Vietnamese Seven Course Beef

I'm usually at a loss when ordering in an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Other than pho or salad rolls I'm just not well-versed in this delicious cuisine, but I'm quickly learning. Usually I end up tactfully pointing with my head at whatever the nearest table ordered. Fresh basil, mint, and lettuce piled high alongside wedges of lime, julienned carrots and crisp bean sprouts. Sheets of rice paper. Ground shrimp wrapped around sugar cane, then grilled. Little bowls of spicy looking sauces I don't know what to call. That's what I want.

We recently discovered a wonderful little place at the edge of Seattle's International District called The Bamboo Grill. Last time we were there we just pointed at noodle platters on the menu, not quite sure what we'd get (of course, we loved both). On our way out the owner, Kim Tran, a charming little firecracker of a woman, said to us, "Next time you come I'll tell you what you should order."

We just missed her this last time when we order, but it turns out we did right. We ordered the Bò 7 Món, or 7 Course Beef - a mere $21.95 for two people, but it easily could have fed three. It starts with salad with thinly sliced tender beef, a small fondue, beef wrapped in Lót leaves, in bacon, in lemongrass, a tender beef cake (like an oblong meatball), and a rice and beef porridge.

Just as we were finishing Kim emerged from the kitchen and came over to our table. She explained that the 7 Course Beef menu was created at the famous Ahn Hong restaurant in Phu Nhuan, Vietnam (locations also in the US) and consists of various preparations of marinated beef. Kim learned how to make the distinctive marinades for the courses from her friend who worked at the original restaurant back in Vietnam. This special menu, something that is generally only served to the upper-class in Vietnam, is commonly found at restaurants here in the U.S.

We've had it at other restaurants before, but I can honestly say, Kim's takes the prize.