CHICKEN AND RICE SOUP

 CHICKEN AND RICE SOUP

DINNER AT HOME

Had less than half of a Rotisserie Chicken left and decided to make Chicken Soup.  Started by sautéing onion, shallots, garlic, carrots and celery in a little olive oil.  Placed the entire chicken carcus with meat and skin in the pot with vegetables and covered with chicken stock.  Brought it to a boil and then turned the heat down and simmered for about half an hour.  Removed the chicken and cooled.  Pulled all the chicken off the bones and shredded.  Also removed skin and threw it away.  Put all the chicken back in the pot and turned heat up to a boil.  Added four tablespoons of Better than Bouillon Chicken Base and  half a cup of Wild Rice, salt, pepper and thyme.   Turned down heat and simmered until rice cooked.  Probably one of the best Chicken Soups I have had in years.

CHICKEN AND RICE SOUP

SAIGON VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT SAIGON VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

HONOLULU, HI

I love the Vietnamese soup called Pho. We eat it sometimes weekly and have tried dozens of different restaurants who serve this local favorite. About a year ago, I concluded that Restaurant Saigon has the best Pho in Honolulu. My friends agree and so we visit the place all the time. I do not even have to order when I enter this restaurant. The owner knows exactly what I want and how to serve it. After we sit down, in a matter of minutes an order of Spring Rolls comes to the table. Served with crisp Lettuce, picked vegetables, cucumber and noodles. You put everything inside the lettuce pour on some hot sauce and eat them like a burrito. Pure pleasure. The soup is all about the broth. Every broth is different. I like this place because the broth has flavor. I order the rare steak and brisket. The meat is cooked in the broth and covered with noodles, bean sprouts, basil and onions. The owner knows that I do not like a lot of noodles so she places just enough in my bowl every time. This is great service. Pho is served with condiments and various hot sauces to really kick up the taste. The price? I really have not looked at them in ages. Probably around $8 for a huge bowl of Pho and $7 for the Spring Rolls. This is a great lunch downtown Honolulu in Chinatown. Taste of Hawaii Favorite.