Cindy Lam Cuisine is my platform where I enthusiastically share my passion for cooking, particularly when it comes to creating authentic Vietnamese dishes that evoke cherished memories from my childhood. I prioritize the use of fresh, and whenever possible, organic ingredients while remaining faithful to the true flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Through my recipes and culinary experiences, I aim to bring the essence of Vietnamese culture and flavors to a wider audience.
My name is Cindy Lam Lorimer. I was born in Vietnam and came to the United States as a boat person when I was just 5 years old. I’ve been living in Los Angeles ever since, and I’d like to share some information about myself.
“I strongly believe that food has the power to trigger childhood memories. I am committed to ensuring that my children also have the wonderful experience of waking up on a Saturday morning to the aroma of their mother preparing pho or any other Vietnamese dish. I want to pass down these cherished memories and traditions to them.”
The journey from Vietnam to America
At the tender age of 5, I was forced to flee the only country that I have ever known with my mother and my 3 siblings of which I am the youngest, while my father remained in a POW camp. Accompanied by my uncle’s family and my aunt’s family, we attempted to depart on a boat that was meant for 500 people but ended up overcrowded with 1000 due to fake tickets. A fortunate delay occurred as we were supposed to depart on a stormy night, resulting in several boats that left that night tragically sinking.
We eventually docked at a port and departed the following morning, leading to a misunderstanding among our family in Vietnam, including my father, who believed we had left that night and were lost at sea. All the family members in Vietnam were mourning our death. After a five-day journey, we arrived at a refugee camp in Malaysia. My uncle called my aunt in France to let her know that we arrived safely. She thought that she was speaking to a ghost on the other line. With tears of joy, she relayed the good news to my family in Vietnam.
We ended up staying in the refugee camp in Malaysia for a year.
Why America
Before we left Vietnam, my father had strict instructions for my mom, that no matter what, she is to take us to America and not France, as her siblings were going to France. With so much courage and commitment, my mom went against what she wanted and followed my dad’s wishes. He told her that America was the land of opportunity and we will have a better life there.
Today, as I look back, I am eternally grateful for my father’s foresight and my mother’s unwavering commitment. Their sacrifice paved the way for the life I now cherish – a loving husband, three beautiful children, and a life beyond my wildest dreams. My father’s wisdom and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on my life, a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and triumph over adversity. God rest his soul; I shall forever be in your debt, Ba.
Life in America
Growing up as an immigrant kid in America was no cakewalk. I can still vividly recall those moments when I’d unpack my lunchbox, and there it was, a meal from my mom that stood out like a sore thumb amidst the PB&J sandwiches my friends had. It felt a bit embarrassing, to be honest. All I wanted was to blend in, not to stick out like a sore thumb, as so many immigrant kids do.
Then there were those ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. A necessary step, but they sure made me feel like I didn’t quite belong. Still, I persevered.
I learned to appreciate the best of both worlds. I cherished the Vietnamese dishes from home while embracing the American TV dinners that were all the rage at the time. From hearty Hungry Man feasts to those turkey-stuffed dinners, and yes, even special nights at Sizzler, I reveled in them all.
And then came college. My mom embarked on a new journey in Hawaii, leaving me to navigate the twists and turns of life on my own. It wasn’t easy, but I managed with financial aid and juggling part-time jobs. In the end, I earned a degree in biology, which doesn’t quite align with my current path, but hey, life’s journey isn’t always a straight line.
Through trials and tribulations, embarrassing moments, and flavors of home and abroad, I am finally proud of my story. It’s about finding a place in a new world while honoring the roots that make me who I am today. I am thankful for them all.
Becoming a Lorimer
After graduating from college, I followed the typical path for someone living in LA – waiting tables at night and pursuing acting during the day. Despite scoring a few commercials, I realized that acting wasn’t my true calling. I became an account manager for an Australian entrepreneur.
One night at the Avalon in Hollywood, my dear friends introduced me to a record producer named Peter Lorimer. From our very first meeting, I felt a strong connection with him. Little did I know that Peter would play a pivotal role in shaping my life. I owe much of who I am today to him, as he believed in me from day one, even when I had doubts about myself.
I had always imagined myself playing a supporting role in life. However, Peter saw something greater in me. He once told me that he considered me one of the smartest people he knew, high praise coming from such a brilliant and gifted man.
We exchanged vows and got married in Vietnam. We have three children and formed a successful real estate company known as PLG Estates in Beverly Hills.
My life was a whirlwind of real estate and raising three young children for many years, until the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected pause in 2020. Suddenly, I found myself with nowhere to go and nothing to do for an entire month. It was during this unexpected break that I decided to dive into the collection of recipes I had been saving from NYT Cooking. Little did I know that this simple decision would ignite a long-buried passion.
For a while, life hadn’t allowed this passion to surface, but as I cooked my way through those recipes, I realized how much I enjoyed it. That initial spark led me to reminisce about the cherished dishes that connected me to my childhood. So, I reached out to my mom, hoping to recreate those Vietnamese flavors that held a special place in my heart.
My mom’s response was classic and somewhat vague, a common trait among many immigrant moms: “It’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that, a dash here and a dash there.” Frustrated, I asked her for precise measurements, but her answer remained the same: “You just have to taste it as you go.” Determined to share these beloved recipes with others, I embarked on a mission to create precise measurements and clear instructions.
This journey brings me to where I am today, and I’m proud to share it with you. It’s not just about creating a legacy for my children, ensuring that they can recreate their mom’s dishes, but also about connecting with those who want to evoke flavors and memories from their own pasts. Most importantly, it’s a tribute to all the ancestors and Vietnamese cooks who toiled in the kitchen, ensuring that homemade meals graced their family’s tables and preserving the authentic traditional Vietnamese cuisine that lives on in all of us.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I extend my heartfelt love and gratitude to all.
With much love,
Cindy Lam Lorimer
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