FOOD DUDE

ran things. “You could usually find us in a back corner jumping up and down on big sacks of rice.”

Today, Hai and Ba share duties with youngest brother Remy, and of course mom and dad who still work at the store “as much as they want,” Hai said.

When the market moved down the street into a larger building in 2003, it evolved from an Asian market to an international market.

Buthion told me Friday that Super Cao Nguyen has been a primary source for La Baguette's kitchen for 30 years. He said it's been the restaurant's primary source for fresh fish since it moved to its current home at 2668 N Military Ave.

When the festival commences Saturday

evening, organizers expect to repeat last year's attendance, an estimated 15,000 people. This year's event will include at least 10 food trucks, 13 food vendors, and four local breweries set up in the district between 6 p.m. and midnight.

Super Cao Nguyen will offer Asian imports and sake for sale in its parking lot during the event.

Before the event, a group of local chefs will gather at the store to help it celebrate 40 years with

a Super Cao Nguyen 40th Anniversary Food Fair, which will benefit The Homeless Alliance.

Starting at 1 p.m., the chefs will be set up in the mall area adjacent to the market and offer dishes inspired by the market for $8. Each chef will offer a distinctive item, so come hungry.

Participating chefs include Vuong Nguyen ( Ur/Bun), Kevin Lee ( Gogi Go, Social Order Dining Collective), Buthion ( La

Baguette Bistro), Koji Omori (Tokyo Japanese Restaurant), Chris Becker ( Della Terra Pasta), Robbie Vernon ( Hacienda Tacos),

Ryan Parrott ( Picasso’s),

Jeff Chanchaleune ( Goro Ramen/Gun Izakaya), Russ Johnson and Shannon Goforth (Ludivine), Wakana and Matt Sebacher ( Tamashii),

Thai Tien ( Grand House),

Kathyrn Mathis ( Big Truck Tacos), Melissa Aust ( Stella Modern Italian), Henry Yang (Tsubaki Sushi), and Shelby Sieg (The Pritchard). A few other chefs are still mulling their options, so check the Food Dude blog for an updated list throughout the week.

There is no cost to attend The Asian Night Market Festival or Super Cao Nguyen's 40th Anniversary Food Fair. Parking could be tricky, so consider ride-sharing.

For updates on the Food Fair search social media platforms with #SCN40.