Friday night at Thanh Thao
On my menu plans, Friday usually says "Out." It's unrealistic to expect otherwise. The little cooking dial in me turns to "I Quit" on Friday nights. Even though, as you know, I adore being in my kitchen.
We usually go to someplace cheap and in the neighborhood. Last night we went to Thanh Thao, the Vietnamese restaurant we've been going to for over 10 years. Wyatt got a kid-size bowl of pho and emitted short grunts as he slurped it down. I didn't have pho till I was in my 20's. Loretta got rice and egg rolls, Yancey got this beautiful tray for making spring rolls, and I gut bun (rice noodles--pronounced "boon") with chargrilled pork. Number 131. Same every time.
I felt so content, watching Yancey deal with Loretta's demands (not me!), surrounded by loads of families and lovers eating heartily and celebrating Friday night. It was as if the click of our chopsticks was saying, "We made it through another week. Some of us barely, others with flying colors. But we're here, we are not alone." Amen. (And our bill was $30, even with extra egg rolls and my beer.)
June 6, 2009
Reader Comments (8)
I love Thanh Thao! We always get more than enough because the price is so great and I can never resist getting egg rolls even if I know I am going to stuff myself! Avocado milkshakes are delicious too.
I hear you about "we made it through another week..." A long one this week. Got teary when I read that. Am hopeful though!
Love the addition of the ingredients section and search feature. Way to go!
Sounds like a wonderful time was had. My favorite are the grunts between Wyatt's slurps - made me giggle. Happy Saturday!
Hey Sarah! Leslie told me about your blog today at The Walk. I've been meaning to connect with you. Thanks for the local restaurant recommendation. Maybe we can get together for a play date soon.
It's a relief to know that even you don't feel like cooking all the time. :)
PS - Now that I've come to terms with my internet identity, I'm changing up my username from Nazz to Naomi Momosis... thanks for being the last bit of inspiration I needed to get started!
No more Nazz! Eeks! May she R.I.P.
I have only had Vietnamese food once, and I must have ordered the wrong thing. I didn't care for it at all. Reminded me of dirty gym socks. On the other hand I love Thai food. And we took use Friday night as the no cook night.
i think vietnamese food is the food of the gods. i only wish i had a cheap delicious vietnamese restaurant in my neighborhood!
Ooh, Karen! You're missing out. If you are ever up this way, I'll take you out for noodles. My treat :)