Hmmmmmm...Bacon...

Bacon, one of my favorite foods in the whole world. Take one of my favorite foods; steak...add bacon...SHAZAM! You have a culinary delite that makes me smile.

I wonder what certain Lao foods would taste like if bacon were added?

Minnesota vacation next week!!!

Can't wait for the car-trip up to Minnesota next week. Going up there for a traditional Laotian wedding. Going to see everyone in the family and enjoy some good Lao food!

I used to enjoy long summer car trips with my family as a kid, I hope my kids feel the same way. I didn't have things like Nintendos and DVD players in the car though as a kid.

It's Hot in Texas!

Molly's first time in the pool by herself. It's pretty darn freaking hot in Austin right now and we try to get in the pool as much as we can. Molly was at first nervous but after awhile, she was kicking and screeching having a grand ole time! Emily and Cory helped out little sis and were pushing her around the pool, much to Molly's delight.

Bourdain's No Reservations in Laos

I caught last night's episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations and I have to say, I came away happy yet somewhat disappointed at the same time. I am a big fan of the show for it's wit and creativity. The host, Tony, used to be a chef who now gets to travel the world sampling local cuisines and customs.

I was hoping for more of the same Bourdain formula. I got a little more history and politics than I wanted but in the end, I was proud that the Lao people represented. I know this show has generated interest in my office of 150 that I run. I have yet to show my wife and my kids the show, interested to see their reaction...

I was looking for more cuisine and local culture though. Where was the infamous Beerlao? Where was the Tum Mak Houng? Sticky rice made a good showing but I've never had an ant egg omelette before. Vienne, have you ever had that on your menu?

First Post

Sabaidee y'all!

I am a middle aged, middle class Laotian American living in Texas. I started this in hopes of sharing my everyday views on life as I try to learn more about where I came from. I moved to the US when I was 4 and got immersed into the American life and culture quickly, to the point of forgetting some of the Lao language and customs.

I married an American girl from Texas with European roots and we now have 3 kids, my "half and half's" as I call them. I have a desire to try to teach my kids the values that I grew up with and to also teach them the cultures of where their parents came from: Laotian, Norwegian and Icelandic.

In reasearching more on Laos, there are a few blogs that have inspired me. My family for starters. I have 9 brothers and sisters and my mother (my father passed away a few years ago). They have kept my language skills and passion for Lao cuisine from disappearing. Vienne's Lao Cook, Darly, Lao Ocean Girl and Nye have also inspired me to dig deeper into learning more about Laos.

My posts will mainly consist of my love for my family, my wife and kids, food and American Football. I hope you enjoy and if not, that's OK with me too.

Jack