Chef /Owner Mong Skillman of the Mandoline Grill Vietnamese Gourmet food truck.
Mong has always loved watching her mom cook and wanted to bring the unique flavors to Los Angeles.On February 6th, Mandoline Grill held its truck launch party at Verdugo Bar in Glassell Park. It was a crazy day for Mong Skillman who's cooking started back with her mom Hoa Thi Ho (pronunced Wa-Tee-Ho) who has owned her own Vietnamese restaurant Song Huong in Honolulu, Hawaii since 1995. Shhhhh! Don't tell Mong, but today is Mong's birthday and this article was saved to be released on her birthday October 20th. Enjoy the Special Birthday Video by Grill Em All and some fellow food truck owners below.
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The cool Mandoline Grill Logo was designed by a famous local Artist Tim Biskup.
If you talk to Mong about her food or her history behind Mandoline Grill, she always says with a smile "I'm doing my mom's food." Also, the name Mandoline Grill Mong says, is to pay homage to her Mom who uses a Mandoline, which has razor sharp blades to beautifully shred and slice vegetables for Vietnamese dishes in her restaurant. Mong proudly displays one on her food truck and told me during the interview that its like carrying a piece of her mom with her. Mong's twist on Vietnamese food makes her a stand out in any crowd.
When I think of the hard working chefs who serve consistently great food and maintain great customer service, that is a very elite group of food truck owners that can meet that standard.The Mandoline Grill does this with passion and an end result of serving up some of the best Vietnamese fare in Los Angeles. Enjoy Mong's cooking demonstration video of her twist on the Vietnamese Bánh mì and food pics below.
Mong has recently changed her menu items and below we will show you and explain what new foods are cooking in the Mandoline Grill gourmet food truck. Enjoy the food pics of the 3 items we sampled.
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Grilled Pork Bánh mì: Grilled pork loin marinated in "Momma Hoa's" inspired marinade for 24 hours of love, fresh crusty french baguette bread, cucumber slices for some crunch, pickled carrots & daikon, cilantro, jalapenos for a hint of heat, mayo, and scallion oil to balance off this masterpiece. We had the non vegan mayo version.You can have the Bánh mì with beef or vegan options too. Enjoy the Bánh mì money shot above.
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Vietnamese Nachos: Vegan style-Grilled tofu over crispy tortilla chips, topped with scallions, jalapeños, mint, cilantro, and sriracha aioli for that burn. You can have this side with beef or vegan options. This side is nicely seasoned twist on Mexican nachos made the Mandoline Grill way, outstanding!
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Grilled Beef Bún: Grilled beef marinated in "Momma Hoa's" inspired marinade for 24 hours of love, over rice vermicelli noodles, mixed salad greens, cucumber slices, crushed peanuts, crispy shallots, and scallion oil with a traditional Vietnamese Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Sauce) made with a salty smack of fish sauce with a crushed thai bird chile for a hint of heat and a finish of lime to balance and wake your taste buds up.
Special Video tribute from fellow gourmet food truck owners GrillEm All Etc..: Happy Birthday Mong!
Great article and videos! I cannot say enough great things about Mong and her food. I am a regular at her truck and have tried nearly everything on the menu. It is always fresh and always fantastic. Plus, Mong is just good people.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Mong!
Hi ReneeInLA,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments. Its easy to write an article like this when you have a great subject to begin with. Mong is a cool and hard working person who produces quality! Happy Birthday Mong!