Mekong River
(City Weekend)
Updated: 2005-02-21 14:23

There's nothing quite like fresh fish from the river, Mekong River that is. For this is a restaurant that prides itself on the quality and freshness of its ingredients, many imported directly from southern Vietnam.

After being greeted at the entrance, girls in traditional dress wait to guide you to your table. There's a choice of sitting in the center of the room, in the more secluded booths or the two raised pagodas that look perfect for a large group.

At the time of visit though the lights were turned up too high for a romantic atmosphere, showing up the pale green walls.

However, a restaurant is judged on its food more than anything and in this respect Mekong River does very well. If you're unaccustomed to Vietnamese food the manager Karen is on hand with a veritable wealth of knowledge. To eat the refreshing Chao Tom Mia (grilled shrimp on a sugar cane *34) you slide out the sugar cane, insert carrot and wrap in a lettuce leaf. Cua Rang Me (Fresh Tamarind Crab *98) was simply sweet sticky fun, there was nothing to be shy about in eating it and every last tasty morsel was dug out. Bo Luc Lac (*48) is tender cubed fillet mignon, always the best cut of meat, delightfully offset with lime and pepper. In fact, Mekong River is a dippers heaven, with sauces that enhance the flavors of everything.

Mekong River is a place you won't leave hungry, but save a little bit of room for a cup of Café Sua Da (Vietnamese Drip Coffee *20). It's potent stuff that'll send you out into the night on a real high.