SEALED WITH Adventure

I woke this morning with the news of Anthony Bourdain's passing. Lost in my thoughts today, I'm instantly transported back to Vietnam longing for a bowl of bún chả, (grilled pork and noodles served with herbs and dipping sauce) the dish Bourdain famously shared with Obama in Hanoi just over 2 years ago. My husband (by way of work friends) introduced me to bún chả. It's a dish I've grown fond of, like many other Vietnamese and Southeast Asian delights. It's comfort food. It's

Một hai ba vô is the standard "cheers" and shouted frequently throughout a night of drinking in Vietnam. This pretty much sums up my first Vietnamese wedding reception experience! The locals sure know how to party, and Heineken is frequently the celebratory beer of choice. Mix in a good meal, some extra loud karaoke, an ice sculpture even...and there you have it! Cheers, Vietnam! Một hai ba... vô! #Vietnam #expatlife #beer

Sometimes you just need some American style BBQ and a craft beer to remind you of home! This is the second time we've visited Quán Ụt Ụt this month. They opened a location closer to our house, so it almost feels like a neighborhood spot, despite the 15 minute drive. Still a fan of the chopped pork shoulder coupled with sides of grilled okra and mac and cheese! Some of our other favorites are the sweet sugarcane-smoked chicken, honey-grilled pineapple, and a bacon appetizer ap

Our hip (read: alternative) neighborhood events venue, Saigon Outcast had a beer fest with plenty of locally handcrafted brewers sharing their very best. I was partial to the unique flavors Saigon Cider was offering - my favorite: Cinnamon & Vanilla, with the sweet and hearty flavours of apple pie. Perfect for a warm December evening in HCMC! #buylocal #Vietnam #beer

If you're wondering where my "About Me" photo at the footer of the website comes from, it's this night on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter drinking a Bia Saigon. This is our second motorbike food tour in Vietnam, and definitely a different vibe than our first! The "Saigon After Dark" tour offered by Vietnam Vespa Adventures is like the party-bus of foodie tours. The drinks are free-flowing and the food is some of Saigon's best street eats. My brother was particularly fond

You know what I love?! Destination weddings! Jamaica is nowhere near SE Asia, but we couldn't miss our friend Brandt's wedding...Matt was after all, a groomsman. So we flew from SGN to PDX...dropped off Elijah with the grandparents...and spent a week in Montego Bay adulting with our good friends in the sunshine. We stayed at the all-inclusive ClubHotel RIU Ocho Rios where we enjoyed the teal waters of the Mammee Bay. There was no shortage of Red Stripe Lager, Appleton Estate