, Astro man and Graham. Cheers and keep up the good work ! Truly, Special K~
Hey there Special K – thanks for dropping a line. Eerie connection indeed! The next time I’m in the L.E.S., my friends and I are going to head to Momofuku Saam Bar for the pork shoulder. You and the misses should join us!
Thanks Summer! It’s never too late to visit America’s Finest City
. And about keeping fit – I’m an avid runner and try to take the stairs whenever possible.
Wow, I totally love your blog. I’m a food lover too. If only I read your blog 3 years ago while I’m still in SD, I will follow your recommendations on restaurants to search for good food. But na… maybe it’s not too late, I might visit SD again and maybe I will visit those cool places you have mentioned in your blog. So, keep the posting coming. Just curious, how do you burn all your calories after eating so much food?
Catherine, thanks for the invite, we’d love to chow down on some dead piggy with ya’ll. we just got back from a month in Siagon yesterday, still dealin with the jet lag. Much tuffer comin back, i’m sure you know. On another note, you ever been to Menchanko-Tei ? great (cheap) Japaneese noodle house 131 E 45th perfect on a cold winter NYC day/night. my e-mail black.sheep.69@hotmail.com drop us a thread when you back on the rock, later, K~
PS we checked out Bon Xeo 45 Wifey calls in Vietnamese pizza
Dear Cathy Danh,
my name is Kai Friese and I edit a monthly travel magazine in New Delhi. I’m writing because I’ve assigned myself a story on Saigon, and, inspired in no small part by your blog, I plan to focus substantially on the food.
I know this is a bit presumptuous but I wanted to ask if I could meet you during my visit (Feb 1-5) and possibly go out for a meal.
Needless to say I’ve enjoyed your writing very much.
Best wishes,
Kai Friese
Cathy!!!
Great blog–Glad to see you’re still enjoying food : ) How’s Vietnam? I’m not THAT far away–only a mere 7 hour flight or so to Australia. I’m currently living in Adelaide, on the southern coast. Kind of a backwater, but lots of good food, including the best gelato I’ve had outside Italy. (lots of bad food too. the Aussies seem to like both extremes). I especially liked your airline food reviews, I encountered similar sandwiches on Chinese airlines, though at least they gave us little golden airplane pins : ) Lemme know what’s up with your life!!
I have just moved my posts to wordpress. Just a new start.
Stop by and comment, ok?
Thanks by the way.
I will go to Saigon soon and I think I have a bit free time to stop by some of places you mentioned here – love eating and food
take care
Angela
Hi Catherine,
I am Fabian currently living in Hong Kong. I will be moving to Saigon in about 2 weeks time and I am very excited about it. Surfing the web for good eateries in Saigon, since I know nothing and no one there. Then I found your blog which really impressed me and made me feel hungry to take on the Saigon food scene.. :p
Thanks for this blog, it’s really fantastic!
Fabian
Hi Cathy,
Thanks again for meeting up with Steven, Lam & me recently. We thoroughly enjoyed your company, Vernon and Ngu Vien.
Remember you mentioned that night that you wrote an article on thit chuot dong? Guess what, when I was in Ha Noi I stumbled across that article in Time Out magazine.
I still read your blog once a week and enjoy it greatly. If only I get to travel & eat great food as often as you do! Melbourne is a good place for foodies but not as good value as Asia!
Hope all is well with you & Vernon.
Take care and regards.
Since you mentioned about toilet paper job… ( commonly known as TP JOB)., and I am regarded as “seasoned TP Jobber” by my associates. I can skew out some tips and tricks. Don’t get me wrong I never claim to be master of TP Job Art. The following are steps including preparation for a perfect TP jobbing. Of course this can be modified to fit individual situation and taste.
STEP ONE:
House selection:
- house should be on the corner so lots of people driving by see your work of art
- house should has lots of hedges and HIGH trees to hang TP on
- house should has no fence to trap you in case you’re caught
- house should has no motion-sensitive lights to warn the owners
- house should has no dog – DOH! (Unless you are mentally challenged, or physically faster than our four legs friends)
Last but not least…
- house doesn’t have an owner crazy enough to take down all your work of art in the middle of the night before anyone gets to witness your master piece – DOH!
STEP TWO: TP TECHNIQUE — AND BEYOND
- sheer volume, we are talking about massive volume, the more the better. Heck , Juan done 6 roles, Ethan got 7, Bern got almost 8 ( creep, should counted 8, cuz the remain of 8th roles was on the driveway, when the living room light was on) . So if you want to be a master 8 roles is to be thrashed.
