Anise Cafe, where the hell is this place? As I drove on San Carlos looking for a restaurant recommended by a friend. I was tempted to head down towards Santa Row for a quick bite....when I saw funky little sign next to See's Candy and the good will shop....Shortly after I pulled into the parking lot not knowing what to expect "" lots of parking space""....I entered into a court yard quite quaint, almost like something out of the neighborhood in Saigon filled with tall Bamboo branches and lush green a nice patio (UNEXPECTED), through the main door into the restaurant was a very parisian style bistro with soft Jazz music playing in the background, dimmed yellow light, tall banquets along the wall....it was COOL and unspected in a time warped way. The main reason for my writing was definitely the food. No pretensions...just food. Good home food. The flavors were fresh and bursted in your mouth. My favorite dishes....were many: as I sample the small plates. The turmeric catfish served with fresh sautee dill and shallots dipped in a pineapple sauce was out of this world (and I know V. food). The bite size were pleasant....leaving you wanting more. The green apple salad with grilled lemongrass flank steak was a brilliant example of what fusion should be. I have had fusion food where they used steak and apple but it was always a little timid in flavoring...not knowing what the audience wants. Anise's Green apple salad was not shy at all...about being pair together in it's full potential...A MUST TRY with their PINOT GRIS! As for the main entree I love meat and potatoes....as in their skirt steak with french fry's....don't be fool by the simplicity of it's name, because again this is a good marriage between french cuisine and Vietnamese flavoring. At the end of the meal I was fully satisfy but not full...which is a good feeling to walk away from a nice evening ...dessert for me was a liquid cocktail. Go see it for yourself.
Pros: Wonderful food, cool atmosphere!
Cons: It is wher it is. Location on San Carlos - Next to Good Will
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