It’s Cinco de Mayo today so the three of us went to get Cambodian food this morning. I know, that sentence did not make any sense (especially since Mexican food is on my top 5 list) but that’s how it is when you live in LA, home to Little Tokyo, K-Town, Thai Town, Chinatown(s) and Cambodia Town. We are a United Nations in one sprawling county. And anyway, just a few doors down from this house cum Cambodian restaurant a guy was barbecuing meat in front of his Mexican restaurant for the occasion.
This Phnom Penh Noodle restaurant first caught our attention from the line of people outside its doors. We had to take a few double takes since it looked like someone’s house, and we weren’t quite sure if it was really a restaurant or just somebody having a big party!
As it turned out, it was a little of both. It was definitely a house converted (and I hope permitted for) into a resto. But it was so full of people loudly and excitedly waiting for their food that it felt like a party, even at 11 in the morning.
I’ve never had Cambodian food before, but from what I saw on other people’s tables, the noodle dishes looked fairly similar to Vietnamese/Chinese food. The woman at a table next to us said it was also her first time there but she was referred by a friend who supposedly ate there every day. As in yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The hope odometer shot up in my head. I’m pretty adventurous about most things–well, everything. Just not food.
But how can you really go wrong with seafood noodle soup, right?
It came with broth on the side (you can order it with the soup in the bowl or on the side, as we also do in VN cooking):
So the next time you are in the mood for an escape from Chinese, Japanese or Vietnamese soup, go to Long Beach for the Cambodian version. It’s worth its Yelp ratings, and its Facebook page has more likes than my own FB page for my blog. Maybe I should offer real food with every blog entry instead of just eye candy!
Thank so much for your tips. I just came back a few days ago. I did not bring my Chanels with me this time, as I was looking at every baby and find myself unbreakably attached to each and every one of them. On the one hand, I regret not to bring any, as I felt safe through out my trip. On the other, it rained almost everyday while I was there, and I probably would not be able to use them after all. Love Europe! So jealous of you for your countless trips to Europe. It seems that you spend at least 6 months there each year. Keep writing~~~~~
hi Annie, I am currently in Europe and as usual, I see tourists with Chanel bags everywhere. I have mixed feelings about this. Though I do carry my designer bags everywhere, much of it depends on what I’m doing for the day. If I am in a generally “safe” place then I would take a Chanel bag with me as if I were back in LA. If I am in a place notorious for pickpockets, I would take something less conspicuous. Paris is tricky because I do see signs warning of pickpockets in major tourist areas but I’ve never been a victim of theft anywhere in Europe (knock on wood). So my advice is to be generally aware of your surroundings, use extra caution if Paris is not a familiar environment to you, and only bring a Chanel bag that you can afford to lose in the worst case scenario. If it is something you can easily replace (financially, sentimentally, etc) then I would enjoy the bag in a city where it probably came from :). have a wonderful/safe trip to Paris!
I have a random question for you. I am traveling to Paris soon, and I was told do not wear Chanel bags in Paris as one may be targeted by thieves and robbers. I remember seeing you taking your Chanel bags every where. Have you encountered anything like that? Any comments? Thanks in advance!
Larkie, I say yes, pls to you offering food with each blog entry! 😉 Btw, those look good & I’ve never had Cambodian food before either. Now you’ve got me hankering for some though!