I took my family to Anise Cafe because my brother sent me an internet gift certificate. Things seemed promising when the couple entering at the same time as said we were in for a treat. The menu offered an interesting array of choices. The Lemongrass Beef Rolls and Traditional Vietnamese Spring Rolls were good. The Corn Fritters a little too oily. I could recommend the Caramelized Catfish, Tamarind Soup and Anise Fired Rice. These were flavorful. The presentation of the dishes was artistic. The Dong Xuan Pork appeared to be stewed rather than grilled and was very tough. The Pad Thai Noodles were bland.\r
\r
The real disappointment was the service. The soup was good, but it was the last item served. I usually think of soup as an appetizer. Our server was missing for prolonged periods. Once when our server was at the table I asked if she could bring us water. She disappeared. Later we found another server to refill our glasses. About that time the people at another table (The couple who told us we were in for a treat.) shouted for water."" I've been to so many restaurants where someone is always filling my water glass. It can't be a big expense to refill the water glasses. \r
\r
We were going to order dessert. She delivered the menu and came back ten minuets later to take the order. Despite the interesting choices, by that time we were ready to go. Then there was another wait for the bill. I found that the gift certificate which I had provided when ordering was not credited. This is a small place and there appeared to be four servers. Maybe the servers have to work in the kitchen and serve.\r
more