- HIGHEST, the higher the better, the highest branches of trees, rooftop, gate, a plus is the antenna, be it old style or satellite antenna, get TP around ‘em if you get them hang, you are graduated from your internship. .
- the TP shall be of high quality, it is important because the cheap stuff doesn’t cling right
But it was all the EXTRAS which put TP job in the “master” category:
- grocery bag ripped-into-small-pieces, colored construction paper scattered across lawn. Even in the streetlight is for “master”.
- Silly string (AKA rolling barrel)! Come on – who doesn’t appreciate silly string? Especially on hedges. That stuff is stubborn.
- And the coup-de-grace – the Vaseline, used motor oil, grease or whatever similar to that on the door handle; in case the owner open the door and hunt you down.
NEVER NEVER:
on your escape –If discovered – do NOT run in the direction of your house. And you should know why..
STEP THREE – DO NO HARM
- do not destroy plants, paint, or any other properties; remember TP Job means to be a frank, not vitalization.
- TP Job, once is funny, more than one not funny any more.
- . “Holy crap, dude! He almost CAUGHT US!” is a bragging right. It is trademark of a master
Now for the TP Jobbers wanna be out there, if you get any question feel free to email me.
Hi Catherine,
I just wanted to let you know how much ive enjoyed reading your bog, and SO MANY PICS!!
Im heading to Vietnam in September and i am already salivating over all the culinary delights that await me.
Reading through your blog and also Noodle Pie have given me so much more knowledge and understanding of what to look for and what to stay away from.
I CANT WAIT!!!
Thanks Again
Cain
Catherine,
Heading to VN for my honeymoon in October and was really happy to find your page. My future wife and I are planning the whole trip around the food and your insights have been invaluable. I have a feeling many people stop by here to do the same thing. It would be great if you had a “can’t miss” list for all of the major cities in VN.
Jacob
Hey Cathy,
Just want to leave a few word to let you know thatI love your blog, I stumbled over your entries about vietnamese food, it makes me miss saigon food so damn much. And I just realized how wonderful they are.
Jade
Hi Catherine!
I just want to say I absolutely love love love your blog! I check for new entries every single day!
Nhi
Hello there! Just wanted to say you’ve got a fantastic blog!! The variety of food in VN is mind blowing indeed. I’m heading there this year. Thanks
Hi Cathy love reading your blog I’m from San Diego also (Mira Mesa) but also have a condo in Bangkok just want to tell you I have been going to Thailand for 15 years and I have never seen half the food you have tried 555 I will be back in BKK next Month if your in town would be our pleasure to take you and your friends out to dinner
Catherine, this is an awesome site. Loved all the comments on the national plates. Im going to Saigon next week with a bunch of people who are studying in Singapore. Where do you think we have to go? Whats the best coffee place? Best bar?
continue with this…
Catherine,
Finally a HaNoi top 10, I will have a print out and ready to try your suggestions next july when I’m there. The mien luon looks good but if you ever have a chance, try the Hue style bu’n ta`u xao luon, it’s to die for. (Marinated luon meat in fish sauce, black pepper, nuoc mam, chopped green onion then stir fry with bu’n ta`u, fresh finely chop turmeric, and green or yellow chive then server with banh trang me`) Luon can be substitute with chicken gizzard, liver, or chicken breast, or shrimp, or fish filet, but nothing beat fresh water eel for this particular dish. hehehe good eating
I was aware that it’ll come someday, but I’m sad that you’ve left Saigon and returned to the US. It means that now I have to wait for pictures that Hawk actually sends, which are unfortunately few. I didn’t realize that you are a Southern Belle, Hawkins kept mentioning the SoCal girls that he runs into, which makes sense since that area has the largest concentration of Viets outside the mother land. I don’t know where you’ll end up in your job search, but if you are still in our neck of the woods, you and the astronomer are welcome to visit when Hawkins returns for Tet. Sea Island in January, maybe?
Hi there Catherine, just got back from Asia Friday Had a great time but of course ate way to much LOL Next time your in Sai Gon you have to try the cha gio Hai San at Ngoc Suong restaurant I’m still dreaming about them
Howdy Rick! Glad to hear your trip went tastily
I never did get a chance to eat at Ngoc Suong—I always wanted to take my great aunt there but she always preferred to cook at home. Next time I’m in HCMC, I’ll definitely make an effort to go for the cha gio!
