Upscale vietnamese is an interesting concept. It has the right background. Asian, a lot of flavor, and exotic taste. The decor is great at this place down to the place settings and cups. The service is attentive and always on the move. Seating is always prompt. Covered outdoor eating with heaters and blankets is very nice. Yet there is something about this place that completely irks me. The menu is a bit ambiguous. The staff isn't as friendly as hoped. The seating a little cramped. And the food...the same at the cheap places on the Ave (university district). So why keep coming? I can't figure it out. Parking is like rolling dice, not hard but sometimes needs patience. The food is good. I especially like the egg pie that comes with some of the entrees. However I would say that the cuisine has definitely been altered to cater to a...more...american audience, one that is familiar with cheeseburgers and chicken p0t pies. The Bun Bu Hue is drastically different from what I've experience from homecooked and other restaurants. I would recommend the Com Tah, cracked rice which is a simple dish. The ginger cooked chicken is good. But for the most part you're on your own with experimentation to get a good selection because the servers aren't all that helpful with suggestions. I would say that my experiences at places like Green Leaf and Green Papaya (if its still open) are much nicer in terms of cuisine, but for decor and ambiance Tamarind Tree is hard to beat. OH the tamarind tree rolls are some of the best spring rolls I've had just because they use very crunchy/crisp ingredients for a different texture.
Pros: decor, fast service, authentic vietnamese food
Cons: parking, and other stuff listed
more