One constant over the past 17 years of MAGNET has been the music of Jason Noble. First with the post-hardcore Rodan, then the classically inclined Rachel’s, the post-rock Shipping News and the theatrically concerned Young Scamels, Noble has always been involved with projects that interested and challenged us. Noble has two new releases: a live Shipping News album, One Less Heartless To Fear (Karate Body/Noise Pollution), and the debut LP from the Young Scamels, Tempest (File 13). Unfortunately, creating music is hardly the main concern for Noble these days. The 39-year-old Louisville, Ky., native was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, 15 months ago and is currently battling the disease with the determination, positive energy and modesty he has always displayed in his two-decade musical career. MAGNET is proud to have Noble guest editing our website all week. Read our Q&A with him.
“Vietnam Kitchen: Louisville’s Treasure”
Noble: Louisville is a town with an uncommonly diverse and interesting dining scene. While it might seem like we’re overrun with chain stores and national restaurants, there’s actually an amazing collection of unique places to eat, locally created and lovingly supported. My personal favorite is Vietnam Kitchen, located on the southern side of the city. People from all over town meet in the laid-back and spacious dining room, expanded to about twice its original size nowadays to meet the growing demand. Started by Alex and Kim Lam more than 15 years ago, Vietnam Kitchen is the first place we ever take out of town visitors. Great on a casual weekday, awesome for weekends and birthdays, perfect on a Sunday afternoon in autumn (especially after a robust and chilly visit to the top of the hills in nearby Iroquois Park). Locals hold dearly to their favorite dishes, almost always recalled by menu number. (I’m a J4 with tofu, A12, K6 and K7 guy; my wife loves the F9 green curry.) There’s also the mighty avocado milkshake (we suggest it with coconut milk) and the luxurious Café Sua Da (cà phê sữa đá): Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk. I trust my more carnivorous friends when they say the catfish in a clay pot is heavenly, but this place is also a vegan/vegetarian paradise. Vietnam Kitchen is located in Iroquois Manor (which features a rather amazing ’50s-era neon sign) and is open everyday except Wednesday, so plan ahead if you can. No trip to Louisville is complete without a visit to VK.
Menu after the jump.
One reply on “Shipping News’ Jason Noble Is Inspired By: Vietnam Kitchen”
I made the long bus trip to Vietnam Kitchen on the recommendation/insistence of Brett Ralph when I first visited Louisville years ago for work. The Mock Duck with String Beans was amazing. Also: beer can sculptures!
Thanks for the writing this week and the incredible new record.
Be well.