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Mary Khan's avatar

Such a wonderful story about this group of American and Vietnamese veterans! A real tear jerker. Thanks so much to them for sharing

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Andrea Nguyen's avatar

Indeed. The war should not be forgotten but it has changed for many people involved in it. Thanks for sharing your reactions, Mary!

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Katherine Schubert-Knapp's avatar

I was fortunate to eat at Passion Fish a few years ago while visiting friends who lived in Monterey. Glad to hear it's still good!

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Andrea Nguyen's avatar

Yes, it’s a nice spot for a bite and glass of wine. It’s great if you want to eat away from the hubbub of Monterey but close enough to go to the aquarium (one of our favorite distinctions!).

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Katherine Schubert-Knapp's avatar

That aquarium is wonderful. Love the octopus exhibit.

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Emily's avatar

The story you shared with us reminds me of the novel Dust Child I’ve recently read. I don’t have any visa related advice, but I do have recently acquired passport advice. I needed a passport appointment for my kid and I couldn’t find anything for months... except on base. I got an appointment in 2 days! I’ve lived basically next door to Camp Pendleton for 25 years but had never been. My FIL took us and reminisced about enlisting 60 years ago to escape Appalachia with $2.50 to his name.

Back to the food... I appreciate how you feature other people’s recipes and cookbooks that you enjoy. I own the Woks of Life but had never made the eggplant dish. It will now be in the family rotation! I could have eaten it all, it was so good. I’ve made their sesame-crusted tofu with spicy dipping sauce several times and it’s delicious.

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Andrea Nguyen's avatar

You got very lucky on the US assport appointment! My brother had to renew his and it took 6 weeks because so many people are wanting to travel post COVID. That's a great tip about going to Camp Pendleton. That's where my family landed on the mainland after we fled Vietnam in 1975.

I love using a good recipe from a good cookbook. It's like having a friend in the kitchen. So glad you enjoy the Woks of Life's book. The Leungs have a unique family bond built around sharing their knowledge and with one another and others! That tofu sounds amazing.

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Becky Paulk's avatar

The turmeric fish is also excellent with cornbread and smoky black-eyed peas. We used tilapia and it's going into dinner rotation with the fermented shrimp sauce, aka Funky Sauce. Thanks!

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