Vine Restaurant Hanoi
So, here you are in this topsy-turvy city of motorbike traffic and chaos. You might have found yourself a pretty groovy hotel, but dining has been more adventurous than luxurious, and exotic even when it was supposed to be familiar. Time to find Vine, a restaurant that is one of those special places that makes traveling in this part of the world so much fun. A good 10- to 15-minute ride north of the Old Quarter, the restaurant is on West Lake near the entrance to the Sheraton Hanoi . It caters to both discerning expats in the nearby lakeside neighborhood -- which so many embassy staff call home -- as well as visiting foodies. Set up like an upscale bistro in San Francisco -- but with Hanoi prices -- Vine has an atmosphere, presentation, and cuisine that could stand on its own anywhere. As their name suggests, the wine list is deep, and the restaurant serves as one of the town's biggest private importers of fine vintages -- the walls are literally lined with bottles -- and there is a small basement cellar where, donning a velvety tasting cloak to keep your shoulders warm, visitors can have a special evening of appetizers and wine tasting with the restaurant's effusive steward, sampling from a selection of over 1,000 labels.
Dining areas look like a chic club's interior, with ceilings draped in rich cloth like giant fans. The California/Vietnamese Gothic baroque decor is set against Zen-simple, elegant tables. And the food is spectacular, a mix of the familiar -- "I haven't had a good salad in so long," the lady at the next table tittered -- and unique fusion dishes served in a chic, casual setting. Starters include nachos, quesadillas, a delectable tuna tartare, carpaccio, and fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, as well as a fiery gazpacho soup or Thai tom yum (a spicy, sweet and sour soup with lemon grass). The Caesar salad is a classic. Homemade pastas are cooked to order (and take 20 min.), and they offer all kinds of special seafood dishes depending on what's fresh that day (much is flown in from Nha Trang). The "D'Vine Beef Burger" is a savory treat of fresh ground beef topped with imported cheese, fried egg, and pickled peppers. Their pizzas and calzones are great, as are the many authentic Thai dishes. The braised lamb shank with garlic, red pepper, and truffled mushrooms is a highlight, as is the tuna steak with horseradish potatoes, lemon, and truffle oil. Dessert is tiramisu or a rich chocolate mouse.
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Cuisine
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International
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Hours
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Daily 9am until last order
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Address
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1A Xuan Dieu
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Location
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Tay Ho District, Around Town
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Phone
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04/719-8001
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Prices
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Main courses $5-$30
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Credit Cards
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AE, MC, V
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