Pho

Jan 8 2010
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Here's the great thing about the multicultural aspect of the American culture - you can discover all these wonderful foods. Pho is one of my latest obsessions. It was introduced to me by the Hmong administrative assistant at my job.

Pho, for those who don't know (it's pronounced "fa," not "foe" though most Asians will forgive the mispronunciation), is a Vietnamese rice-noodle soup that has a bunch of vegetables, a mix of seafood, chicken and beef and often is served very spicy.

It's also very popular in California. There are Pho restaurants popping up in just about every city in the state, as the soup has been adopted as the official soup of the "hipster," the official youth movement of California.

This photo was taken from inside a Pho Restaurant in San Francisco that was recommended by a friend of mine.

Ho's Restaurant

Jan 8 2010-7
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Here's one of the small problems with multiculturalism - a word that might be perfectly acceptable in one culture takes on a completely different meaning somewhere else. Take this restaurant - Ho's. Thanks to the mass-marketed shallow rap culture that is shoved down our throats by the mega media entertainment corporations, the word Ho has taken on a whole new meaning in modern American culture.

I wonder if anyone has explained this to the restaurant's owners?

Sushi Bar next to Italian Restaurant

Jan 8 2010-4
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Another great example of the multi-culturalism of San Francisco - an Italian Restaurant next door to a Sushi Bar.

Sushi Bar

Jan 8 2010-44
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Downtown San Francisco, next to the voyeur theater.

Bangkok Noodles and Asian BBQ

Jan 8 2010-52
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Found in downtown San Francisco.

New York Donuts

Jan 5 2010-10
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Can someone please explain to me how a New York Donut is different from any other donut?

Soul Food and Barbecue

Jan 5 2010
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

This is one of two "soul food" restaurants I have come across lately. I'm not a food expert, but it's my understanding that "soul food" is actually a modification of the "slave food" that used to be served to African-Americans - lots of fried foods, pork, collard greens, beans and rice. I know there have been a number of African-American activists who have recently protested the glorification of Soul Food, claiming it's terribly unhealthy for folks, including an entire episode of "The Boondocks" where grandpa opens a "Soul Food" restaurant and most of his customers develop extreme obesity and heart problems.

What strikes me is this place is a combination of "soul food" and "BBQ," which traditionally is seen as southern white folks food, the very folks who forced this unhealthy food on the slaves in the first place.

It's just a notion that passed by when I first discovered this place.

By the way, the locals say the food at this restaurant is very good.