This week it got well and truly cold in Toronto. Layers and lots of them have been my priority all week long. But when I wasn’t willing my jeans to close over my second pair of long johns, I was thinking about places that are not here. Places where there’s no need for parkas, where flowers are in bloom 365 days a year, places where you can contemplate eating something other than chili night after night. Something like these Bún chả Lettuce Cups with their light, crisp texture and simultaneously rich and refreshing flavors. I’ll admit posting these beauties in the midst of winter isn’t the best idea I’ve ever had. But hey! There’s nothing wrong with a little culinary escapism. So crank the heat, swap your snow pants for something fluorescent, and crack a beer. We’re going to pretend we’re anywhere but here.