Don’t expect actual fire when you order the flaming beef chunks ($9.95) at Vietopia (5176 Buffalo Speedway, 713-664-7303). But do expect thin strips of beef, charbroiled until almost crisp, along with scallions, garlic and onion. The hot beef mixture is served over lettuce leaves, which wilt under the heat. Steamed rice and a dipping sauce of lime, salt and jalapeño are the only accompaniments necessary for this very tasty dish.
This article appears in Jul 6-12, 2006.