It was a bit of a drive, but well worth it.
The owner/manager at Penzeys Spices poised for my camera. He was very knowledgeable about all the spices and herbs in his store and took the time to talk with us and answer our many questions. I bought two little containers of Paprika - one Hungary Sweet and another one California Sweet. I hope one of those is the Smokey kind, or I goofed. There are large jars for customers to smell, but what you buy, of course, is taped shut. I also got some French Tarragon, Allspice, and Caraway Seed from Holland. Before I left for the store I tried to notice what I was low on or what was so old it had no aroma. It was a great store. I signed Scott up to receive their catalog so he can order fresh spices for his cooking up in Alaska.
Buying spices can make you work up an appetite! We didn't have to go far - just two stores down from Penzeys Spices was Pho Huy in the Clackamas Square Shopping Center. It came highly recommended by the spice store staff. We were glad we chose it for lunch.
Our table of 6 got 3 orders of Gol Cuon (Salad Rolls) - Shrimp, pork, rice noodles, vegetables, wrapped in rice paper rolls, Served with a side of peanut sauce.
I ordered the rice Noodle Bowl_ Bun Thit Cha Glo (Grilled Lemongrass, Pork & Crispy Rolls) -Marinated lemongrass pork and crispy rolls filled with minced pork and shrimp. This is how it looked before I stirred it up and added the sweet & Sour sauce. I loved it! I even brought some home to eat later. Turned out Lee Ann showed up for dinner and I let her eat the leftovers since I had a 6 pm condo board meeting to go to.
