Mother's Day Dinner at Pho Hiep Grill Chateau

I'm glad that I paced myself earlier today since we were going to have dinner later on with Bert's mom and bro-in law (#2 son).

Yes, Vietnamese again!


And yes, Pho Hiep Grill Chateau is where we went LAST year for MD Dinner!

Hmmm, which cocktail should I get?

Our favorite waitress was there - always so nice and accomodating. Whenever TC orders the Pho from the Children's menu, she always makes sure that TC gets the garnish plate because it is normally NOT served with it. I guess they think that kids won't eat the bean sprouts, basil and jalapeno. I also like how she already knows what I'm going to order (it's almost always the same everytime)...

I noticed a few new items on the menu...

Pan stir fried Pho?  What?

It was a really warm day today and it felt cool inside, especially with the doors open to the breeze.

If you are sitting in the middle and look up, this is what you'll see...

Our appetizers - Goi Cuon (spring rolls) with shrimp only (no pork):

We also ordered the Nem Nuong (pork rolls). After having had the version from Brodard's, all other pale in comparison. In fact, this one was downright sloppy. They were rolled very loose and fell apart after a couple of bites. They still tasted good though but a tighter wrap would have been better.

My MILs fried rice with shrimp and chicken. She didn't like the greenery on top so I took it off for her after the photo was taken.

Since we were still full from lunch, Bert and I ate light - just the Banh Xeo. I like how they do it here - it's not so "big" and "mushy". The exterior is nice and crispy. This is what I always order, along with the Nem Nuong. Everytime I order it, the waitress always says, "Same order?" with a smile.

My Mothers Day Cocktail - "The Happy Mom" - Citrus vodka, Chambord, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. The beer behind it was Bert's favorite, the elusive Chau Tien.

Before I forget, my BIL's plate - Com Tam with Chicken.

After dinner, we went out to the koi pond outside the restaurant where TC spent a quarter at the fish food dispenser. She flicked the pellets one by one into the water as we watched the koi feeding frenzy.

The other side of the koi pond, which also contains turtles.

Maybe next year we'll try a different cuisine for Mother's Day! It was VN two years in a row and the same places too! But I like QH and PHGC so much so who knows, maybe it will be three for three in 2013! Until next Mother's Day....