Saigon Rendez Vous Restaurant

I must be brutally honest on this one, as if restaurants, and the privilege of eating out were politically neutral. The place has been in business for years, and has always had a very high turnover of labor. We often found new people on a weekly ... more

I must be brutally honest on this one, as if restaurants, and the privilege of eating out were politically neutral. The place has been in business for years, and has always had a very high turnover of labor. We often found new people on a weekly basis. There are two menus, one is meat, the other is all "mock meat." The food items were the idea of the cook, who worked (supposedly, unhappily) for the owner. I won't get into details, but it is well known in town that the turnover had almost everything to do with the owner. The quality of the food has declined in recent years, as has its customers. In 1996, the "unappreciated" cook, and his sons, decided to seek their compensation. They quit, took almost the entire staff with them and improved upon the menu items. The new restaurant is within stone's throw of Saigon Rendezvous (you can see it through the window)--it is called MINI SAIGON, and it rocks! No more eating chili paste and condiments that have been sitting on the table for centuries, they refrigerate everything. The non-meat section is excellent. The spring rolls $4.95 are wonderful, though the peanut sauce suffers from a premade commercial peanut butter taste. Try the deep fried Almond Chicken, made from gluten and spices. Also, Lemon Grass tofu, $6.95 is always a winner! These items can be found at Saigon Rendezvous, but are fresher and cheaper at Mini Saigon. Go to this place, support them, and tell them you'll never be a traitor and support the former. Of course, this is all said in jest. If it works for you, go for it. less

While working downtown, I had the opportunity to eat here quite often. True, the decor could stand renovation (what is up with that Christmas light and plastic cup thing over the register?), but the food is usually fantastic. Couple this w/the rea ... more

While working downtown, I had the opportunity to eat here quite often. True, the decor could stand renovation (what is up with that Christmas light and plastic cup thing over the register?), but the food is usually fantastic. Couple this w/the reasonable prices and it goes on my *will eat here again* list. I do warn people who call in their orders, make sure you have a copy of their *new* menu or you may be surprised at what you get when ordering by number. less