My Dad's 60th Birthday

My siblings and I had been planning my dad's 60th birthday bash for months.  We decided on an "Asian Wedding" theme since all three siblings decided that most likely any dreams of a traditional Asian Wedding from us three kids were shot.  This was going to be perfect since we were essentially throwing a party that my dad would have dreamt for any of his kids but the focus would be on him!

In the madness of planning this party we kind of forgot to let my dad in on all the details.  Surprisingly enough, my mom did too.  Apparently, all 70 guests didn't mention a peep to my dad either.  We had no intention of having a surprise party but that was exactly what it turned out to be.  The look on my dad's face when he arrived was priceless and of course no family party would be complete without my dad getting somewhat emotional.

We held the banquet style dinner at Mandarin Cove Restaurant  in Downtown Portland.  George did an amazing job in helping to create a perfect 10-course Chinese dinner.  The Pham's LOVE taking photos (we are a vain bunch), so we hired a local photographer to document the night and had a little backdrop where everyone could take photos.

We couldn't have picked a better DJ for the occasion.  DJ Monkey spun some modern day American beats along with some traditional and not so traditional Vietnamese jams.  He got everyone on the dance floor!  I'm not going to lie, at times I felt like I was at a middle-aged Vietnamese dance party but it was SOOOOoo much fun!

Great food, fun music and in the company of our loved ones!  I would have to say that this party was a success.  Happy 60th Birthday Dad!

Mom & Mama's Home Cooking

Since moving to Santa Barbara, one of the things that I miss most is home cooking.  And when I say home cooking, I mean my mom's Vietnamese dishes and mama's (mother-in-law) Thai/Lao meals.  Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

In April, we made a quick weekend trip back to Portland and both moms spoiled us with some delicious favorites.  The first question either one would ask is, "What would you like to eat?"  Well, don't mind if I do...

BO BIA
I love Vietnamese salad rolls of all types.  However, I don't often get the luxury of eating "Bo Bia". So it was definitely a treat when my mom made them for us on our last visit home.  Bo Bia is a salad roll that is filled with Chinese sausage, jicama, eggs and dried shrimp.  You dip the Bo Bia rolls in a peanut and hoisin sauce. It is a common street food snack that you would find in Vietnam.

PAPAYA SALAD, LAO SAUSAGE & STICKY RICE
One of my favorite treats when going to Mama's house is having her papaya salad.  No one does papaya salad like Mama!  She loves experimenting with her papaya salad recipes by coming up with slightly different sauce concoctions.  I can't seem to figure out her secret recipe (yet) but as long as she keeps making it, I'm content eating.

 Papaya salad is not complete unless if you have it with a side of Lao sausage and sticky rice.  Mama doesn't actually make the sausages herself.  Mama tells me that anytime she craves these sausages she puts in a special order to some Lao Grandma who makes them out of her home.  This Lao Grandma must have some magical powers because these links are bursting with flavors of lemongrass, chili peppers and garlic in each bite!