File Under::Things to Make You Fell Better

The truth is, some days are harder than others. 

This morning I decided to pretend I was Vietnamese for a day and start the day off with a big steaming bowl of pho ga, dosed with giant lashings of sriracha and garlic chili paste until it was so spicy my nose was running.  If it gets too spicy, you can dip the occasional bite in some hoison.  Something starts to happen with you're heating spicy chicken noodle soup.  I don't know if it's myth or fact, but spice causes pain; pain causes a flood of endorphins to be released in your brain, endorphins make you happy and calm, and, if you're eating something really spicy, sometimes this pleasant euphoria will overcome you.  There's something zen to sitting alone, outside in the cool summer morning, spoon in one hand, chopsticks in another, slurp sip, slurp sip, wipe nose (if your nose isn't running, you're not doing it right).  It's like prescription-free Xanax.  And so I am grateful to you, Lac Viet, for helping to soothe my soul:
 
And now that you've calmed the beastie inside, something to smooth that burning tongue.  A nice Mango smoothie from Bubbles:

The breakfast of champions.

Info: Lac Viet & Bubbles Tea & Juice Company can both be found the Columbus' North Market, at 59 Spruce Street (Short North/Arena District)