The restaurant Pho King Bon and its owner found themselves in a whirlwind of controversy after some members of the Vietnamese community were outraged by the names of some dishes and drinks in the restaurant’s menu. Names like Viet Kong for a shooter brought back painful memories for some Quebecers of Vietnamese origin. Memories of war, atrocities and incredible hardship.
Apart from the media storm, the restaurant’s facebook page was inundated by threats and hate speech from diverse origins. Others supported the owner call the whole situation a result of a mistake which should not have as a result the closing of the restaurant which employs a number of people in Covid times, especially when the owner was quick to conform to what representatives of the Vietnamese community asked him to change.
The Town of Rosemère was quick to denounce the vulgarity and racism on the menu of the restaurant newly installed on its territory.
“The names of dishes and drinks are simply vulgar, racist and sexist. It’s disrespectful and the Town doesn’t endorse such expressions. We are a town with a country flavor character made up of restaurants and shops where good taste and respect for the French language predominate. These crude puns are simply an insult to our language, to the values we instill in our children and to the openness to the world that we advocate. This menu is extremely hurtful to the Vietnamese community. In fact, last June, the Town adopted a resolution against racism and we denounce this vulgarity,” said Rosemère’s Mayor Eric Westram.
Guillaume Boutin, the owner of the restaurant apologized with a letter on social media and is currently speeding up the changes to the menus and printed materials in order to leave behind stereotypes and insulting phrases.
“Following the opening of our restaurant Pho King Bon, its name as well as some of the names of our drinks have caused a stir within the Vietnamese community. Many people of the Vietnamese community felt targeted as well as insulted by our play on words. However, it was never our intention to hurt or undermine anyone. We now recognize that the certain play on words may have offended certain people, especially those from the Vietnamese community.
Pho King Bon apologizes on behalf of all those who felt targeted, insulted or undermined by our play on words. Certain modifications will be implemented to the menu thanks to and as a result of the helpful advice of the Vietnamese community.
As for our Adult drink menu: We understand that the name of our drink/shooter << Viet Kong >> is inappropriate. We sincerely apologize for having used that name. It will no longer appear on our updated menus. From now on we are thoroughly engaged in studying the etymology of any new names we may have for items on the menu ensuring that not even a single hint of racism is present.
We will delete the word <> before the famous drink/shooter called <> which is served in many bars across Quebec. We will also be deleting the pronunciation of <>.
The combo <> will also be replaced.
The new changes will be implemented within a week or two, while bearing in mind any delays from the graphic artists and printers. We will also be modifying our name. From now on we will be a <> instead of a <>.
As well I, Guillaume Boutin personally offer my most sincere apologies to the Vietnamese community for having offended them. Several members of that community have asked me to contribute a donation, which I will be making directly to them in order to assist and help in any causes which they hold close to their heart.
Finally, we truly hope that all those who made false or hateful comments from either side whether on social media or somewhere else will now cease. Hate is not the solution!”
