After taking a yoga class and a swim at Bay Club Courtside this past weekend, I met my friend Jimi Hunter at LeQuy for lunch, located in a strip mall in Campbell, CA.
I ordered Pho (pronounced fuh) which many people know is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs and thinly cut meat (or chicken) that comes with a side bowl of fresh raw Thai basil, bean sprouts and hot green peppers that you can add to the broth if you choose. There are also vegetarian versions. Jimi had a vegetarian dish with tofu and crispy noodles and we shared the very addicting Avocado Spring Rolls filled with rice vermicelli, fresh veggies and tightly wrapped in rice paper.
I never knew what the word “Quy” meant. Vi, one of the restaurant staff told me it means “precious,” a romantic homage to her bosses wife.
SInce immigrating to the United States, the Le-Nguyen family have embraced American culture while staying true to their Vietnamese roots.
They want their customers to know that they infuse their meals with only the freshest ingredients, make their sauces and broths from scratch and take the time
and make a great effort to make sure their food is pure and flavorful which means no artificial ingredients or MSG.
WIth an emphasis on healthy eating, they are committed to using herbs and spices high in antioxidants including, turmeric, ginger, cloves, lemongrass, and garlic, to name a few.
When it comes to preparing traditional Vietnamese food it is governed by the Asian principles of Wu Xing (the five elements). The Vietnamese are well known for balancing five taste elements such as spice, sour, bitter, salt and sweet.
Each of these elements correlate with five organs in the body: gall bladder, small intestine, large intestine, stomach and bladder. Generally speaking cooks try to include five nutrients: powder, water, minerals, protein and fat as well as five colors: white, green,
yellow, red and black in their dishes. The end result are dishes that are balanced and colorful and attractive to the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.
Over the years Vietnamese dishes in Southern Vietnam have been influenced by Southern Chinese immigrants and the French colonists.
The food servers at LeQuy are very attentive and friendly. They have an elaborate menu selection including gluten free and vegetarian options. There is a cozy little bar that is ideal for people who are dining alone or don’t care to wait for a table. They also provide catering services and have a banquet hall in the back for special events.
In closing, don’t let the old fixtures, furniture, the blue checkerboard curtains and the American Diner-type atmosphere take away from it’s authenticity! Embrace the casual ambience. Its part of its charm, and the hassle free parking is a plus.
Photo Credit for last photo of baskets of fresh ingredients: Freedom Asia Website
