Here’s a couple of disclaimers after reading some ‘critical’ reviews;
1. People have been selling short asian cuisine for years. Stop expecting mammoth portions at cut rate prices, it’s 2020 you can no longer get lo mein, orange chicken and broccoli beef for $4.99. Even Panda...
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Here’s a couple of disclaimers after reading some ‘critical’ reviews;
1. People have been selling short asian cuisine for years. Stop expecting mammoth portions at cut rate prices, it’s 2020 you can no longer get lo mein, orange chicken and broccoli beef for $4.99. Even Panda Express doesn’t do this. Why anyone complains about portion size at an AYCE is beyond me. Want to get your ‘moneys worth’? Just eat more.
2. Just as there are regional differences in America, Vietnam has different cuisine within its country. “This isn’t as good as my cooking!” Then stay home and make your broth for four hours and you can season/spice to taste. The asian community is so prideful on itself that people tend to think anything other than their rendition of a recipe is wrong.
3. The smaller menu should be expected. The majority of items available aren’t something that you can order and unwrap from Sysco packaging. All of these items take time to make, and your wait will be extended if they continue to expand their menu. Most buffets, and even chain restaurants (Chili’s, Applebee’s, Chinese Buffets), order from a company called Sysco that has ready made items that only need to be unpackaged and microwaved/reheated.
3. With that being said, that doesn’t mean I’m against critical reviews. I’m against criticizing a small business to stroke your own ego about your cooking, or expecting ‘more variety’ when this business is about Vietnamese food. For AYCE pizza, wings, and everything under the sun that Sysco has on their order log, this isn’t the place.
The decor is amazing. Outward appearances don’t necessarily facilitate good food, but I was genuinely impressed at the appearance of the restaurant. It seems like a lot of attention to detail was made and the owners should be prideful of that; I think Google Street View even shows the process of the patio addition.
Banh Xeo was one of my favorites with only one downfall. Given that a review stated that it was too oily a year ago and I experienced something similar, I hope the feedback is taken to heart because this should realistically be a four star review but I am keeping it at five because they have negative reviews regarding such trivial things. While understandable that they are fresh, I would really recommend blotting with a paper towel or another process to keep the oil at bay.
All of the broths were delicious. I appreciate that the portion was not as large as a traditional Vietnamese restaurant so that I would not waste any food, and still have the opportunity to try other items.
Service was so, so great. The precautions regarding the pandemic are taken very seriously and I appreciate that. From the moment my party walked in to the end, the staff made sure we were taken care of and I left very, very happy.
In short; Vietnamese cuisine isn’t where it was 10 years ago. I’m glad variety is starting to appear so I can taste the perspective/take of a dish from multiple restaurants rather than just one. I would highly recommend this place for people willing to open their minds to a new concept. A concept against the grain of large portions, expansive menus, and premade factory items that are reheated in house.