Beef wrap n’ roll
It took me six years eating steaks and potatoes and one evening of eating beef sausages rolled with greens and rice paper to realize that perhaps the best way to eat meat is to eat it with vegetables. No hard feelings, dear steak, you are like pure chocolate, and bulgogi in lettuce wrap is like orange flavored chocolate. Then you add pickled carrots and daikon, minty herbs, rice paper, sweet and sour nước mắm, and the beef is bound to take off just like the Apollo 11.
Such revelation dawned on me when I took the first bite of a bò lá lốt roll at Ánh Hồng in Berkeley. Ánh Hồng was famous in the old Saigon for their creation of the seven courses of beef, a menu that other Vietnamese restaurants quickly imitated to serve big parties. Despite knowing the menu’s popularity, I rarely thought of its main items as desirable, simply because, for instance, I wasn’t a fan of the wild betel leaf (lá lốt in Vietnamese and cha phloo in Thai) that wraps outside the ground beef. It’s usually a little bitter, and it overshadows the meat flavor. But Ánh Hồng really proves that their popularity (4 locations in North California and another 2 in the southern part) is backed up by some solid tasty goods. Somehow, unlike any I’ve tried before, their bò lá lốt is not at all bitter.
Their bánh tráng (rice paper) is also perfect for making fresh spring rolls, thin enough so that you can taste every ingredient, yet elastic enough to stretch and wrap up the sharp corner of lettuce stems without rupturing. The traditionalcondiment to dip the rolls is mắm nêm (fermented fish paste), but to accommodate foreigners (and Vietnamese like me :-P) who aren’t familiar with the sauce’s pungency, Ánh Hồng serves things up with sweet and sour nước mắm (salty fish extract mixed with lime, chili pepper and sugar). It’s amazing how nước mắm works with everything. But, because the meat is already so well seasoned, you don’t have to dip the rolls into any sauce to make the flavors shine.
The pickled carrot and daikon can be a little too sour, but their texture blends better with the ground meat than fresh bean sprouts’ does.
As much as the bò lá lốt turns out far better than expected, I would still say that it’s not the best course in the set. Bò nướng sả (lemongrass grilled beef slices) rolled up with sauteed sweet onion in the core raises the bar by a slight amount, and the succulent sausages of bò mỡ chài (ground beef wrapped in a thin, lacey layer of pig’s omental fat) definitely takes first place. Of course, all taste best when wrapped in greens.
What’s even better is the joy of legitimate playing with your food: you pick , you wrap, you roll, you dip. It’s a feast whether you go alone or with company. It’s feasting South Vietnam style.
Address: Ánh Hồng Restaurant – 7 Courses of Beef
2067 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 981-1789
Sample plate – 3 courses of beef (bò lá lốt, bò nướng sả, bò mỡ chài): 9 rolls for $12
*Why would I walk half a mile to feast alone on a Friday evening? Because this post is to celebrate my “uncle” turning 23. He likes Vietnamese, meat, and Southerners’ dishes. Happy Birthday, Nguyên! 🙂
Some truly wonderful info , Sword lily I detected this.
1I am not positive the place you’re getting your information, but great topic. I must spend a while studying more or figuring out more. Thank you for fantastic information I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
2My partner and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to exploring your web page for a second time.
3You are my intake, I possess few web logs and very sporadically run out from to post : (.
4Hello! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My website goes over a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!
5I got what you mean ,bookmarked, very decent site.
6익숙한 일상에 새로운 취향을 더하는 여기여. 감각적인 공간과 다채로운 이야기, 오래 기억할 발견을 만나보세요. 나만의 속도로 머물며 당신에게 어울리는 특별한 순간을 찾아갑니다.
7Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Thank you!
8Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I’ve truly loved surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing in your rss feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!
9익숙한 일상에 새로운 취향을 더하는 여기여. 감각적인 공간과 다채로운 이야기, 오래 기억할 발견을 만나보세요. 나만의 속도로 머물며 당신에게 어울리는 특별한 순간을 찾아갑니다.
10Good write-up, I am regular visitor of one’s website, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
11Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
12주소콘에서 필요한 사이트를 분야별로 살펴보세요. 뉴스, 커뮤니티, 영상, 웹툰, 쇼핑, 생활 정보와 온라인 도구를 찾는 방법부터 주소 확인, 즐겨찾기 관리, 접속 오류 해결까지 안내합니다. 목적에 맞는 링크를 고르고 더 편리하게 이용하세요.
13Good day! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
14I’ll immediately grab your rss as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
15주소콘에서 필요한 사이트를 분야별로 살펴보세요. 뉴스, 커뮤니티, 영상, 웹툰, 쇼핑, 생활 정보와 온라인 도구를 찾는 방법부터 주소 확인, 즐겨찾기 관리, 접속 오류 해결까지 안내합니다. 목적에 맞는 링크를 고르고 더 편리하게 이용하세요.
16Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this internet site is really user friendly! .
17It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
18Very interesting subject , appreciate it for putting up.
19I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They are really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for newbies. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
20After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
21Thanks for every other fantastic post. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal manner of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.
22I truly enjoy examining on this website, it contains great content. “Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.” by Demosthenes.
23주소콘에서 필요한 웹사이트 주소를 쉽고 빠르게 찾아보세요. 분야별 주소모음과 링크모음, 주소찾기 방법부터 변경된 주소 확인, 안전한 링크 확인 방법까지 한눈에 살펴볼 수 있습니다.
24Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So nice to search out any individual with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this web site is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with a little bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the web!
25It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
26주소콘은 자주 찾는 사이트의 최신주소와 변경된 주소를 카테고리별로 정리한 주소모음·링크모음 플랫폼입니다. 실시간으로 업데이트되는 바로가기 링크로 원하는 사이트에 빠르게 접속하세요.
27Wow! This can be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Wonderful. I am also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.
28Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My blog covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!
29Normally I do not learn article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite nice post.
30The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
31It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!
32I have been examinating out a few of your articles and it’s clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your website.
33I’ve recently started a website, the info you offer on this website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
34You got a very superb website, Sword lily I discovered it through yahoo.
35I think you have mentioned some very interesting points, regards for the post.
36Thank you for another informative site. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
37I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m happy to convey that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I such a lot certainly will make certain to do not fail to remember this site and provides it a glance regularly.
38It is really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
39This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
40You are my inspiration, I possess few blogs and sometimes run out from brand :). “Actions lie louder than words.” by Carolyn Wells.
41WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait .. …
42Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to present something back and help others like you helped me.
43Im not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I must spend a while learning much more or working out more. Thank you for fantastic information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
44Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. Nevertheless imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could certainly be one of the best in its niche. Good blog!
45Hello, you used to write fantastic, but the last few posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
46Loving the information on this site, you have done great job on the posts.
47I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
48I’ve been surfing on-line more than three hours these days, but I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty price sufficient for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content as you did, the web might be much more useful than ever before.
49Would you be concerned with exchanging links?
50