My occasional Lick the Plate business takeover columns usually feature a few employees contributing their local favorites. This one is a bit different. I met Lindy Gordon at a Beacon’s sunset about a year ago, and as happens with sunset folks, I get to know their story over time.
I found Lindy’s journey from Vietnam to Leucadia and her celebration of 30 years of owning her salon with her daughter, Amanda Nichol, fascinating. I also thought the salon’s location behind Regal Seagull was one of the best places anywhere to work.
I also love Vietnamese food, and she definitely has opinions on that. Her journey and some culinary selections are below — a great reminder that the American dream is alive and well in Leucadia.
LTP: For those who are unfamiliar, what dishes is Vietnam most renowned for?
Lindy: I would say the most well-known are probably phở and banh mi. Those are the two Vietnamese foods I grew up with, and I feel like most people know them.
LTP: What part of Vietnam are you from, and what are your memories of growing up there, especially the food?
Lindy: I grew up in Saigon during the war. We didn’t have much money, but thankfully we always had enough food to eat. Some of my favorite memories growing up are around food and family. We didn’t have a lot, but we made the most of what we had, and food was always an important part of our home.
LTP: Was eating out at restaurants a thing, and if so, what were they like?
Lindy: We really didn’t go out to restaurants growing up. We didn’t have much money, so we cooked most of our meals at home. Sometimes we picked up fast food, and a lot of what we ate came from small street food vendors. Those simple meals are some of the memories I remember most from growing up in Saigon.
LTP: What was the most memorable food that either your mom or dad would prepare at home?
Lindy: One of the most memorable foods my mom made was for New Year. She would make kho thịt, and my mom was a really good cook. I still miss her cooking. We ate a lot of rice growing up and very little meat because it was expensive. But we always had three meals a day. Most meals were simple — rice, vegetables and soup — but they’re some of my favorite memories from growing up in Saigon.
LTP: At what age did you leave Vietnam, and what drove you to move?
Lindy: I left Vietnam when I was 18 because I wanted to find my real mom and my brothers and sisters. I had always wondered about them and really wanted the chance to find them and get to know them.
LTP: Where did you land in the U.S., and what was that experience like compared to Vietnam?
Lindy: When I landed in San Francisco, I was honestly shocked and overwhelmed by how fast-paced everything was. Everything felt so busy and moved so quickly. It was definitely a lot to take in.
LTP: How did you get into cutting hair? Take me from the beginning to your recent 30-year anniversary.
Lindy: My love for hairstyling began back in Vietnam, where I fell in love with watching how a simple change in cut or color could completely transform a person. Back then, I didn’t have access to cosmetology schools, but my dream never faded. When I finally arrived in San Francisco, I was so happy because I could finally go to school and learn the craft. Now, I am proud to say I have been living that dream and styling hair right here in Encinitas for 30 years.
LTP: How did you score such an amazing location in the heart of Leucadia, and what has it been like to see the bar and restaurant scene explode around you?
Lindy: Luck brought me to my very own salon. I took over the space from a struggling previous owner, and I poured my heart into it. Over the last 30 years, I have had a front-row seat to our beautiful town’s history. It has been amazing to watch the vibrant bars, restaurants and local scene grow all around me. Through this shop, I have met so many incredible people and watched our community thrive. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this beautiful journey.
LTP: And finally, where in North County or San Diego can folks go to get the most authentic and delicious Vietnamese cuisine?
Lindy: One of my favorites is Phở Ca Dao, which serves Vietnamese comfort food in San Diego, offering steaming bowls of phở, fresh spring rolls, grilled meats, vermicelli bowls and rice plates. Founded by the Huynh family in 2001, the restaurant celebrates traditional recipes and Vietnamese culture. Another good one is Mr. Pho in Oceanside, a casual Vietnamese spot serving comforting noodle soups, crispy egg rolls, vermicelli bowls and rice plates. Its bright, simple dining room keeps the focus on the food, making it an easy stop for a steaming bowl of phở or a relaxed lunch with familiar favorites.
LTP: Anything else you would like to add?
Lindy: Looking back over the past 30 years, I feel deeply blessed by the life I’ve built here. The greatest gift has been the many wonderful friends I’ve made along the way.
Find Marvelous Hair by Lindy at 996 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. Call 760-942-2996.
