Looking for romance and ambiance for valentine day that won’t break the bank? Lincoln Park’s neighborhood favorite, Simply It, is offering a Valentines weekend specials of flavorful, Vietnamese inspired seafood aphrodisiacs in addition to their stellar regular menu. more ›

The dinner menu at the recently opened Saigon Sisters on Lake Street is, if nothing else, an informative vocabulary lesson in Vietnamese cuisine. We learn of op la (over-easy eggs served with an array of pork products); goi du du (papaya salad with house-made beef jerky); and banh bao (open-faced steamed buns filled with glazed pork, chicken or beef). But really, the menu is an important document, precious even—you’re being slipped the passwords to a world of dizzying flavor. more ›

The Halsted strip between 31st and 35th in the wunnerful Bridgeport neighborhood is slowly adding to its meager litany of dining options, and it certainly isn't known for Asian cuisine beyond standard Chinese. The latest entry worth at least a cursory critical glance is Noodles Pho U, an aspiring chain of pun-titled Vietnamese restaurants; a soon-to-open Glenview location will join this an a Lombard outpost. While it's nice to have an option for bánh mì and phở that doesn't require at trip to Argyle Street, the food at Noodles Pho U, while solid, isn't swaying the argument in that direction. more ›

Don't call Phở "foe", foo'. It's pronounced "fuh" and this delicious noodle dish captures some of the best flavors in Vietnamese food. Phở is clear beef broth with white rice noodles. That's just the beginning. Menus will offer it with sliced steak, tripe, flank, tendon, meatballs...the list goes on and on. Choose your meats and the steaming bowl comes to your table, sliced onions floating on top. Check out more pictures here. more ›

We’ve been a big fan of Le Colonial for a long time, and after visiting the posh French/Vietnamese restaurant a couple of weeks ago we remembered why. That particular part of River North, replete with restaurants of all shapes and sizes, doesn’t usually impress us with the quality of its offerings – but a few excellent dining options can be found if you look hard. The Chicago outpost of Le Colonial is in the midst of the Oak Street shopping district, but don’t let that fool you – the food isn’t just for viewing. more ›

Tank Restaurant’s bánh mì is damn near a perfect sandwich. Tank's open air restaurant with community seating is a welcome, busy place to sample Vietnamese fare while sitting next to a friendly stranger. This traditional street food is a Vietnamese baguette / French roll filled with meat, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño, picked daikon radish and carrots, and a touch of soy sauce. You can choose from marinated beef, pork, or chicken – each slightly sweet and spicy. more ›