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Taste
For
openers, diners may choose from a colorful array of
appetizers, salads and soups. The Goi Cuon spring rolls
are a light and flavorful traditional offering with
touches of shrimp and coconut. The Goi Ca is a lively
Vietnamese inspired ceviche, but the ‘S’ Skewers—a trio
of sesame beef, curry chicken and garlic shrimp—are a
house specialty which should not be overlooked. ‘S’
provides a healthy line of bright, attractive salads,
including Salad Ca, striped bass on a bed of mixed
greens, plus a scallop salad bathed in cilantro lime
vinaigrette. And soups? Well, the Vietnamese are known
for their passion for noodle soup, and ‘S’ readily
offers traditional Pho Ga (chicken) and Bo (beef) with a
cilantro twist, as well as a zesty Bun Rieu featuring
shrimp, crab and fresh tomato. In particular, the Soup
Mang Cua, a light egg flower broth laden with white
asparagus, Dungeness crab and shrimp, is a tantalizing
delight.
The main course entrées offer a culinary tour of
Vietnam, fusing traditional favorites with continental
elements reflective of French and American influence.
Noteworthy stops on this journey include Vit Nuong Chao,
a spicy, pan roasted duck breast in balsamic reduction
sauce; Bo Luc Lac, Vietnamese style “shaken beef”
featuring sautéed filet mignon with garlic, shallot and
cracked pepper; and Ca Ri Ca, a Chilean sea bass in
spicy curry sauce with lime cilantro infused broken
rice. The Lamb Nuong Xa, dressed in roasted lemongrass,
peppercorn and served with sautéed garlic vegetables, is
an enjoyable departure from the traditional path.
Vegetarian dishes include Mi Xao Chay, egg noodle
gallette or traditional egg noodles topped with
vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, tofu and house
vegetarian sauce; and Pho Xao Chay, a lively combination
of noodle, tofu and mushrooms tossed in a house spicy
sauce.
‘S’ Vietnamese Fine Dining serves a variety of specialty
drinks, featuring espresso, Café Sua Da (Vietnamese
coffee with condensed milk), and a nice assortment of
teas. Guests can enjoy a fine selection of wines from
Northern California, Washington state, and France. Alas,
dessert is often a fleeting ideal for satisfied diners.
This is truly a shame, as ‘S’ avails some of the finest
bakery treats available, featuring Crème Brulee, Chuoi
Chien (banana bathed in a tantalizing caramel sauce),
and a sumptuous Berries Frangipan. Dessert-to-go or a
post-shopping return engagement must seriously be
considered!
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