Extended Weekend Getaway: Arkansas

Tax season is over and Phuonganator needed a vacation. I could use one too. We set out to Arkansas to visit Chi Lien and Andy.



Fuel: Thai Crunch Salad from the MarketPlace. Good flavors and textures; Gotta love peanut sauce!


Devil's Den State Park




Lake Atlanta


Harvesting watercress?


Sam's Roll? Forgot what that restaurant was - but very yummy, similar to Tokyo's YumYum Roll. Full house and quick service!


Perfect Catch. Hibachi at Sho-Gun's.


If you're a fan of Almond Joy (like I am) Ohh. Emm. Gee. Moment.The Almond Joy Concrete at Andy's Frozen Custard - So Delish!





Cosmic Cavern. Natural formations...pretty amazing.

In Branson, Missouri

Eww Lien!


The next apprentice.


Momma said...


First serving of Crawfish for the season. It was good, but needed the sausage and corn on the cob to bring it too the next level. Can't wait for the Mom and Phuong's Crawfish Boil this summer!


Acrobats of China Show.


One of the best shows I've seen. So young. So much talent. Way better than Shen Yun Performing Arts Show! My favorite was the Butterfly Love performance, a love story told through aerial acrobatics. Uh-May-Zing.

Home bound. My thoughts on Arkansas: Rustic, rural yet modern, calm and relaxing. Everyone's so kind here!
P.s. Chi Ngoc's seafood gumbo - awesome.

Li Hing Mui Gummy Candy

I think it was Big Brother Cuong who introduced Li Hing Mui powder with gummy candy to me. I was hooked. It's been a while since I've had them though.



Thanks Thuong and Hau for the stash! I've been craving.


Assorted gummy candy in a plastic bag. (Worms and Bears)


Add a little Li Hing Powder and shake.


Makes a great snack. Tastes even better when you let it sit overnight.

And Thanks for the Chocolates!

LOL Random 5

Like I've said before, nothing beats the combination of family, food, and fun. This past week, I've been able to reunite with family and friends I haven't see in years, acquaint some cool folks, and connect with relatives I've never met. Recapping the fun-filled week:

Last Tuesday, Niece Linda was in town so we decided to meet up for lunch. I think it's been maybe 4 or 5 years since I've seen her. Catching up with family was nice.


Kona Calamari


Sushi and Salad


Macadamia Nut Chicken. A favorite.

Dinner at Tokyo Sushi on Wednesday with Niece Thuong, her fiance Nephew Hau, the sister, and some friends.

Dinner at Golden Harvest on Thursday with Vang, Ly, The Bride and Groom to be, and a few members of the bridal party.

Pre-Wedding Party Friday Night at The Bank.

With my Lovelies

Sister Phuong made banh beo Saturday Night. Too busy fixing myself a plate and ready to eat that I forgot to take a snapshot of the deliciousness! We headed to MGM that night with the nieces, nephews, and new found cousins. No Luck - Lost 15 buckaroos =( hehe I'm no risk taker..no gambler.

The Reception on Sunday. Congrats David and Linda!












I started taking pictures of the dishes, but halfway through the meal...everyone at our table already wandered off to greet family and friends.

Monday: Stay in to get as much sleep as possible.

Girls night out with Niece Thanh and Cousin Liz Tuesday night.

Dinner at Bar Louie


Angry Louie w/ Sriracha, fire sauce, fried jalapeno, and pepper jack. Yum! Tasted like a vietnamese style burger.


White Louie. Pizza was good, but loved the crust!


Loaded Tots. These were so good!

Walked over to Tin Fish for drinks and desert.


Cheers!


Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Mint Chocolate. Winner: Tiramisu

Bar Louie and Tin Fish are two of my favorite places now. Good food. Good prices. Awesome music.