For my recent birthday I wanted to do something special. So Proeun and I took the children on a date for dinner and a movie. And since it was my birthday I got to pick the restaurant.

I chose Ngon Bistro on University Ave in St. Paul. This area of St. Paul has in the past 20 or so years become the heart of the Southeast Asian immigrant/refugee economy in Minnesota. Groceries, numerous restaurants, stores, and services have all revitalized the area. Now Ngon has become a destination for many non-Asians.

I met Hai Truong, owner and chef at the Immigrant Farming Conference hosted by the Minnesota Food Association back in February. Ngon Bistro is one of the few area restaurants I know of that supports both local food and immigrant farmers. Truong was at the Conference hoping to connect with area growers. Since meeting him I was interested to see what his restaurant looked like and try the food.

Though Two was initially disappointed that there was no fried chicken wings on the menu he consoled himself with 2 orders of eggrolls.

For me it was a bit harder to decide. I am allergic to dairy and have always enjoyed the fact that traditional Southeast Asian food doesn’t have dairy in it. However Ngon has a fusion restaurant does. After my 1st 2 choices had dairy I settled on the mock duck with mixed vegetables.

If you have never tried Pho (pronouced Fu) before you really should.

Anthony Bourdain describes Pho as “ambrosia” and it really is a great family meal. Start with a great basic beef broth, a helping for rice noodles and toppings to personalize the experience. Proeun likes the “special” with meatball, beef, tripe and tendon–very traditional. Onions, cilantro, lime and basil often accompany it and then each person adds their favorite sauces like several varieties of spice, sweet, sour and salty.

What I really liked about Ngon though is their slogan.

It’s such a great circle when local restaurants support local growers and local consumers support them.