So the other day as I was doing my five mile run on the treadmill, I noticed the Food Network channel displaying over my head. The first thing I thought to myself was, “Why is it that gym tends to showcase food channels?” I suppose it’s a bit masochistic on my part to watch that glistening warm apple pie coming out of that hot oven, or that drizzling hot fudge trickling down … [Read more...] about What the Pho? The Growing Trend of Pho Eating Contests
food
Questionable Vietnamese Masculinity in Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
Four score and seven minutes ago (party-on dudes!), I expressed some ambivalent feelings about Vietnamese representation in Luke Nguyen's Vietnam. Given the tantrum-like shit-storm that followed, I was hesitant to write the promised article, "Questionable Vietnamese Masculinity." After all, there's only so many people you can piss off before one of them comes after you. But … [Read more...] about Questionable Vietnamese Masculinity in Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
Food, Accents, and Authenticity in Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
For those who don't yet know, I'm fond of all things food and Vietnamese. And judging by recent responses on VTP, I'm not the only one. I am, however, equally - if not more so - obsessed with the cultural production of “accents.” Imagine my delight then, when confronted with the Australian hybrid travel-cooking show, Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam. If I were a bit more sexually … [Read more...] about Food, Accents, and Authenticity in Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
Please Do Not Eat the Wildlife
There are many Vietnamese dishes that stray from the American mainstream of meats like beef, chicken, pork, and fishes like salmon and tuna. These exotic dishes are of course, delicious, but you have to admit there are some dishes that make even American-born Vietnamese cringe. We all know the “scary” boiled duck egg with the tiny fetus still growing inside of it, known as … [Read more...] about Please Do Not Eat the Wildlife
Bourdain Loves Vietnam, OneVietnam Loves Him Too
Anthony Bourdain does it again! He is returning to "his favorite place on Earth," Vietnam, on the upcoming No Reservation episode on Monday, March 29. During his last visit, he seriously considered moving to Vietnam. See our blog on this episode here. This time, Anthony Bourdain is taking his show to Vietnam's Central Highlands. You'll see Bourdain at Linh Phong Monastery … [Read more...] about Bourdain Loves Vietnam, OneVietnam Loves Him Too