Happy Chinese New Year!

We choose to ring in the Chinese New Year at a bastion of Vietnamese delights, Bistro B. Situated on the Garland/Dallas Border of Walnut and Audelia, this gem promises to deliver a multi-sensory experience. The sights and sounds of Asia abound. Music of the region greets you as you walk in the door and plays LOUDLY throughout the dining room. You don’t realize its loud, at first, because the beauty and authenticity that is Bistro B’s decor is quite pleasing. Everywhere you look you will find color and beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You might ask what distinguishes Vietnamese cuisine? Fewer spices are used than in Thai cooking. Black pepper is used in place of chili oil. Food is simple in look but rich in flavor. It is considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide. North Vietnam has a strong Chinese influence. It is admired for its minimal use of oil and relies on herbs and fresh vegetables. The focus in all preparations is a harmonious balance of five elements; spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet. Aromatic ingredients like fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, lemongrass, ginger, bird’s eye chili, and lime compliment fresh greens and herbs like leaf lettuce Thai basil, opal basil, spicy corriander, cilantro, spearmint, peppermint, spinach, and bean sprouts.

 

 

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Vietnamese cuisine is that meat is used as a condiment not as the main ingredient. For many of us this might present a challenge. For this blogger, the departure from the mundane was delightful.  The following are samples of our journey through Vietnam. In no way did we even scratch the surface of the menu. Think Cheesecake Factory style menu and you have a good idea of how many choices there are at Bistro B.

 

 

We didn’t try any of their desserts but just look at what lined the wall above our booth!

In closing I must compliment the young staff. They are plentiful and there to please. They are quite talented at moving diners through the experience so that the long line of people to get in don’t get anxious. Each wears a headset to communicate with the kitchen and the hostess stand. Their uniform is clever…………………….

As you can see from the server’s check, it was a bargain!

Step out of your comfort zone.Make a Chinese New Year’s resolution to eat something healthy and feel like you’re cheating on your American New Year’s resolution.