No Saigon Street Food on CHRISTMAS EVE

Dec 252012

Santas seem so comfortable in Saigon’s baking heat??

No Saigon Street Food on CHRISTMAS EVE

Well, it’s 92 F degrees (33 C) right now, late afternoon on Christmas Eve, 2012.

I’m still trying to find my way

I just climbed out of the Olympic-size swimming pool – enjoyed my 1000 meters of breast stroke laps. And then strolled back to my apartment, through the park in my shorts and flip-flops.

“Let it Snow!” – I DON’T THINK SO

On the way, I was greeted by a 10-meter tall plastic Christmas tree and Mr. Snowman holding his “Let it Snow” sign.

I DON’T THINK SO! But, a refreshing thought to contemplate here in Saigon’s District 10.

Now Eating Saigon!’s readers will know by now that I love Vietnamese food! And I love Saigon Street Food! And I love most of all, inexpensive Saigon Street Food that’s excellent!

But a few times each year, usually for some special day, I want to treat myself and my honey to a change. Some excellent, moderate-priced “western” food. And today, Christmas Eve, is one of those days!

In a few hours, we’re off to Skewers.

Having been there several times before for other special days – anniversaries, birthdays, and the like, we always enjoy Skewers’ lovely dining room – both downstairs and up – and their great grilled meats and fish. I recall some amazing ribs and lamb dishes. I also clearly remember some very yummy desserts and not bad prices.

[Time to get ready – I’ll report back later on our Christmas Eve dinner.]

Another wonderful holiday dinner at Skewers!

Our friendly and helpful Merry Christmas waiter at Skewers

Skewers A peaceful dining room and some very nice holiday food. A glass of wine, some not-so-traditional-Christmas gazpacho soup, a simple green salad, an even-less-traditional moussaka entree, and finally – that special Christmas Turkey Dinner!

The South African Cabernet Sauvignon was very nice; the chilled gazpacho soup fresh and alive with sharp flavors of pepper, cucumbers, garlic and more;

Chilled and fresh Christmas gazpacho

Just salad :-/

the simple green salad – well simple and not memorable;

the moussaka good, but paled from any of our numerous moussaka encounters on the island of Crete last month (yes, yes – not a fair comparison);

Moussaka – well, it’s not Crete, but …

A nice change for the holiday 🙂

and the turkey & ham dinner – well, not mom’s (or even mine), but a very wonderful holiday treat on Christmas Eve! The turkey, gravy, bread stuffing and cranberries were just what I longed for on this cold winter’s night (whoops, my Christmas fantasy – make that a cool air-conditioned evening in steamy Saigon).

And finally, Skewers kept the best for last. Death By Chocolate!! Right up there near the top of my all time favorite tráng miệng (desserts)!