
Perched next to "The Dome" in Three Rivers, California, was Lotus Blossom Vietnamese Cuisine. This pop-up of sorts had just a couple menu items to choose from and seating in the great outdoors.

I ordered the lemongrass chicken with noodles, salad and eggrolls. This dish delivers a beautifully balanced combination of freshness and texture. The lemongrass chicken is the star — tender, juicy, and marinated just right with that citrusy, fragrant punch lemongrass is known for. It's savory with a touch of sweetness and just enough char from the grill or pan to add depth.

The noodles serve as a great base, light and slightly chewy, soaking up the flavors of the chicken and sauce. They’re not heavy, which helps keep the dish feeling fresh rather than weighed down.
The salad adds a refreshing crunch — with carrots and herbs — and when paired with the nuoc cham (a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce), it cuts through the richness of the meat and noodles perfectly. The eggrolls round out the meal with a satisfying crispiness on the outside and a savory, well-seasoned filling inside. They're a welcome contrast to the rest of the plate and bring that comforting, indulgent element.

Grade: A