Welcome to Le Cheval.  Our family has been serving the Bay Area patrons since 1985. We introduced new Asian flavors into America, Vietnamese cuisine.   This style incorporates the French, Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking concepts of preparing wholesome, nutritious and special dishes that emphasize quality with quantity.  Fresh vegetables, nuts and spices are all essential ingredients to preserve this tradition of cooking.  Everyone knows that the secret to healthy living is good nutrition and a balanced diet.  So it’s no coincidence that a combination of any of these will be found in almost every dish.
 
Some people may be unaware of studies, done at the Loma Linda University Center for Health Research that has shown that nuts are an excellent source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along with vitamin E and protein.  According to some findings from the University of California at Berkeley, the natural chemical quercitin found in onions, displays cancer fighting properties so it may be one of natures most potent anti- carcinogens.  Also reported, from the Journal of the American Medical Associations, was the apparent ability for garlic to slow blood coagulation reducing the risks of clots and heart disease.  All of our pan fried Lemon Grass entrees, include these health preserving ingredients, onions, garlic and in-house roasted nuts, to expand the culinary horizon yet keep a nutritional perspective.  If onion and garlic are little too strong, then consider some of the little less zesty but never less delightful entrees with broccoli.  Studies from John Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Foundation for Preventive Oncology in New York City have both shown that the chemicals sulforaphane and indoles found in broccoli along with other cruciferous vegetables like watercress and cabbage may be the key components behind their anti-carcinogenic properties.  So, for a light way to jump start a meal consider a refreshing Salad of Watercress with chicken or Shredded Cabbage and Tofu.  
 
Two of the staple foods of the Orient are known as the soybean and the curry. Presently, researchers at Japan’s National Cancer Center Institute indicate that a naturally occurring compound called genestein, which is found in the soybean curd known as “tofu”, may block some cancer causing genes and even help prevent gastric cancer.  Curry is the other dietary staple in Southeast Asia, where the rate of Alzheimer’s disease is among the world’s lowest. Researchers of UCLA say that the curry pigment curcumin has a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a very attractive possibility for treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart disease.  So our Simmer Fried Eggplants w/ Tofu and Curry Chicken may soon become a gourmet way to stay healthy. For those “fishing” for something a little more extravagant, how is this for the catch of the day?  Biologists at the University of Texas have found strong evidence that shows the omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish lower cholesterol, lessen the risk of atherosclerosis and may protect against colon cancer.  There are probably not too many tastier ways to keep your heart healthy other than trying all our delicious Fish dishes.  What better way to compliment such equanimity in a meal than a nice robust red wine.  A study done at Kaiser
Permanente Medical Center, here in the Bay Area, has reported that people who moderately indulge in the pleasures of red wine (no more than two drinks a day) show significantly lower rates of coronary-artery disease.  It turns out that the substance resveratrol, found in grapes reduces fat and cholesterol levels in the blood.  Give into the urge, if it so strikes, to order that Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel or any Burgundy.  
 
Another  special quality of  Vietnamese  cuisine  is  the  sauce  used to prepare and into which  many  foods  are  dipped,  “Nuoc Mam”.  Fish sauce is derived from anchovy and is spiced with a little chili, lemon juice, garlic and vinegar.   It provides a unique taste the makes Vietnamese flavors quite distinct from other Asian flavors.   Whereas largely of the
European use Maggi, the Chinese use soy sauce, the Vietnamese use “Nuoc Mam”.  
 
Only until a few years ago, speculation was all that linked a balanced diet to good health.  But as research continues, studies show that the bond between proper nutrition and longevity seems to be growing only stronger.  Throughout the centuries, the Vietnamese traditional style of preparing good food has always kept the most essential balance in the diet.  Our family is proud to continue that tradition and is dedicated to maintaining the harmony between mind and body through healthy eating.    See you there.