Because it offers a natural fusion of Asian and European traditions with results that are healthful, aromatic and aesthetically pleasing, Vietnamese cooking is all the rage in L.A. And with the creation of restaurants like Crustacean to fuel the trend, it's probably here to stay.
At this Beverly Hills locale, the food isn't the only aspect of the restaurant that dazzles. The eatery skillfully combines the glamour of French colonial style with L.A. glitz. The dining room is entered by crossing a wooden bridge from a cozy lounge. The marble floor is dominated by a serpentine, glass-overed, koi-filled "stream" that meanders 80 feet past a bamboo garden and around tables adorned with tropical flowers.
Start with a lemongrass-sesame beef satay; prawns rolled in soft rice paper; steamed seafood dumplings with a tamarind-ginger fûmet; or addictive Dungeness crab puffs. Entrées include pan-seared Chilean seabass in a yozu-ginger reduction; delicate prawn-stuffed ravioli; and filet mignon with Vidalia onions.
From the Secret Kitchen of owner/chef Helene An -- off-limits to non-family members -- comes whole Dungeness crab simmered in
sake, Chardonnay and Cognac; huge char-broiled tiger prawns; and garlic noodles.
-- Roger J. Grody
November 20, 2006
David Ch Beverly Hills, ca
This place is going down!
First a sloppy management, disorderly processes and snobby service and now it reached a level of disappointment with food quality (besides being cold, over/under spiced) that you can only warn everybody of going there!
it is solely a place to see and be seen. that's all.
November 20, 2006
Larry San francisco, ca
This place is overrated: Food is good, but not great (in relation to price poor), service can be lousy with arrogant waiters and wrong dishes (happend to me 3 times the same evening), dishes can be cold as well, they never hold a reservation but have you hang out at the bar forever and yes, I agree the waiters are not honest (they do not overcharge only at the bar, but also on the bill...pretty big times!!!). Upselling to specials is another regretful price tap - have to ask for price!!!
July 16, 2006
Rich B Yuma, AZ
Too crowded, too disorganized, pretty good food, but watch out for dishonest bar people. you have to leave card to run a tab and they charged mine twice for the same drinks. Had to wait over and hour for a table even with a reservation. Soon, people will desert this place and it's be history
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