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Find out more about Jessica: Jessica Costello is in her twenties and has fallen head over heels in love with New York City. She especially loves the city at night, with a cool cocktail or glass of wine in hand. She lives in Union Square and is always exploring new nightlife spots. |
When you enter Le Colonial, on East 57th between Lexington and 3rd, you are transported to a different day and place. Palm fronds line the wall, casting giant shadows around the candle-lit dining room. The bar is located up the long staircase, and after a pre-dinner drink (try the cucumber mojito), you’re ready to head down and get seated for your meal.
The Vietnamese menu reflects the heavy influence that the French had on the culture during colonization. A rice crêpe is served alongside shrimp, crabmeat, bean sprouts, and lettuce wraps in an appetizer called banh xeo. Another delicious starter is cha gio vit, which is crispy durck rolls with taro, jicama, mint, and nuoc cham dipping sauce. If the pronunciation is too hard for you, numbers next to each selection helps the ordering process.
A must-try entrée at Le Colonial is vit quay, a ginger roasted duck with tamarind dipping sauce. The meat is tender and delicious, and goes perfectly with the sweet sauce. In the mood for fish? Try ca hap, a steamed Chilean sea bass with glass noodles, oyster mushrooms, and ginger soy sauce. Save your appetite, because you cannot miss dessert – I highly recommend the mousse pyramid with caramel sauce. Très délicieux!