Take Me to Saigon
Perhaps it is the New York City heat that is reminding me of my time in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in Vietnam. Rising temperatures, crowded streets, trafficked alleys (there motorbikes with 2-5 persons riding atop replace yellow cabs), and most importantly….incredible food. Vietnamese street food is credited with bright flavours and fresh ingredients by any and all who visit. Anthony Bourdain has been there countless times, sipping Pho from plastic chairs in various markets in his television show, “No Reservation.” It’s brilliant!
But what to do when you are looking to be a bit more pretentious? You want to get away from the curb, you want to escape the heat and you still want that amazing Vietnamese taste? You head slightly out of town, sojourn to The Deck.
Nostalgia….Romantic…Saigon River. Source.
Here time stands still — the romantic views of the Saigon river lazily float by with foliage and vines trapeezing their way down river. A few boats in the distance, a few fisherman in view, but really, the magical swirling of water is meditative and transcending. Then you realise the incredibly cool contemporary space that is The Deck.
Gorgeous Dedon comes to mind. Source.
Rattan Dedon-like pods placed throughout the outdoor deck area, whereas sturdier & structured teak wood chairs clad in white pillows abound inside. The cocktails are fantastic and the service is phenomenal. The best thing I tasted from their inventive menu was Foi Gras grilled in Lemongrass….it is delectable and truly a foodie moment that I will NEVER forget.
Fancy a cocktail? Source.
This restaurant is a Pretentious Palette MUST-VISIT for anyone contemplating a trip to Vietnam.
The Deck
38 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien, An Phu, D2, HCMC
T +84 (0) 8 3 744 6632
E info@thedecksaigon.com
Cheers,
The Pretentious Palette
I’ll go next time we’re in Vietnam, here’s what we thought of HCM on the new direct flight from Dubai
http://doindubai.com/2012/07/19/ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam/
Love the peppers!