Chef Chi Le of Vancouver's newest Vietnamese restaurant, Chi Modern Vietnamese Kitchen, wants you to know that cocktails don't have to be the same old, same old.
"I'm not a bartender," says Chef Chi, "but sometimes my husband wants a little cocktail that's different, and I create something with a Vietnamese influence."
In Vietnam, bartenders think nothing of creating spectacular cocktails from ingredients that would normally go into your meal. In Chef Chi's case, she enjoys creating cocktails using lemongrass and herbs.
"Sometimes, I make a syrup with ginger and lemongrass," she says, "then I let it emulsify and strain it. I dehydrate the ginger and lemongrass and grind it into a puree, which I use on the rim of the glass along with some sugar and salt, depending on the drink. When you sip the cocktail you taste the mix of flavour from both the cocktail and what’s on the rim.”
Chi Modern Vietnamese Restaurant is happy to serve beer and wine, but the unique taste and composition of Chef Chi's Vietnamese cocktails are bound to catch on.
"In Vietnam, we have countless different kinds of citrus,” says Chef Chi. “So instead of using just one kind of fruit, I’ll combine several fruits together to create different layers of flavours.”
Chef Chi wants Vancouver to learn a thing or two about Vietnamese cooking and cocktails.
"First," she says, "we take advantage of the combination of French and Chinese influences. The food and drinks are fresh and so healthy that you can enjoy them over and over again and never get tired of them."
Delicious fresh fruit and desserts will be on offer to tempt the Western palate at Chi Modern Vietnamese Restaurant at the close of every meal.
"Vietnamese food is very fresh and healthy," notes Chef Chi, “even the desserts. That’s why Anthony Bourdain says he loves Vietnamese food so much- and why he loves to visit Vietnam.”
Desserts at Chi Modern Vietnamese Restaurant involve durian, mangosteen, and other fresh fruit.
"I like to take traditional Vietnamese recipes and add new flavours and tastes," says Chef Chi. "I like to be creative."
For more information on Chi Modern Vietnamese Kitchen call 604.336.3010, check out their website, send them an email, or stop by 1935 West 4th Avenue during open hours. The restaurant can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
