Weekend Get-a-way: Chicago September 2011

This past weekend, a few family and friends of mine met up in Chicago to hang out for a couple of  days. The weekend pretty much consisted of eating, walking, eating, site-seeing, eating, singing, shopping, and more eating. Chicago is delicious!

I didn't capture much of the trip, but below are bits and pieces of what I did:


 First stop, Hai Yen Restaurant. My bowl of yummy bun thit nuong. Then Yosi's for drinks and Sing Sing Karaoke for some singing...we love to karaoke.
   Saturday Brunch a t Sun Wah BBQ. Peking duck cut table side =) So good!
   
 Shedd Aquarium:  
Scarry eyes!


 With my cousin Tru, reunited after years! 
   Silly fishies :o
   Seal up close.  Cute!
   Jellies!  Pretty huh?
 
Hue and I =)
Big beautiful city...definitely not for this small town gal.
 Ran into Marilyn Monroe shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
 

 First time trying the famous Pinkberry. Not crazy about it, I like SweetEarth better  =)
The remainder of the weekend consisted of dinner at Chi Cafe - Deep fried intestines - Yum! Sakura for more Karaoke.  Pho Viet for lunch on Sunday and snacks and coffee at Nhu Lan Bakery. 
Weekend spent to family, good friends, delicious food, and karaoke = Great Weekend!

Gang Gai Chicken

Once in a while I like to branch off into other ethnic cuisines. Something simple of course, that doesn't require too much time or kung fu. Last week, I attempted to make one of my favorite Thai dishes, Gang Gai. I ran with this recipe I found on the web for some direction: Chowhound.


 Prep Veggies: Fresh bamboo tips from the asian market (or canned), thinly slice red and green bell peppers, cut mini bella mushrooms, and basil leaves
   One chicken breast, thinly sliced, seasoned with salt and pepper
   Small mini can of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of palm sugar, 2 tablespoons of red curry
   Heat up some oil in a skillet, saute the red curry in the oil.

 Add the chicken, saute until almost cooked
   Add the mini can of coconut milk and half cup of water
   Add a spoon of sambal, a tablespoon of fish sauce, and hot pepper flakes to meet your spice level
   Dissolve the palm sugar with some of the sauce, add to pan
   Add veggies
   Give the veggies a quick minute to cook.  Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary
   Remove from heat and stir in the aromatic basil leaves
   Serve with rice and enjoy! 
 A quick, simple and flavorful dish, I recommend!

Kimmy & David's Wedding

Another family festivity took place a few weeks ago. Kimmy and David got hitched! Below are a few visuals of a wonderful fun-filled weekend...



 My lovely sisters.
 



 I heart them.
   Congrats!
 

Snapshot 12

 Riverwalk, Downtown Detroit