In recent decades, certain Vietnamese cuisine has been infused with Cajun flavors, a phenomenon with roots in the Gulf Coast. The result is an unexpected but felicitous union: Both cultures share French influences, stem from coastal communities, and harbor an affinity for seafood and crawfish boils. Now Friends of Little Saigon will pay tribute to this unique fusion with a summer pop-up. Attendees can roll up their sleeves before tearing into a delightfully messy and spicy Viet-Cajun seafood boil of crustaceans doused in butter, spices, lemongrass, and ginger from Crawfish King, and slurping up bowls of Viet-Cajun pho from Pho Bac. There will also be drinks, beer gardens, karaoke, live DJs, and Vietnamese streetwear for sale. Proceeds will benefit Little Saigon’s creative space, which promotes Vietnamese culture, identity, and programs. by Julianne Bell