Shades of Hanoi, Part II

Last batch of photos highlighting the contrasts of Hanoi:

 

The following were taken at the Temple of Literature, which served as Vietnam's oldest university (dating back to 1070):

Shades of Hanoi, Part I

Various images to help capture the Hanoi experience:

 Ho Kiem Lake

woman walking with live fish

entrance to the historic Metropole Hotel

laundry hanging

'spring roll' at legendary ice cream parlor, Fanny

the flag -a common sight

along the tracks

traditional music

Opera House

man on bike, reading

St. Joseph's Cathedral

La Badiane, Hanoi

Another amazing dining experience during my Hanoi trip occurred at La Badiane -one of the city's top-ranked restaurants. This place had artfully-prepared, delicious dishes, impeccable service, and a relaxing ambiance. Its accolades are well-deserved.

My lunch, from the prix fixe menu (a bargain at $15):

Starter: Tomato Gazpacho

  with feta, homemade bread crumbs + herbs

Main:  Beef Carpaccio

prepared Tahitian style -finely diced red + green peppers, chives + pineapple; served with shoestring potatoes

Dessert:  Chocolate Crepe

topped with chocolate sauce, strawberry puree + shaved almonds

Restaurant Interior

 

Restaurant Exterior

Green Tangerine, Hanoi

One of the most perfect meals I've ever had was at Green Tangerine in Hanoi. In fact, the food, ambiance, and service were so extraordinary, I returned for dinner on my last night in town. 

My favorite way to experience food at an exceptional restaurant is to sample several starters in lieu of a main dish. Of course, I always save room for dessert.

Starter 1:  Tri-color, Tri-flavor Soup 

onions cooked in red wine, young rice in coconut milk, and spicy dry beef in pho broth

 

Starter 2:  Beef Carpaccio 

 

beef marinated in balsamic vinegar mixed with red wine and red fruits, topped with fried Camembert and herbs

Starter 3:  Fig Tempura

 Fig tempura stuffed with goat cheese, bacon, nuts, and grapes presented on Vietnamese spices bread

Dessert:  Meringue

meringue with passion fruit cream, topped with dark chocolate shavings

I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. Both of my experiences there were highlights of my Hanoi visit. Moreover, it is virtually the only place in the Old Quarter where one can escape the city's chaos and actually relax.

Hanoi Up Close

Some shots of Hanoi up close.

  

 (entrance to the infamous Hanoi Hilton)

 (note the Weasel blend)