This Memorial Day weekend, the APALA Mid-Atlantic chapter got together for hot pot in Eden Center, Virginia. While most of our attendees were APALA members, we also had some representation from REFORMA, which we loved! Our social events are open to all our friends, family, and interested colleagues.
We went all out and got the all-you-can-eat option with beef, lamb, fish, and lots of vegetables. Everyone at the table agreed that the watercress and the shrimp paste were excellent choices. Many of us ended the excursion with mini sesame balls, but a few of us went to the Vietnamese grocery store after eating. It just makes sense to make the most out of a trip from the city to the suburbs.
Eden Center is an open air mall in Falls Church, Virginia. It has been a social and culinary hub for the local Vietnamese community for over 30 years. It was established after gentrification pushed many Vietnamese owned restaurants out of Clarendon, a Virginia neighborhood about 4 miles closer to DC. We encourage you to read more about the area’s history and ongoing attempts to redevelop Eden Center that could endanger its future.
Our picture shows about half of the attendees. We took the picture as the other half of the group was getting food, and once we started eating we forgot all about photos.
We hope to hold at least one more virtual and one more in-person event this year. If you’re in the D.C., Virginia, Maryland area, we’d love for you to join us!
Learn more about how to get involved in APALA Chapters here!