Monday, October 6, 2008

Sausage Dinner

Last night I was downtown running a few errands, so I decided to have dinner out. I went to Tu Hau, a restaurant I've frequented a few times. The past couple of times that I've eaten at Tu Hau I got the fried rice, so I thought I'd try something different. Tired of fish, not in the mood for chicken, and not willing to get the rat or turtle, I settled on the sweet and sour sausage. As I waited for my food, I sipped my Tiger beer and enjoyed the view from my rooftop table. It was dusk, and the lights were slowly coming on around the city. Lighting flashed in the distance, brightly illuminating the clouds in short bursts. I knew from experience that the storm was at least an hour away, so I would have time to enjoy my dinner. The waiter emerged with my entree, but it wasn't quite what I expected. Instead of sausage in the traditional Western way, the meat was in chunks, and looked like long bits of fat. I tried a bite and found the "sausage" to be very chewy. I flagged my waiter down and asked if this was what I ordered. The waiter, who spoke a little English, said that yes, this was what I had asked for. I must have not looked convinced, though, because he continued to describe the sausage. He pointed to his lower stomach, and drew his finger back and forth across in the general area where the intestines are. I looked back down and the long chewy meat and understood. I smiled politely, thanked the waiter, and asked for a plate of fried rice.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Keith, Its Lucas, your cousin from the south! I wasnt aware you were in VietNam until I got an email from Aunt Sue a few minutes ago. Glad to see you are doing well and enjoying your adventure. shoot me an email at lawiedner@gmail.com if you'd like.

take care,
Lucas

Jess said...

Keith,
When I was in Japan I had a similar moment when I thought I would try the bean curd. These are the moments you remember most in your travels. I know I do...

Be well,

Jess Attilli

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness I've just found your blog. Huzzah! I hope Sunny is reading. That's all, and I'll be sure to read all this today.

Greg said...

YUM---Chittlins!! Your mom told me the R-A-T story so I told your cousin Kim---she turned green!! Not very adventuresome that girl. The pictures are great also. Going to a hockey game---nice and cool! Email if you'd like: jgs899@yahoo.com Uncle Greg

Anonymous said...

I had something similar in Spain. Fun to try once in one's life, but not exactly something I'd order again.

Unknown said...

Buzzman,

I finally found your blog through Savi. I'm glad things seem to be going well for you and that you're getting such a great cultural experience. Your blog will definitely be a great distraction for me as I sit at my desk at my super exciting government job (right...). I look forward to more exciting stories from the East.

take care man,
Dom

P.S. If you don't try turtle at all while you are there I'll be disappointed.