It's still early days at La Flavoriser but if there is one thing that has already been established, it is the creator's penchant for foie gras. Though not a favorite of this contributor, I feel it is only fitting to make my finest foie experience the subject of this first post.
I am fortunate as well to have experienced foie gras at some of France's most respected establishments. However, my best and most memorable experience with it took place a good 9,000km away from Paris-- in Hanoi, Vietnam. May sound a bit strange at first but remnants of French colonial influence in Vietnam are everpresent, especially with respect to architecture and, of course, food. The man responsible for my fête de foie was Bobby Chinn.
A sort of cult figure, Chinn has established himself as the gastro version of an international man of mystery. Half Chinese and half Egyptian, born in New Zealand and educated in the US and UK, his multinational background is visible in the cooking at his namesake restaurant. While he is all about keeping the menu and atmosphere playful and fun (as proven in the restaurant "rules" at the bottom of the menu), his food is far from a joke. I found this out very quickly from the Non-H5N1 Rice Paper Wrapped Foie Gras, Mango and Ginger Sauce.
The rice paper, completely surrounding the generous but thinly sliced foie, was like the wrapping paper over a mindblowing present, except, well, edible and delicious. The combination of textures between the crispy rice paper and delicate foie was both clever and extremely well-executed. The sauces created a sweet/savory mix that still did not interfere with the intensity of the centerpiece. Perfect.
I remember the rest of the meal and subsequent hookah (perhaps an homage to Chinn's Egyptian roots) being great, yet that dish was the one true standout. Vietnam is undoubtedly home to some of the world's best street food, so I was a bit skeptical to pay more than a buck or two for dinner. However, Restaurant Bobby Chinn was well worth the "splurge" and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Hanoi. Just another reminder that some of life's great pleasures arrive when and where they are least expected.
Restaurant Bobby Chinn
1 Ba Trieu Street, Hanoi, VIETNAM
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