Sunday 23 June 2013

Luke Nguyen Red lantern,


Luke Nguyen, legend in his own right! 
For those of you living under a culinary rock. Luke is not only an author, television host, and restauranteur he is also an inspiring chef that travels the culinary globe showcasing some of the worlds most simplistic yet indulgent dishes.

So when a girls weekend came up in Sydney I couldn't wait to go to the Vietnamese kingdom.. The Red Lantern on Riley,Darlinghurst.

So we were early and walked in right as they were briefing the staff on their evening ahead, but instead of shooing us away they all welcomed us and took us to the bar where house specialty cocktails and wine went down a treat! 
The restaurant was warm (not just because I had a couple in the bar) inviting and modern. I don't know why but I was expecting a large packed place but cozy and intimate with a real family friendly feel to it. 

Once seated me on the verge of wetting myself in anticipation looked at the menu, wow!!
We decided to go with the a la carte menu as I was being slightly selfish and didn't want to share. 

Entree was served 

BAHN TOM CHIEN
Rice cakes with tiger prawns, caramelised pork, pork floss and shallot oil 

Mid course- an extra course before main probably unnecessary but I wasn't going to complain.

BANH XEO CHAY
Crisp rice flour crepes filled with oyster mushrooms, tofu, snow peas and mung beans
Served with lettuce leaves and Vietnamese herbs to wrap

Then mains

BO LUC LAU
Cubed black angussirloin wok tossed in sesame garlic and black pepper

Then Dessert (feeling slightly uncomfortamble but would feel like I was letting everyone down if this wasn't consumed )


THE DESSERT PLATTER 
Consisting of
Organic banana fritters crumbed in coconut rice, with palm sugar caramel, tapioca and house made vanilla bean ice cream 
Coconut creme brûlée and Chocolate Dumplings with creme anglaise



Over all everything was delish obviously, but being a savoury girl I am voting that entree was the best!

The staff was great as was the atmosphere but the food , words cannot
Explain plus everything was served on funky platters and bowls, a modern flair on Vietnamese classics. 
Deffinatly recommended 5/5 for sure.