issue 49 - AsiaLIFE Magazine

Scott & Binh'sA new restaurant in Phu My Hung serves quality comfortfood with a twist. Photos by Chris Mueller.Set in the quiet confines of atree-lined street off Bui BangDoan, one of the main arteriesthat runs through Phu MyHung, it’s easy to forget you’rein Vietnam when sitting onthe patio at Scott & Binh’s. Therestaurant was converted from akaraoke bar and chef and ownerScott Marquis is trying to providecustomers with somethingsimple and good in a comfortableenvironment.This is my second time hereand after trying the excellentherb crusted Spanish mackerel(VND 185,000), I’m excited toget a chance to have somethingI consider to be more traditionalcomfort food. I’m not let downby the gigantic royale withcheese (VND 150,000). This isa true burger, with two thickbeef patties, bacon, Americancheese and homemade pickleson a sesame seed bun servedwith a side of potato wedges. Itsmassive size makes it difficult tofit in your mouth, but the effortis worth it. As something of aburger aficionado, this couldpossibly be the best I’ve had inSaigon.Although completely stuffedand nearly comatose after eatingthe entire burger and all thepotatoes, Scott gives me a classicCaesar salad (VND 110,000), andthough many may disagree withme, this one is served the properway with romaine lettuce, croutons,bacon, parmesan cheese,homemade Caesar dressing andno anchovies.Next up he serves the citruswasabi Spanish mackerel (VND185,000). As its name suggests,its served with a coconut-citruswasabi sauce that gives you theflavour of wasabi without theheat.The first time I came herewas in the early evening as thesun was going down, turningeverything that pleasant goldencolour. There are few places likethis in Saigon where you cansit outside on a breezy street,casually sip drinks and enjoysome great food. Althoughthe restaurant is small andhas only been open for threemonths, it’s packed every night.Scott doesn’t want his to be areservation only restaurant, butsuggests customers call ahead tomake sure there is enough room.They also have happy hoursevery day from 4pm to 7pm.The ‘Black Friday’ is popularwith buy one get one free DarkBeer Lao or the excellent locallybrewed Dai Viet Dark.If you want to take a breakfrom Saigon, or Vietnam for thatmatter, head to Scott & Binh’sfor some excellent food anddrinks in a chilled out environment.15-17 Cao Trieu Phat, Phu MyHung, D7Ph: 094 890 1465Tuesday to Sunday 4pm to 11pmasialife HCMC 43