Extremely hungry and strangely craving lip balm, we decided to get stuck into the menu. While quite comprehensive and boasting a large array of specials, our previous disappointments had led us to take a more conservative approach. To start with we went for the obligatory prawn springers, some fried quail and a serve of salt and pepper pork ribs. Realising that we had just picked the trifecta of fried goodness we choose to move down a healthier route for the mains. Water spinach with garlic and Vietnamese salad with beef rounded out the meal.

*We did also order a serve of prawn stuffed eggplant but having run out of eggplant, this dish would have proved hard to conjure.

The springers arrived first, followed closely by the quail with pork ribs coming in 2 lengths behind. All three, while immediately clogging our arteries, were given a thumbs up, something seldom seen in recent times. The springers were crispy on the outside while moist on the inside and accompanied by some well-pickled carrots. The quail, reminiscent of a Phuc Buddies favourite, was bigger than usual. Almost in astonishment, Dizz asserted “I can’t even eat these bones”. This fact, in no way reflects a good quail but it is worth noting for the sake of Dizz’s eating habits. Next, the pork ribs, which were well spiced and flavourful, though they did have a large surface area of batter that left them a tad oily.

To break up the meal and try to wash away the vast amount of fat we had just consumed, Yask suggested a serve of Vietnamese iced coffees. While this is not a rarity at our meals, these drinks were on the stronger side of the scale and would have been well handicapped at any other restaurant on the street.

With both our moods and caffeine levels equally high, the mains were brought out. The water spinach was fresh and crisp with the garlic strong enough to give flavour but subtle enough not to over power. The Vietnamese salad was next down the straight and did not disappoint. It was well balanced, fresh and even well decorated… It’s the little things.

Maybe it was the amount of fried food, maybe it was the Vietnamese coffee mid meal but on this occasion the Phuc Buddies fell a few lengths short of finishing the meal. Though slightly embarrassed, we left with tomorrow’s lunch… And that is what you call a ‘vinh vinh’.

Movie With Marge wanting a “quiet one’ it was left to Dizz and Yask to fly the movie flag. Zero Dark Thirty was good, if not a bit too predictable but the real winner was having a night off from the kids!