Nam Viet, Arlington, VA

Vietnamese food is one of my favorites, and I wanted to get my fix before heading down to Argentina. After some research online, my brother found a great restaurant near him, Nam Viet in Arlington, VA. He and I had a wonderful meal there with Pat and my dad. We started the evening with a round of Vietnamese beer, 33.

I ordered Canh Chua Ca, Spicy Sweet and Sour Salmon Soup, a big bowl full of bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, grape tomatoes, mushrooms and pineapples topped with several chunks of very nice salmon in a tangy tamarind broth. This light, fresh meal was the perfect antidote to heavy holiday eating.

Pat chose one of the specials, a Spicy Lemongrass Shrimp, which was very good. He says, "the sauce made it."

My brother and dad ordered orange beef and chicken (Bo Cam and Ga Cam), respectively. Each was lightly floured and sauteed, not greasy at all, with a delightful citrus sauce.

Nam Viet was exactly what I was hoping for, at a very reasonable price, and my brother was glad to discover such a gem nearby.