Saigon Vietnamese In-and-Out

As a local restaurant waiter, I have the privilege of serving many of our town’s locals. The owner of Saigon Vietnamese In-and-Out comes in to my restaurant often, so I figured I’d return the favor when I was itchin’ for some Asian.
Red-eyed and still hung over from the night prior, I ordered the Iced coffee to wake me from my mid-day daze. When our waiter, Ling, brought me a rocks glass with it’s own personal coffee strainer, I sat confused. The Vietnamese iced coffee was unlike anything I’ve ever had.
“How does this thing work?” I said, pointing.
“Patience,” she replied.
The bitter grind, strained into the sweet condensed milk was an eye-opening concoction of two extremes. With one of those every morning, I’d have no trouble waking up.
When our food was served, Ling went even further with the dining adages – she taught us everything from how to wrap our egg rolls to how we toss our noodles. The vermicelli, that is...
Then it hit me. We were talking to the all-knowing, all-powerful guru of Viet fare. This meal was meant to be. I was the student, and she, my master (pardon me for the raunchiness, I can’t help it).
Everyone enjoyed the shrimp hot pot, except me, because I don’t care for sweet and sour soup. Nor do I care for sweet and sour candies, or MARGARITAS (except when it’s Margy Monday and they’re only a buck).
My lemongrass beef ($7), served over a mountain of jasmine rice, was simple, yet satisfying.
My friend Lindsey’s chicken, coated in a sea of peanut curry served over rice noodles was rich and full of flavor.
Our meal overall was good, considering it was something different. Just about every dish served to us came along with a side of fresh lettuce, mint and cilantro, which is popular in Vietnamese cuisine. That’s a good thing for me, considering that I’m a meat and potatoes kinda guy.
Saigon’s lunch specials could get you out of the place for under $10. For a healthy alternative to Asian dining, Vietnamese food is what you ought to do, and Saigon Café is where you ought to go. And if you’re not familiar with how to eat your egg roll, or in my case, how patience is key to iced coffee, it’s all right. Ling will be there to guide you.