HONOLULU, HAWAII — Mama’s bringing back the ever popular Bun Rieu! Fill your bellies with this delicious pork tamarind broth, blue crab patties, sliced pork belly, tofu and so much more goodness!
Serving up the creations of Chef Andrew Le and his family, the eclectic menu is inspired by Mama Le’s home cooking and the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam, Asia and the Pacific.
The term “family meal” takes on a different meaning for 2012 Hawaii Rising Star Chef Andrew Le. Born and raised in Honolulu to Vietnamese parents, Andrew had an American upbringing, but a strong connection to his Vietnamese heritage through his mother’s authentic food.
A 2001 graduate of St. Louis High School, he attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York, and completed the program in 2006. Andrew decided to return to Hawaii and immediately landed a job at Chef Mavro, under the tutelage of George Mavrothalassitis and Kevin Chong. Soon after Andrew was named sous chef.
An opportunity to explore a new restaurant concept that was becoming popular on the mainland was given to Andrew in 2011, where he started his now popular pop-up, The Pig and The Lady.
It’s at the pop-up and the farmers markets that Andrew, along with Mama Le and the rest of the Le clan, cook up what is essentially family meal in the truest sense those lucky enough to snag a table. The Pig and The Lady farmer’s market stand is selling the family’s heritage for all to eat, exposing Honolulu diners not just to the family’s take on Vietnamese staples like pho and spring rolls but also fragrant chicken salads, vegetarian stews, and French-inspired soups.
Andrew stepped back from the day-to-day of running The Pig and The Lady and focused on expanding his craft and culinary knowledge. This past August, Andrew did a six-month stagè in San Francisco at the newly opened Rich Table, which has been nominated for a James Beard Best New Restaurant award.
Andrew has returned to fully focus on The Pig and The Lady and is searching for a permanent home for the restaurant.
“We currently have two places that you can enjoy our food at, our restaurant at 83 N. King Street and at our Farmers Market booth. Check out our blog for our current menus. We’re also available to cater your event, email us or call us at 585-8255,” said Chef Andrew Le. (www.thepigandthelady.com)