Tuesday, 3 July 2007

Ana Mandara

The words translate into Beautiful Refuge, specifically one described in a 700 year old Vietnamese story as the tropical sanctuary enjoyed by a courageous warrior and a princess whose love for each other caused them to be shunned by their family and peers. Of great solace to them was the culinary bounty of the land and sea that was to be found in Ana Mandara……

In the Ana Mandara legend the ill fated lovers travel in secret in the lush coast of South Vietnam and find an abundance of sea food, bamboo and sweet mangoes to feast on.

It’s no wonder that Miami Vice actor Don Johnson opted for the name Ana Mandara when opening a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco – I went to this restaurant in 2002 during my visit to San Francisco and the experience was just fantastic.

So much so that I named my flat in Xemxija Ana Mandara – mainly because it provides me with solace and comfort by just looking at the views of Wardija hills and Simar Nature Reserve.

…..and people haven’t complained about my culinary skills either :)

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