Chef Joyce Jue Offers Vietnamese Menu on May 23

Chef Joyce Jue, a doyenne of Asian cooking and award-winning cookbook author, will present a menu of Vietnamese summer classics from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Fresh Starts Chef Events.

Chef Joyce shares her experience as a culinary tour guide and cookbook author with guests as she demonstrates each dish to explain the selection and use of ingredients like rice paper and lemongrass.

"It is my goal to share the joy and opulence of Asia's cultural and culinary treasures, to teach how to fully enjoy and savor the unique flavors of Asian food, and to appreciate the sensibilities and nuances of dining at the Asian table,” she says.

“But first and foremost my ultimate goal is for everyone to have fun with cooking," she adds, noting that all her dishes are fun to make with friends at home and easy for a casual dinner party.

Her menu:

• Goi Cuon - Fresh 'summer rolls' with shrimp, pork and vermicelli noodles wrapped in rice paper
• Goi Du Du - Green papaya, carrot, and green bean salad
• Ca-Ri-Ga - Lemongrass curry chicken with potatoes
• Steamed Jasmine Rice
• Coconut Flan

Born and raised in San Francisco's Chinatown, Chef Joyce has written cookbooks like "Savoring Southeast Asia" (winner of IACP Best International Cookbook Award in 2000) and leads walking tours in Chinatown as well as culinary trips abroad.

Tickets cost $55 each and include a full meal; wine will be available for purchase. The event takes place in the showcase kitchen at the Next Key Center, 1385 N. Hamilton Parkway, in Novato.

All proceeds benefit shelter and job-training programs at Homeward Bound of Marin. For more information or registration, please visit Fresh Starts Chef Events online or call 415-382-3363 x243.