Dat Lat Bistro: Beautiful food on many levels
By David L. M. Preston
OC Voice Staff Writer
Not being familiar with the culinary scene of Fountain Valley, I asked one of my coworkers, who lives near that area, what is one of the best restaurants to visit. After just 5 seconds of thought she says, “Da Lat Bistro. Definitely.” That Da Lat is a Vietnamese restaurant, and that my coworker is also of that heritage and is a bit of a gastronomic expert in her own right, I considered the recommendation a serious one.
Now in a large percentage of Orange County all one has to do is turn around in a circle and point and there’s a Pho place at your beck and call. Pho and Taquería shops are as ubiquitous as McDonald’s in the Southland, for which I’m thankful. But a good Vietnamese restaurant isn’t limited to soup; not by a long shot.
Da Lat is found at the corner of Heil and Brookhurst in Fountain Valley, and exudes a subtle classiness. A nice place for a first date or a family special occasion (both of which, from what I gathered, were occurring during my visit). There is a back room with a pool table, and a full sit-down bar for the non-diners to enjoy. But the food is beautiful. On many levels.
A quick factoid: Đà Lạt is the name of a town in Central Vietnam, from which I assume the restaurant takes its name. So the menu is apparently inspired by a more Central Vietnamese food style than the supposed spicier preferences of the north of the country.
The menu actually gave a slight nod toward the cuisine cross-fertilization that that Southeast Asian country had with the French. (An inoffensive rem
nant of colonial days one assumes. Better food than guns and economic domination.) Among the appetizers were frog leg options! Not for all palates, but truly a treat for those with the acquired taste-buds. Ếch chiên bơ, fried frog legs in butter and garlic, could be ordered for $11.95; or, for a more Asian take on the Gallic meat, the Ếch xào lǎn, sautéed frog legs with curry and coconut juice, also for $11.95. Along similar French lines is a snail meat and pork sausage, Chả Ớc, offered for $5.95; as well as pastas and soups that clearly give more of a nod to Europe than Asia.
The wonderfully crisp Gỏi cuốn tộm thịt, pork-shrimp stuffed spring rolls, $5.95, was a nice start. Served with a nước chấm dipping sauce (the vinegary, sweet, clear-orange liquid that I savor whenever I go Vietnamese) and greens, including the wonderful sharper tasting of the sweet basil species, Thai Basil.
For a drink I tried the Pennywort Juice ($2.50), Rau Ma, which is in herbal lore supposed to be “good for the blood.” Serviced iced with a touch of sugar at the bottom of the glass (to be mixed well), it had a cressy-grassy flavor that wasn’t at all unpleasant. A beautiful earthy green. I’d have it again, though it really wasn’t anything to write home about. Wines, beers, and your normal compliment of sodas and such are also available for the less adventuresome.
noodle soups (both egg and rice noodle options) too many to mention. And don’t forget the hot pot (Lấu) options!
Attempting to expand my horizons I ordered the very flavorful, but truly foreign to my tastes, clam/lotus/basil leave salad, Gỏi nghêu lá quế ($9.95 for small, $15.95), served with nước chấm sauce. The heaping mound of food, with a good helping of baby clams, was stunning. And I ordered a small. The greens were fresh and the slight chili kick was perfect with the delicate clam flavor. Easily a meal in and of itself.
Da Lat is a great example proving that not all Vietnamese food is Pho (though all Pho is Vietnamese) and that limiting one to the noodle soups is missing a large tableaux of sensory experience. Hmm…I’m in the mood for pennywort.
(Please note that any errors in the Vietnamese text/names are solely that of the author. I tried my best but believe a few errors may have slipped through.)
Da Lat Bistro
16525 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714-839-8338
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Coach’s Mediterranean Grill
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Gallagher’s Pub
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La Fiesta Grill
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ocvoice
Recently my wife & I dined again at Bravo Avo, located on the northeast corner of Warner & Gothard. I had the Avo’s Complete Dinner vegetarian combo, and my wife had the chicken kabob. It was all very good as usual. I think Bravo Avo has the best pita bread in all of HB.
Bravo Avo has some special events coming up:
Monday, March 31st, from 5:30PM to 8:30PM, spend an intimate evening dining with your host Avo. A four course meal will be served, including three glasses of wine, appetizer, salad, choice of two special entrees not on the regular menu, plus dessert, all for $40 per person. Limited seating; reservations required. This event is listed on their web site at http://www.bravoavo.com
Then on Monday, April 28th, a similar meal will be served, but with the addition of belly dancing entertainment. This one will be $55 per person.
Their regular dinner entrees are all about $15, plus or minus.
Bravo Avo is a great little Mediterranean cuisine restaurant that could use more customers. My wife and I were the only patrons dining there tonight from 6-7PM. Give ‘em a try; you’ll be glad you did.