The Mister and I don’t always see completely eye to eye on culinary favoritism. Yes, we can both admit that something is “good.” And we certainly both recognize a good slice when we see it. But we’re not those couples who can go out to eat and share eachother’s entrees.

Two reasons:

1.) His #1 choice might be my #7 choice and vice versa. Someone is always “settling.”

But more importantly,

2.) We don’t like to share.

We are going to be such incredible role models for our son, I know.

Anyway #1 also rears its ugly head when we are making restaurant decisions. We fall into the indecisive trap of wanting to make the other person happy, but also wanting to have a “favorite”  meal ourselves. These conversations often lead to yelling, exasperation and normally resort to toddler-like behaviors — again, model parents, here.

While we can both agree on our favorite restaurants, we also aren’t millionaires and keep most night-out dinners to reasonable, close-proximity places that don’t charge 20+ for an entree.

Anyway, this weekend, we finally settled on a return visit to Gia Lai — and we may have actually found a place that sits in the top 3 on both of our go-to lists.

As explained on the website:

Gia Lai will be nothing short of an industry trendsetter rewarding diners who demand the best of all worlds. We transform authentic Southeast Asian cuisines made with fresh “from scratch” ingredients into tasty delights while transporting you to our vision of the modern day dining experience fit for an Emperor. Follow the spice road to our luxurious stocked bar and enjoy our hand-crafted signature cocktails gathered from all corners of the globe.

Not sure how I feel about thoe whole “emperor” bit – would he be wearing new clothes? — but, nevertheless, the place is quite delicious.

And so pretty!

Because we know pretty places make delicious food

I’ve now enjoyed the rice paper rolls more than once and the Mister and I agree they are some of the best we’ve had. See that? We’re agreeing.

I enjoy shrimp, while the Mister goes with pork.

Tip: Make sure to ask for a side of fish sauce — they are served with a peanut sauce that is quite delicious, but the fish sauce is better

For our entrees, I ordered a large bowl of the crab and asparagus soup. I’m doing us all a favor by not sharing the photo — completely unappetizing, totally delicious. The Mister ordered the traditional pho (again for a second time) – pronounced ’fu’ – like fun without the “n” (with beef) and said it’s some of the best he’s had.

Special tip: ask for extra siracha!

I can’t speak to the dessert. While it looked delicious, there was a frozen yogurt bar around the corner. Need I go on?

Clevelanders — make sure you check out Gia Lai – and you can thank me later for your avoidance of the “dinner decision” debacle.