Beautiful Refuge Indeed!
Written: Jan 20 '04
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Food and Presentation: |
 |
|
| Ambiance and Decor: |
 |
|
| Quality of Service: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Romantic, elegant decor & good food
Cons: Somewhat expensive
The Bottom Line: Though the food is good, if you can't afford to eat there on a regular basis, hang out in the lovely bar area and suffice with appetizers!
|
|
|
| ladygumby's Full Review: Ana Mandara |
Ana Mandara translates to "beautiful refuge" in Vietnamese, which aptly describes the colonial Vietnamese décor at this restaurant. The huge space is highlighted by white walls with lots of teak wood, huge arched windows with shutters, rattan chairs, carved screens, lamps with silk shades, potted palms, carved wooden statues, a miniature pond/fountain, wooden bird cages, and pottery. Seated here, one is filled with serenity, and soothed by the sounds of the fountain and the muted Asian music. Upstairs, the Cham Bar opens every day at 5:00 p.m. Its full bar also features the full dining menu. The floor lamps, overstuffed chairs, and comfortable sofas make for the ultimate in relaxation. Even the bathrooms are unique. The stall doors are "shuttered," and each stall has an Asian-inspired picture inside. Wall sconces are rattan.
Service was courteous (nothing outstanding) though our waiter was more than happy to comply with my dining companion's request for "iceless" water, and salt on the side for her meal. I must note, however, that no one was in the reception area when we arrived at noon, though the restaurant is open for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and our reservation was for 12:30 p.m. We waited a few moments, saw no one, and decided to walk around Ghirardelli Square for 15 minutes, as we were early, anyway. When we returned at 12:20 p.m., there was again no one in the reception area. Someone came to help us within a couple of minutes, and we were then seated promptly. Once seated, all tables are equipped with chopsticks and a chopstick rest, as well as a knife and fork.
The modern Vietnamese cuisine featured at Ana Mandara has balanced flavors and fresh ingredients. Most starters are $6-$16, soups and salads are $5-$7, side orders are $2-$7, and entrees are $15-$29. They are open for lunch Monday through Friday, and for dinner daily. We were there this time around to sample their 2004 Dine About Town lunch menu. First off, we were pleasantly surprised to find that their afore-mentioned menu was priced at $17.95, as opposed to the $19.95 at other restaurants included in the promotion. The featured appetizers were the deep fried shrimp toast (which I found to be spongy in texture, and slightly greasy), as well as the Vietnamese steamed crepe with chicken and shrimp. I enjoyed the latter much more; it was lighter, non-greasy, and served with lettuce, cilantro, and mint -- a bracing combination. The entrees offered were the caramelized chicken with lemon grass and ginger, the seared Mekong basa with scallion flowers and spicy lemon sauce, or the sautéed beef on vermicelli rice noodles and mint with peanuts and fried shallots. I have had the caramelized chicken on a previous visit; the chicken was boneless and the ginger gave it a hint of spiciness. On this occasion I went for the sautéed beef. The thin succulent slices were perfectly cooked and fork-tender. They were garnished with shredded carrots and jicama, which added a pleasing crunchiness. My dining companion ordered the seared Mekong basa, a white fish, served with steamed rice. The piquant lemon sauce was vaguely reminiscent of a sweet and sour sauce. Both of us tasted the other's dish, and agreed that, though both were good, we favored the beef. The flavor was more complex and the textures more interesting. Dessert was a choice of vanilla or caramel ice cream, or peach or coconut sorbet. We opted for the vanilla ice cream and coconut sorbet; the latter was quite refreshing. Appetizer and dessert portions were somewhat small, but entrees were of a regular size. My dining companion finished her meal with a cup of Vietnamese coffee, though she prefers the one served at Slanted Door.
Overall, Ana Mandara is a wonderful place for a special occasion or romantic meal. Prices are slightly expensive, however, to eat here on a regular basis. That's why the 2004 Dine About Town lunch menu was such a deal!
Ana Mandara
891 Beach Street (at Polk)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Telephone: (415) 771-6800
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
ladygumby
|
|
Member: Tina
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Reviews written: 49
Trusted by: 13 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.