Why Broken Dreams?

Broken Dreams began with a simple question: Why is one of Vietnam's most beloved comfort foods so rarely given center stage in America?

While cơm tấm, or broken rice, can occasionally be found on Vietnamese restaurant menus, it is often tucked away among dozens of other dishes, known mostly to those already familiar with Vietnamese cuisine. Yet in Vietnam, broken rice is far more than just another menu item. It is a cultural icon, a daily ritual, and one of the country's most celebrated meals.

For more than three decades, I have built restaurants, worked with local communities, and explored the connection between food, culture, and people. From helping revitalize Oakland neighborhoods through restaurants like Spettro, to creating innovative dining concepts that brought farmers, artisans, and small businesses together on a single plate, I learned that great restaurants are about far more than food. They are about stories, relationships, and community.

My journey eventually led me to Vietnam, where I spent years immersed in its food culture. There I discovered the extraordinary depth and simplicity of broken rice: fragrant grains topped with grilled meats, crisp pickles, fish sauce, and the signature sunny side up egg whose crispy edges and rich yolk help bring the entire dish together.

Broken Dreams is the culmination of that journey. It brings together a lifetime of restaurant experience, a love of Oakland, and a deep respect for Vietnamese culinary traditions. Our goal is simple: to give one of Vietnam's most beloved dishes the spotlight it deserves while creating a place where food, family, and community come together.

‍ Welcome to Broken Dreams.