After two years, I decided to move into the Wheaton/Glen Ellyn area. But, we always maintained contact with the Severson family by writing and visiting whenever we could.

     In June of 1991, we learned that Mrs. Severson had cancer. My children and I went to visit her. She was wonderful to us as always and faced death calmly and with a beautiful spirit. On the last day of our visit with her, she and I sat and talked together about our children, our grandchildren, and work. I told her my dream - to have a restaurant where I can cook with my heart.

     "Mykha," she told me, "make your dream come true. Don't be discouraged. You will make many people happy."

     I would like to dedicate my work to Beverly Severson, the greatest woman for my life and my children. Without her and her family's love, I don't know where all of us would be today.

     I grew up in a small mountain village in central Vietnam. I lived with my grandmother and my aunt, along with my brothers and sisters and cousins. There were thirteen of us. I was the smallest child in size, but I was still the boss!

     My grandmother was a good cook, and she cooked for us with love. I learned how to cook from her, and I learned to cook from my heart.

     I only use fresh ingredients in my cooking, and I never use MSG (Mono-Sodium Glutamate.) My food is healthy for your body and satisfying to the spirit. If Grandma were alive today, I think she would be proud of me.