Tues, April 2nd | 6:00 PM
5-Course Tasting Menu
Personalized Calligraphy Scroll
Spring Cocktail
Xuân "Spring" Tasting Menu
Culinary & Calligraphy
When: Tues, April 2nd, 6:00PM
Where: 944 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046
Highlights: 5-Course Tasting Menu, Personalized Calligraphy Scroll, Spring Cocktail
Ticket: $125 per person
Join us in welcoming Spring, or ‘Xuân’ in Vietnamese culture. Our ‘Xuân’ menu celebrates Vietnamese calligraphy (Thư pháp), where each stroke is a soulful blessing. This revered art form reflects our profound respect for literature and scholarly wisdom.
The highlight of the evening is a 5-course meal to share, a personalized calligraphy scroll, and a Spring cocktail. Each dish is a culinary expression of the soul, inviting guests to partake in the promises of new beginnings.
Our tasting menu is not just another dining experience, join us and immerse yourself in the beauty of ‘Xuân’ at NUE Elegantly Vietnamese on Tuesday, April 2nd at 6:00PM.
About The Calligraphy Masters
Calligraphy Master: Vu Nhuong
Vu Nhuong is the son of Vu Hoi who is considered to be one of “Five Thousand Personalities of the World.” Artist Vu Hoi specializes in “painting in motion” and “calligraphy,” an art form he created as his signature style of Vietnamese Calligraphy called, “Thu Hoa.”
Who Is Vu Hoi
Calligraphy Master, Vu Hoi was born on November 22, 1932 in Tam Ky, Quang Nam. A multi-talented artist, he is known as a painter, poet, and calligrapher. His artwork has received numerous international awards and recognition, including The Par Excellence Award at America World Painting Exhibition in 1963; the “Dream of Peace” award by the President of the Czech Republic in 1995. He was listed in the Republic of Vietnam Literature Dictionary in 1974.
He is a big name in the domestic and international literature and art scene. He was invited to paint a portrait of US President John F. Kennedy and a portrait of General Creighton W. Abrams. Received the International Art Prize in 1963 in the United States. Founder of the Luan Vu Hoa (Paintings In Motion) and Handwriting Painting schools. The only Asian artist honored for Creating Art for the World, in Atlanta – USA on November 5, 1994.
In addition to being talented in painting, Vu Hoi is also a poet and photographer. He started his artistic career writing poetry with the pen name Hong Khoi, and published many collections of poetry:
- Season of Sympathy (Poetry) 1958. – White Poems (Poems) – La Poésie de Couleur Blanche, translated into English and French in 1959 in Saigon.
- Footprints (Short Story), published in 1960. – Dreaming of Dreams (Poetry), published in 1997.
- Thousands of Love for Mother Earth (Poems and Paintings), 1999.
- Vu Hoi is named in:
- Literature Dictionary of the Republic of Vietnam period
- Larousse Encyclopedia, the most famous dictionary in France and the world.
- Dictionary of World Famous People, published in the UK in 1998
- Recorded in “5000 Personalities of The World”, published by the American Biographical Institute in 2000. The only Vietnamese calligrapher listed in the “Anthology of Oriental Master Calligraphy”, published in Tokyo – Japan 2006 edition (Volume 6International Editonal – Tokyo – Japan).
The Art of Calligraphy
And Its Cultural Significance
According to ancient Vietnamese beliefs, writing is an expression of human intellect and soul. Beautiful handwriting is a sign of sophistication, elegance, and a good upbringing, while poor handwriting is a sign of lacking education and culture. That’s why there is a proverb that says: “Your handwriting is a sign of your character”. Vietnamese people also believe that through writing, we can educate and guide others as it can convey moral lessons and noble human values, such as “Dũng” (courage) và “Ngoan” (goodness).
Cultural Significance
Vietnamese calligraphy has been practiced for centuries and is closely tied to the country’s cultural identity. It reflects the values of discipline, patience, and reverence for knowledge.
Calligraphy was not only a means of communication but also a form of artistic expression and a medium for conveying philosophical and spiritual insights.
Unique Features
Vietnamese calligraphy has its own distinctive features, drawing inspiration from Chinese calligraphy but evolving into a distinct style that incorporates elements of the Vietnamese language and culture.
The strokes in Vietnamese calligraphy are bold and expressive, with an emphasis on fluidity and harmony. Each character is carefully crafted to convey meaning beyond its literal interpretation.
Historical Significance
Throughout Vietnamese history, calligraphy has been revered as a high art form, with skilled calligraphers held in high esteem in society.
Calligraphy was practiced by scholars, monks, and artists, who dedicated years to mastering the intricate techniques and nuances of the art.
Decline and Preservation
In recent decades, Vietnamese calligraphy has faced challenges due to modernization, globalization, and changes in educational priorities.
Efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize Vietnamese calligraphy as a cultural heritage. Organizations, schools, and individuals are working to teach calligraphy skills to younger generations and raise awareness about its importance.