Catherine-
Stumbled onto your site while hunting for a picture of Steven A. Shaw. I moonlight at a restaurant critic in the Northwest and plan to come back to explore more of what you’ve written. I like the tone.
One other thing… I’m in the process of developing a WordPress site and would love to ask you some questions about the way you’ve set up your site. Possible?
-Kevin
I’m a Singaporean girl, who loves Vietnamese food, and is thinking of going to college in California. Woohoo – Your blog makes me wish I was in CA!
Cathy,
Because I enjoy eating and cooking, I love your blog a lot ! very well organized and humorous.
Thank you for sharing
Gwen Lu
Cathy,
i love to eat. the first time i read your blog i got so hungry and had to stop, went to the kitchen and foray for snacks, but since there is no cook on sunday i had to be satisfy with a bowl of left over “canh khoai mo with rau ram, tom and thit heo bam”!
next time you are in town, make sure you stop by Tuan Tu Restaurant in the alley, corner of Pho 24 on Tran Cao Van Street around the Turttle Lake/Circle. this is a hidden treasure of Hanoi food. better than all the restaurants in Hanoi i have ever been to and the price is very reasonable. seating is very limited – only 6 tables so lunch is tough, but dinner is easier to find seating from 7pm on. let me know after you have been there.
hi!
just wanted to let you know that i came across your blog after watching that no reservations episode on vietnam a couple of weeks ago. it has kept me occupied at work for the past hour
i am a novice cook myself, but my husband and i absolutely LOVE food, especially vietnamese food. your blog makes me want to go to some of the places you went to in vietnam and gorge myself.
i’ve been back three times, but all were very short trips; i was obligated to mostly hang around the house and only go around with my relatives. the next time i go back, i’m hoping to go with my husband (who has never been) to some places like that beach town not far from HCM. i would welcome any recommendions and “must-sees” from you when the time comes to plan a trip there.
i live in madison, wi, so we’re not fortunate like california is with the extensive asian restaurant selections. looking at some of your pictures makes me very envious…
anyway, just wanted to say keep up the great blog – i’ll be checking in regularly.
Hi Cathy, I got to your blog from the article in NY Times and I think it is incredible. I am a Vietnamese who’s been living in Vietnam for over 20 years but I haven’t tried many of the foods you reviewed. Even with the recipes I tried and cook everyday, reading your reviews make me look at them in a more special perspective. You have a flawless passion and taste for culinary art.
Hello Cathy,
Just let you know that Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey will be at last broadcasted tonight on Thursday 16th of July on the BBC2 at 8:00, which we are longing for. Cambodia is the first country he has chosen. You can watch it on the BBC Iplayer, if you miss this series.
I am the chef’s fan since I have emigrated from Saigon to London in 1996. And my husband now join me to watch any of Rick Stein’s series.
I missed an opportunity to meet our favourite chef during his trip to Vietnam last year. You are a lucky girl ! If I had a chance to meet him, I would recommend my family’s restaurant in Thu Duc to him so that he could taste some delicious food.
I really love your website because it is interesting and informative. We are looking forward to watching you and Rick Stein on the TV in due course.
Best wishes,
Thao
Gastronomer,
Just wanted to send a quick thanks your way for documenting all your favorite Vietnamese eats. I was recently in Vietnam and relied heavily on your blog to steer me in the right direction. The top 10 lists for Saigon and Hanoi were particularly useful. I’m in the midst of a rather lengthy and involved SE Asia travelblog on eGullet right now, reliving my own gastronomic adventures and just wanted to share couple posts with you if you’re interested in revisting some old favorites. Some of the spots you recommended in Hanoi can be found here, http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=125342&view=findpost&p=1685408, and some of the spots in Saigon can be found here, http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=125342&view=findpost&p=1685940 and here, http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=125342&view=findpost&p=1685567.
Thanks again for doing what you do.
take it easy,
Bryan Zupon
Catheryn, will be going to VietNam again in Oct and looking forward to trying some of your fave places. Have been to all the major cities and then some in my 7 visits but never think to document my culinary escapades. Will try to in the future. Keep writing your awesome!
Hi Cathy,
I’m sure you get a ridiculous number of people telling you this but I wanted to let you know how much I love reading your blog and how useful all the Vietnam posts have been in my quests for Saigon streetfood. A couple of my friends are doing the expat thing there now (we’re all from the UK originally) so when I’m topping up my Vietnamese food and travel obsession I get use their place as a base (woohoo!).
