koto

hey guys, sorry this is a bit off the topic, but where i am doesnt letme comment on the blogs, or view themfor that matter.
this is for you kate... i went to the koto restaurant today in hanoi. the place was really new, and heavily frequented by tourists which is strange because it is not on the normal tourist trail. apparently its mentioned in a coupleof guidebooks, though not my one - its 2 years old...
from what i could gather the tuition is in allhospitality skills for disadvantaged and streetkids fromhanoi and surrounding area. the food was about half half western and traditional vietnamese, which i was dissapointed in- i thought it would be mostly vietnamese. but there is was a aussie burger on the menu. i guess they're trying to get the chefs expertise in all cuisines - and it probably brings the tourists in too.
the service was good, and mimicked that of reallyhigh class restaurants with the left hand flush against the smallof the back, always serve fromthe left etc. there was lotsof frienlyness, but it was a bit sterile as well, as if they were just imitating western waiters and trying to be that and only that. a lot of the charmof the place was lost i think. though it sounds like a great cause.
so there you go,sounds like a great place tovolunteer, i'd be happy to tell you more about it in person or when i dont havea sticky keyboard....
b