Hoi An For Foodies

"In Vietnam, food is not just about sustenance; it's about culture, history and identity.  Each dish tells a story." ~ Anonymous

Oh my, what a feast!  The evening started with an hour-long van ride to Hoi An from Da Nang through crowded streets thronged with Chinese New Year celebrants, and millions of motorcycles and mopeds.  Once we arrived in Hoi An, we walked to the riverside and boarded a boat lit up with pretty paper lanterns, and enjoyed a glass of wine and some nibbles as we cruised on the waters with lots and lots of other brightly lit boats, oohing and aahing at fireworks being shot into the night sky from the shore.

After disembarking, we walked through yet more gazillions of people along the riverbank which was cram jammed with souvenir stalls until we reached our restaurant for the evening -- The Cargo Club.  A charming two-story beautifully restored colonial building  with a river view, and a lovely breezy balcony on the second floor from which to dine and absorb the general atmosphere.

Oh my goodness ... the food!  It was the most incredibly delicious meal!  This is the menu:

Aperitif:  Lavender Gimlet (Botanical Vietnamese Gin, lavender cordial, honey)

Snacks:  Prawn Crackers, Assorted Mixed Dumplings

First Course:  Pomelo Salad (Fresh herb and citrus salad)

Second Course:  Bun Hai Sun (A tomato based seafood noodle soup with prawns)

Palate Cleanser:  Passion Fruit Sorbet

Main Course:  Black Pepper Beef with Jasmine Rice, Coconut Prawns with Presentation, Sauteed Duck Breast in skillet, Sauteed Bok Choy

Dessert:  Sauteed Bananas with Coconut Milk

All accompanied by a fabulous Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.