Comforts of an Old Friend at the new Taste of Saigon

Sometimes you gotta go back to the comforts... To relive the joyful moment of finding pleasure in a new taste like you did the first time.

I still remember how much I liked the black pepper sauce the first time I had it at Miss Saigon, at least 10 years ago. I've been back many times since then, but somehow, not in the last year. In the meantime, they moved from the unattractive parking lot-view location to the new Rockville Town Center, and from the simple and basic design to a more sophisticated yet cosy surroundings. But the core remains the same - the menu (Vietnamese food they used to make at the original location in Saigon), the friendly and caring staff, and a desire to make you feel at home. One of the signs is when our server warns us about the firetruck coming out of a building behind us, in order to avoid a sudden startling. Both my friend and I appreciate genuine and caring service so this starts us on a good note.

Since this is a girls' night out after monthly shopping at Costco and Sam's, and it is already 8 o'clock at night, we are looking for some light (but good) food to share, and that's why my feet led me to this place despite a nice walk around the restaurants to see what was going on.

The new decor is more contemporary (in a way you'd see at Thai Restaurants), a little darker than before (original location was practically white), with more wood, enhanced lighting, and no tableclothes. I love the ambience created inside with the acordion doors opening to the patio. Even though there isn't much of a view to talk about, on such a pretty night it is a shame to be inside, so we head out to the comfortable patio. The menu items are the same, but the font is much smaller with everything presented on one page, so my friend has trouble seeing the list especially in the street lamp lighting. Fortunately, I know the menu by heart, at least the items we should have, so when she lets me decide I order without much delay.

In a couple of minutes our food is delivered - one of the joys of Vietnamese cuisine, you get good food cooked to order.

Our pho with beef is perfect as always, but the real deal is always the black pepper sauce (on pretty much anything). My friend is new to Vietnamese cuisine, so I picked chicken which absorbs and reflects the lovely taste of this unique sauce with its subtle flavor. As my friend (who knows her food and flavors) closes her eyes and humms a a good "mmmm" I smile with joy... As good as food can be, it is always an added bonus to share it with those who appreciate it. And it is a crime not to share this dish with others. Couple seconds later, my thoughts are confirmed one more time, when it is my "mmm" moment. Even though I had this meal before, I feel I am on that food cloud again, and wow to come back more often. I wonder how I can live without that taste, and I thank the food fairy for letting me know about this taste. And of course I wonder how many other tastes there are out there I could feel the same way... How long do I need to live to find them all???

If you feel like lingering longer, or want to try something sweet to cleanse your palate, you must try the ice creams. Ginger happens to be my favorite, but you can't go wrong with any pick really. And of course if you like coffee, you muct try the Vietnamese coffee, they take pride even in explaining it...

Miss Saigon may be a couple steps from the center of action at Rockville Town Center, but it is well worth it in my opinion. Take friends, take family, and linger if you like. This is a place where you'll be treated like family, and even though the food is delivered fast, you will not be rushed. Due to Montgomery County laws, the wine list is limited and doesn't leave much to be desired, so on a warm summer night the Vietnamese beer 33 might be your choice of beverage. Even though our glasses of wine were delivered at perfect temperature, it was quite mediocre for my taste, even on a pleasant night outside. However, aside from the wine list and the menu font, I can't find any fault at this place. And these are not big enough for me to skip my black pepper chicken (vegetarians note: there is a very good mock chicken version which tastes very much like the real thing) delivered with friendly service. And one day, if I can find a large enough party to go with me, I may try couple other things. But for the time being, it is all the familiar comforts of Saigon for me... All the way...