Draft:Garlic Noodles

Garlic Noodles (Vietnamese: Mì Tỏi, pronounced [mi˧˩ tɔj˧˩]) is a noodle dish that originated in San Francisco, California, created by Chef Helene An. Known for its rich garlic flavor, the dish has gained popularity in various Asian-American communities and has become a staple at many Vietnamese, Asian-fusion, and mainstream eateries.

History
Garlic Noodles were created in 1975 by Helene An, a self-taught chef from Vietnam, at Thanh Long restaurant in San Francisco. The dish was designed to cater to the American palate, combining garlic's health benefits with a fusion of Italian and Vietnamese flavors. Upon settling in San Francisco, Helene realized that Americans couldn’t resist noodles doused in cream, and she decided to put a healthier spin on by adding garlic. The result was garlic noodles, which quickly became the An family’s signature dish, often paired with whole roasted Dungeness crab or grilled and butterflied prawns.

Popularity
Helene An's Garlic Noodles have gained worldwide recognition. They are featured in various restaurants and in condiment brands. The California Pizza Kitchen and Panda Inn have their own versions. A Google search reveals hundreds of variations, including Chili Garlic Noodles, Spicy Garlic Noodles, Soy Butter Garlic Noodles, Hot Honey Garlic Noodles, and Burmese Garlic Noodles. Chef J. Kenji López-Alt, The New York Times, interpretation of Garlic Noodles brought the recipe further popularity.

The dish has gained popularity in various Asian-American communities and has become a staple at many Vietnamese and Asian-fusion restaurants. It is also found in mainstream eateries such as Yard House, demonstrating its appeal beyond just Asian-fusion cuisine.

In the 1980s, Thanh Long gained a serious cult following, known for its seafood, and often served 200 roasted crabs a night. High-profile patrons included Robin Williams, Danny Glover, and Erik Estrada. The popularity extended to the An family’s other restaurants, including Crustacean in San Francisco and Beverly Hills, which became a celebrity hotspot with regulars like Will Smith and Leonardo DiCaprio.

In France, the critic François-Régis Gaudry featured his interpretation of Garlic Noodles, inspired by Helene An's famous recipe, on his culinary TV program Très Très Bon. Recently, Crustacean opened in Saudi Arabia, inspired by the many Saudi tourists who are Garlic Noodles aficionados. Garlic Noodles are now referred to as San Francisco Garlic Noodles, and considered a classic dish at Vietnamese and Asian restaurants nationally.

In 1981, Michael Bauer, Restaurant Critic, The San Francisco Chronicle, ... Helene An’s contributions to Vietnamese cuisine in America were recognized by the Smithsonian, honoring her as the “Mother of Fusion Cuisine.”

Secret Kitchen™
Helene An took measures to protect her unique recipes by constructing a second kitchen within her restaurant, sealed off to everyone but her immediate family. This small space is where Helene An, her daughters, and other family members prepare Crustacean's signature dishes, including roasted crab, garlic noodles, and tiger prawns. This "Secret Kitchen™" ensures the confidentiality of her prized recipes and contributes to the mystique and uniqueness of her culinary creations.

SFGATE noted that at Thanh Long, the private kitchen is inconspicuously set at the back of the house, connecting to the restaurant’s main prep area with a passthrough window resembling a stainless-steel bookshelf. SF Standard explains that the recipe for garlic noodles remains a closely guarded An family secret, prepared only in their “secret kitchen.” Helene An’s daughter, Monique, mentioned that the experience of fleeing their homeland taught Helene to be protective, emphasizing the value of knowledge over material possessions.