This Weekend...

Although I was feeling a little under the weather this weekend, we managed to make it out to a few special events this weekend.  It was my dear friend Sonya's 26th birthday, so we headed her way for a painting/pizza party where much merriment was had and art work was created.

Once our collective creativity was running low and the house was filled to the brim with revelers, we moved onwards to one of our main hangouts for late night beer drinking and crab feasting: 24G.  A stones' throw from the corner of Vo Van Tan and CMT8, this has recently become a hot-spot for the young and party-inclined, both local and expat.

Ghe Rang Me (Crab Legs Drenched in a Sweet Tamarind Sauce)

The Birthday Girl

Sunday began slowly with mango smoothies in bed and a great documentary: Bill Cunningham New York.  Around three we thought it would be best to get some fresh air and visit some friends.  We first indulged in huge, steaming bowls of authentic ramen @ Osaka Ramen - 19 Thai Van Lung, Q.1.

After the late lunch we road-tripped out to the wilds of District 8.

There we enjoyed another quintessential Saigon sunset with coconut, mango slices, and fresh jackfruit along the Saigon River (specifically at Tree 1302).

To continue the birthday spirit, we made a gluttonous return to Fanny's @ 29-31 Ton That Thiep St, Q.1.  The Big Share was consumed with 10 of our pals and between our hunger and the heat the 20 scoops of ice cream went quickly!

The Big Share - 20 scoops of ice cream

Eschewing tradition, ice cream was simply an appetizer and some of us continued onwards to a barbecue feed @ the ever-popular Luong Son Quan - Beer Garden and Barbecue - 31 Ly Tu Trong, Q.1.

Famous for Bo Tung Xeo (a tender grilled beef dish), intrepid diners can sample such delights as steamed goat penis (see below).

Ech Chein Bo (Meaty Frog Legs Battered in Tempura)

Grilled Chicken during Bird-Flu Season

Vegetarian Curry with Tofu, Okra, Potatoes, and Carrots