Between you and noodlepie, I had the inside knowledge on all the good stuff so thank you thank you for all your reporting! I’ll be back in Vietnam in October then again for a few months in the new year so will be checking out the places you rate that I missed out on (like the early morning grub in district 4 – can’t wait!).
Loving the blog – especially the Little Saigon posts. Hope everything’s going really well – I can’t believe how often you manage to post. Brilliant work.
Best wishes, Alice
Hi Cathy,
Big fan of your blog! I wanted to email you and bug you for some travel advice. I’m Vietnamese and my wife Chinese, but neither one of us have ever been to Vietnam. We’re leaving on a honeymoon journey to Southeast Asia. Thailand, Singapore, then 11 day tour in Vietnam (Hanoi all the way down to Saigon). My family is SO persistent on telling us to be careful not to eat the street food in Vietnam. My wife and me are HUGE on “piggin’ out”. We probably won’t be able to resist in Vietnam. Do you have any tips on staying health conscious while still being able to enjoy grubbin’ out in Vietnam?
HI Catherine!
Just got dared by Anthony Bordain to blog the “Lunch Lady,” and when I did, I found you!
) Love your blog, only wish I found it earlier since I just returned from a 6 week trip to China. I noticed your many pictures of noodle soups with greens and an oily sort of minced meat, presumably pork. I live in San Diego and am fervently trying to find something similar here. I had it almost daily in China. Any suggestions? Thanks so much! Ro p.s. favorite beer is Leffe Blonde
Thank you thank you thank you thank you so much for your freakishly awesome website. I am prepping to go back to Vietnam after a four year absence, so I decided to Google places to eat. My friends and family joke that I am always way prepared when it comes to places to eat in every different city. So I Googled the Lunch Lady in Saigon to get her daily menu and came upon your site. I immediately gasped and told my boyfriend that I had found my “food-appreciating” soulmate. You put other foodies to SHAME!!! (Including myself.) Take care and great job!
Hi Cathy ^^
It’s very nice to know your blog. It’s amazing here. I’m Vietnamese too but i’m studying in Canada. Your blog made me miss the food in VN so much and want to come back there soon
thanks a lot and pls keep doing this great job
Stumbled upon your blog while searching for the “soup lady” after watching an episode of No Reservations.
Great blog – enjoy reading your recipes. Have made a few comments on them, specifically thit kho, ca ri ga, and pho chay.
Will look forward to my next trip “home” now, I have to check out some of the recommendations especially the soup lady – that Bourdain chap really sold it to me.
Keep up the good work.
Hi Cathy, love, love, love your blog! Fabulous, yummy street eats listing! Thanks for sharing!
Cathy,
Just wanted to say we went to a few places you recommended on our recent trip to Vietnam, and they were all fabulous! Your blog is a great resource, and it’s now on my blogroll and one of my favorites for Southeast Asia!
Hello Catherine, good to stumble upon your blog from an Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations’ picture. Like this gastronomical blog! Keep up the good work!!
Cathy,I love your blog, and I noticed your hometown is San diego. I just wanted to suggest going to El Pescador its a small place on pearl street in La Jolla. (I recomend you try the smoked salmon salad with the cippino or clam chowda)…Let me know what you think.
Fellow Food lover,
Susan A.
Cathy, it was so nice meeting you today! Looking forward to staying in touch! Love your blog!
xoxo – your fellow Vietnamese blogger =)
– quyen
Hi Cathy,
I love your blog and those stunning photos, recipes… I could go on. It’s brilliant and thanks for sharing!
I felt stuck in a rut with the food in Hong Kong. Ran across one of your posts. I feel like my time here will be better spent soon (with some better eating). Thanks for sharing!
Hey Gastronomer!
I lived in Saigon for 6 months 3 years ago.Unfortunately, I only discovered your blog upon my return to Ireland but used to read it for nostalgia purposes; and then thought it was cool when you popped up on a tv show with Rick Stein!
I’m actually in Saigon for a brief visit as I write this, but will be moving here for a year in October. I plan to try out all your recommendations and may even start a blog myself.
Anyhoo, I just wanted to say thanks for the excellent blogging!!!
Paul
PS Did you ever try out a restaurant called Table de Saigon in an alleyway near De Tham. Excellent food in an area (even though it’s a backpacker area).