One of the truly memorable dinners in New York during my recent trip is at BarBao on 100 West 82nd Street, New York, named after Chef Michael Bao Huynh and co owned by Ha Nguyen.

The decor is subtly elegant and sophisticated with a bar/lounge by the entrance opening up to high ceiling dining area.

The co-owner, Ha, and the Chef de Cuisine Jennifer Hill.  Under chef Bao's guidance, Jennifer has created an innovative menu marrying Vietnamese and French cuisine with great harmony and creativity and has prepared tonight's menu.

My sister Nhumy and her daughter Anmy and fiance Mick

Our friends Ha, Lan and yours truly

My sons Bruce & Jeremy are at the other end of the table, we are ready for this culinary experience.

We start with small plates of Crispy Salt & Pepper Calamari served with a Chili Aioli and Short Rib on lemongrass skewers... Absolutely delicious

The Tiger Shrimp Salad with green papaya, fresh herbs, lemongrass dressing is traditionally prepared

This dish is surprisingly delicious, Daikon Duck Hash made from duck confit, bot chien and daikon and a poached egg...

Crispy Sweetbreads served with pickled peach and braised bitter melon and a Chinese sausage vinaigrette

The Pan Roasted Sriped Bass served with corn, Shishito Pepper and Pearl onions is just perfectly prepared.

This is a rich and amazing dish of Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly served with Taro, Shishito Peppers, Kimchee Watermelon Radish...

The side dishes of vegetable and noodle

The Grilled Black Angus Strip Steak (on top right) is the hit of the evening, prepared with Asian Eggplant, and served with steamed rice or sticky rice, herbs, dipping spicy ginger sauce and crispy rice, salt and spice mix.

The next outstanding dish is the Mustard Glazed Duck Breast served with Handmade Herb Noodles and Chinese Chives.

The Pan Seared Market Fish served with glass noodles, shiitake mushrooms, Chinese celery in a ginger soy broth, is so fresh and delicious...

After an amazing feast, we taste the desserts that are also outstanding.

This is a hot chocolate lava cake served a la mode.

The caramel flan is served with tapioca and longan fruits

Chili chocolate ice cream served in a cone. The spiciness of the chili gives a great kick to the rich chocolate flavor

Below is crispy crepes served with ice cream

Not pictured are a selection of fresh tasting and delicately fragrant exotic fruit sorbets, which are my personal favorite...