"SUMPTIOUS EATS AT STREETS," Live HoiAn, Sept 2009 – A perfectly drilled Panini filled with Mediterranean-grilled vegetables, sliced chicken breast and mozzarella is before me, while my friend is having a classic bowl of Vietnamese vermicelli noodles and pork. Both look so delightful that we feel a little guilty messing up the design, but the aroma is irresistible and we dive in. For me, having Panini on the menu is a major plus point- this is the first venue in Hoi An to serve the classic Italian sandwich. And it’s absolutely delicious.

“How is it” asks the cheerful waiter, whose English and service skills are very impressive. I cannot answer my mouth is full and I’m in some sort of rapturous state. Instead, a groan emerges, and I give a thumbs-up.

STREETS Restaurant Café has just opened in Hoi An and is already having an impact on this little heritage town. Beyond serving fantastic food there is another reason for supporting the restaurant - STREETS International is a non- for-profit, sustainable, social enterprise initiative aimed at street kids and other disadvantaged youth.

“We are the only bona fide international culinary social enterprise in Hoi An” explains Neal Bermas, founder of STREETS international. “Our menu is contemporary, it incorporates a number of updated classic Vietnamese and International Dishes. All the menu items are carefully plated to reflect a minimal design, with a healthy and fresh local approach to our food. I created the menu in collaboration with Chef Erica Wides, who is our consulting chef from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City”.

The staff at STREETS can learn different aspects of hospitality- depending on their predilection - and these skills are properly certified, so their experience is also valid outside of Vietnam. While they don’t earn a salary per se, they are provided with accommodation, lodging and tuition. Neal decided to set up the STREETS Café in Hoi An because there are a number of impoverished youth in the town and also because he personally thinks that Hoi An is "the most beautiful, special and iconic spot in all of Vietnam”.

You can certainly appreciate the vibrant attitude of the staff, who all seem very happy to be here. For an unmatched Panini and great service, this is definitely a café worth sampling on your visit to Hoi An.