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the flying waitresses.

there is a nice restaurant that takes up three homes. two dirt streets split it in three sections and the food is wonderful. today we went there to escape our ubiquitous fried fish and rice.

the first third of the restaurant is located on the lower floor of someone’s home. there is no cooking that goes on here. there is a large group of silver tables and chairs. the mother and children sit in the background watching the television and playing. the middle section of the home is where all of the action is. the main kitchen is located behind one of the walls. the girls walk up to a small hole in the wall that belches smoke and yell things about what food they need and when. you couldn’t fit your head through the hole. there are more tables in this area and a large cart with many different dishes on it. the cash register is also located here (an old lady who never looks up and wears terribly thick glasses and has a drawer full of money). the third part of the restaurant is located in another house across the street. in it are more tables.

the waitresses fly between the three sections with large trays of food balanced precariously. they all wear what i would best describe as pajamas. they all are young, happy and constantly moving. they cross the street with these huge trays of food and motorcycles sputter around them and dust flies everywhere.

the food is excellent. today we had some large shrimp that are simmered in some wonderful sauce. the scrimp are entirely too large and the only part that is removed is the face. you pick the six inch long beast up with your chopsticks and bite right into the rib section. the warm juices flow down your chopsticks and make them slippery. the scales and ribs of the scrimp are tough and crunchy. it’s an acquired taste but, when you have it, you’re addicted. we also had a huge bowl of sour soup and fish.

so, if you’re ever in long xuyen, make sure you check out que phat for lunch. its really a treat.