So Viet

Hosting an authentic Vietnamese gathering could mean an adventure in obscure ingredients and far-flung grocers, but insiders know all that's required is a quick visit to Song Que.

This Falls Church Vietnamese deli and restaurant--which comes from the owners of Four Sisters and occupies the restaurant's old Eden Center space--sells packages of enticing Vietnamese dishes that are perfect for easy entertaining. Most items are sold in individual and party portions, so you can mix and match to keep the spread interesting.

The staff keeps the restaurant's long center island stocked with freshly prepared packages of rolls, buns and easy bites. A plate of delicate bánh cuon ($10)--or rice crêpes--are filled with mushrooms, onions and your choice of ground pork, shrimp or a vegetarian spread. Shredded papaya salad ($6) gets a hint of anise from Thai basil and smoke from sesame-seed-studded dried beef.

Add color to dessert with a rainbow of different sticky-rice mounds ($2.50), each wrapped with sugar and shredded coconut.

Call ahead to secure special orders of fresh summer rolls, fried spring rolls or other favorite dishes, and don't forget to order banh mi ($3) or a barbecued pork bun ($3) to tide you over until the party starts.

Song Que, 6769 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church; 703-536-7900