Hi Everyone!
Sorry I checked out for a moment, but things have been very busy. From the beginning, I will fill you in on every single food detail, wine discovery, and belly laugh from the time I arrived at Bradley International Airport to tonight, but in 2 parts since I am really fresher in the morning. I went to pick my parents up at 12:30 on Saturday and decided it would be a good idea to go to lunch and then stay at the airport until my flight at 6:30.
We went to Pho 75 in Windsor Locks, right near the airport-in one word AMAZING. The iced green tea was like nothing I have ever tried and the lady who took care of us informed us that she made it from tea leaves, not from bags. She also grows all of the herbs for the restaurant in a garden out back. They were big and beautiful and had really great powerful flavor. We started with the fresh spring rolls and half moon (which we had known as a happy pancake) and both were top notch. The fresh summer rolls were big and the pork inside was flavorful and tender. The dipping sauce was primarily ground sesame rather than peanut and tasted cleaner and lighter than straight up peanut sauce. The half moon (which was an entree, not an appetizer) came with two huge pancakes that were light and crispy and chalk full of shrimp and vegetables. To follow we all got different types of Pho, there were small and large bowls, we chose small. My mom got the Pho Ga (chicken), I got the Pho Tai (rare steak), and of course my dad got the "combination" pho dac biet, which has a treasure trove of beef parts including tripe (stomach chamber or rumen or reticulum). I appreciate so much the Andrew Zimmern quality of my dad, and I love a good tongue taco, but I usually go with something safe that has a little less organ involved before I trust these parts to satisfy my hunger. My dad goes in with complete trust and that is why he is my #1 culinary hero! Anyhoo, the pho was savory and I immediately tasted star anise and rich hearty broth. Each of our broths were different and warming in their own way. If this place weren't 45 minutes away and if Bahn Mi Saigon weren't reopening in Northampton, I would probably get Pho here at least once a week. Luckily, my parents fly quite a bit and I alway enjoy a little drive through Suffield, so I will definitely be back!!!
After lunch, they took me back to the airport and I went in awaiting my 6:30 flight. Thank goodness for a surprisingly good airport bar Black Bear Saloon, which had Lagunitas, Blue Point Brewing Co., and a decent wines by the glass list, the PGA Championship, and an already printed study guide. 4 hours later I went to my gate and they were boarding early. Thank God they weren't paging me like they did years ago when I was in a Chili's Too in Albany on my second (ok third) Presidente Margarita when I heard my name over the loud speaker for last call to board. I got more dirty looks walking down that tiny aisle...We left early and all was good, the closer I was to the next meal in DC :)
My friend Jennie, who I met in Avignon, France junior year abroad 14 years ago picked me up. She took me to my hotel to drop off my things and we went to get dinner. We ended up going to Old Ebbitt Grill which has been a favorite of mine almost every time I am in DC. Great oysters and good drinks :) We shared oysters and chicken liver pate and had a couple of martinis and then headed back to my hotel.
I will continue tomorrow, I promise!!! To be continued...
Jody
No comments:
Post a Comment