This book is not only about Vietnamese cuisine, but also about memories associated with these foods. In my homeland (as in my adopted country), the big events in people's lives are associated with foods.
The recipes in this book are both simple and elegant. There are recipes easy enough for the beginner but some to challenge even the advanced cook. All the recipes will benefit anyone who likes to eat healthier foods without compromising taste. They are also designed so the cook doesn't have to spend a fortune to achieve the desired results. The recipes are tied together with memories, stories of people and places I knew in Vietnam. These stories are an attempt, in part, to share with my American family and friends where I came from and the evolution of my cooking style.