With a nod to Douglas Adams, I don't really mean to denigrate the people of El Dorado, but only to make again the stark contrast of a town of 18,000 verses the slightly larger metropolis of Charlotte, NC.
I'm just going to extol the virtues of this town I've come to fall in love with these past few months.
With the sixth busiest airport in the nation, we are home to every kind of food culture found on the globe. Some months ago, I was more in the habit of taking the family out for Chinese food at a restaurant on Park Ave just North of Tyvola called Dragonfly. Today, we've discovered that Dragonfly is no more, and in its place is a new Vietnamese restaurant called Ipho. I will first say that I am totally ignorant of Vietnamese fare. I mean totally! However, the owner took me by the arm, and lead through the adventure with Laura, Matthew, Theresa and Anne-Marie.
We really enjoyed every aspect of it. Normally I can say that I can't stomach Thai food, and I had no idea about Vietnamese. Of course they are completely different but I had no idea if I could enjoy any of it.
So is it authentic? Well this I can't judge, but dining a couple of tables over was a Vietnam veteran named Rufus Hutchinson, who of all things is also a real estate agent with Keller Williams.
And I was able to look him up. Rufus actually was visiting a second time, so it would seem that he's found something to merit the return. I'm sure you can e-mail him and get a more detailed review.
Oh and as I read his site, he was also awarded the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and four Air Medals for valor. I think I'm going to get to know him better, as I do plan to have some real estate investment needs before long, and can never get enough war stories straight from those who lived it.
I just know a few things. First, we were treated very well, and given the opportunity to sample a lot. Secondly, we all enjoyed it, and there was accommodation made for Laura who was very concerned about food allergies. Thirdly, it didn't the bank. For the five of us, we got out with a bill for $51.99 and we were all fed well.
Additionally, when I first walked into the place, I was pretty dizzy, was having a lot of trouble and on the verge of fainting. I had some kind of big beef soup with lots of fresh vegetables that hydrated me very well. It's food that just felt healthy and clean, and it did restore me quite well.
We're going back as the budget allows!
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