Vietnamese cooking has long been acclaimed for its use of the freshest ingredients and the healthy balance it provides. Saigon Sisters’ owner Mary Nguyen Aregoni presents the history of the street food of Vietnam and how she has brought this culinary tradition to her downtown restaurant. Her talk focuses on how the food style’s vibrant colors, spicy flavors, pungent aromas, and varying textures of soft, smooth, and crunchy satisfy the senses.

From her family Vietnamese experience, she will explain the diverse culinary influences of China (noodles, rice), France (baguettes, sandwiches), India (curries), and Thailand (mango sticky rice, hotpot)  that have created the street food tradition. She will also discuss the elements of Vietnamese cuisine that create each meal’s yin-yang balance.

Saigon Sisters’ Executive Chef Matt Eversman will demonstrate the art of Vietnamese appetizers by making spring rolls. He will also provide samples, recipes, and references on where to find the ingredients in Chicago.

To reserve tickets, please call David Farris at 312-286-8781 or email your reservation to Culinary.Historians@gmail.com.