ຂ້ອຍຮັກມັນ
(Lao for, I loved it.)
Of all the places I thought I'd be trying Laotian food, I would have never guessed North Carolina. What a place! Bida Manda was such a great find. Eating here made me think about how we got so close to flying to Luang Prabang but decided on Hong Kong instead. After this, I gotta say...I must get back there at some point.
This was pretty unique. While I waited to grab a spot at the bar, I went next door to Brewery Bhavana, which is owned by the same folks who own Bida Manda. Bhavana is a bookstore, dim sum restaurant, floral shop and brewery. An uncommon business model, no doubt. Place was so great and it was in Bon Apetit's Top 10 New Restaurants in America. I could see why. Tried a Mango Peppercorn Saison Farmhouse Ale that they called "Glean". It was an ode to Indian street food and it really hit the spot. Complex and the perfect precursor to my meal at Bida.
After the brew, Bida called and my seat was ready. I walked over and started with an odd choice but it sounded to weird to pass up. Something they called Lao Bull. A cocktail, served hot, which came in a small bowl (think Miso Soup)...ready for this? Moonshine, pho broth. lime and anise. Holy Moly. Both strong and savory, it was exactly what I needed. They brought out the shrimp chips and before I knew it, my main dish showed up.
Mee Ka Tee
A coconut curry soup with a whole mix of spices and herbs. Nutty with some Citrus, Spice, Salt and Sweetness, Rice Noodles and Pork Belly...wow. A complete flavor explosion. I was really blown away by it and continued to sell other people at the bar on this dish as I tried not having a heart attack. Between the heat and the moonshine, it was a sensory overload. Just when I didn't think it could get any better, my server brings out dessert, on the house. A trio of the most flavor concentrated little bites. A Filo Coconut Custard, an Apricot Tamarind Cobbler and a Semi-sweet Chocolate Raspberry Creme Brulee. I was dead. Seriously, made my night. I got back to my hotel and drowned in a bed of pillows. Woke up the next day and had to check my IG/pinch myself to make sure it was real. I've been inspired to recreate this soup at home and keep my eyes peeled for other Laotian spots that I might have missed before!
P.S. Took my leftover soup and with the bartender's recommendation, I threw a few eggs into it the next day and make the most killer scramble. Mind blowing.
