Thien Long - San Jose

Thien Long is one of many Vietnamese restaurants in San Jose.

What separates them from the others is primarily their Bun Cha Ca La Vong - fish that is delicately seasoned with Vietnamese curry powder, and served on a hot plate atop of a bed of dill and onions. The hot plate causes the dill to wilt, and gently season the fish.

For those of you not familiar with Vietnamese curry, it is much milder than its Asian cousins, and in my humble opinion, has a more balanced flavor profile. However, you judge for yourself. And, if that involves a curry taste off, better make sure I am invited!

Thien Long
Bun Cha Ca La Vong

This dish, meant to be shared by 2, comes with rice noodles, shrimp paste sauce, fish sauce, and in true Vietnamese style with a myriad of herbs and lettuce leaves. As is true of all Vietnamese food, this meal is offers a variety of flavors and textures making it an interesting meal from start to finish.

Not small eaters, we still had trouble finishing the dish, It is really better suited for 3 to 4 people.

If you are not into seafood, they have so many interesting things on the menu. I for one can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes, they all look amazing!

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - No

Pacific Catch - Campbell

Pacific Catch opened relatively recently in the Pruneyard. The name was "catchy" so we decided to give it a try.

As the name suggests they primarily serve seafood, however they do have some steak dishes for the folks not too keen on fish. The restaurant decor is warm and inviting, and the menu is really exciting as well.

They have seafood dishes from many different parts of the world, you will see dishes inspired by Hawaiian, Asian, Mexican, and South American cuisinses. Their Hawaiian Poke bowl being one of my absolute favorites.The saltyness from the soy, and the nutty taste of the sesame oil, contrasted with the crisp wonton chips and pungent mustard greens make this a very enjoyable appetizer.

Their Korean Sticky Ribs are another must have. These are a bit on the salty side, but the meat is fall of the bone, tender. It is missing a starchy component though, they should consider adding mashed potatoes, or maybe rice cakes to this dish to balance the saltiness, and to sop up the sauce.

Pacific Grill
(Clockwise From Top Right - Poke Bowl,
Mahi Mahi and Steak Tacos, Korean Sticky Ribs,
Prickly Pear Margarita)

Onto the entrees - one of my favorite things is that most dishes come in small plates. Perfect for a light meal, or to share with a group. Our group got the Mixed Catch Basket, a combination fish and chips platter, tacos - steak, and mahi mahi, and Cabo shrimp. The steak and fish were on the dry side, but the shrimp was a huge hit.The sushi roll was pretty good too.

We also indulged ourselves with cocktails - the lemongrass mojito missed the mark, but the prickly pear margarita was really good!

All in all, it is a fun place to get a few drinks, and a quick bite to eat before you head out to watch a movie.

Bottom Line:
Price - $$
Ambience - Trendy

Vegetarian Friendly - No

Sushi Lover - Belmont

Not a place you would think to look for a restaurant, let alone a sushi place... Sandwiched between a chiropractor's office and a dry cleaning store, Sushi Lover has been serving fresh, high quality sushi since 2010.

The menu is a combination of staples like steamed edamame, sushi rolls, sashimi, etc. They also have some uniquely named rolls that are intriguing. No matter what you order, the fish is always really fresh and high quality, making it a really good, satisfying meal.

Some of our favorites are the refreshing Sunomono Salad - a cucumber and seaweed salad with seafood, the Salmon Skin Handroll, and the Salmon Backbone.

Contrary to what the salmon backbone dish sounds like, they don't actually get all the meat off the bone when they filet a fish. The remnants are really good for a fish broth, or as Chef KC does, grilled, served with a light Teriyaki glaze. The result is a tender flaky treat!

Perhaps these dishes are available at most sushi places, but this was the first place I had ever tried them, and they are all stellar.

Sushi Lover
(Clockwise from top right: Gyoza, Sunomono Salad
Salmon Backbone, Salmon Skin Handroll)

 They also have a lot of vegetarian options, including sushi rolls, tempura, and much more. If you haven't been, go try them. Today!

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes

Old Port Lobster Shack - Redwood City

Love lobster? Never found anything as good as you have had in Maine? You're in luck!

Old Port Lobster Shack in Redwood city (they also have a location in Portola Valley), has the freshest, best, and not to mention authentic lobster rolls!

Old Port Lobster Shack

The meal itself isn't cheap at about $18 for a sandwich, but what you are paying for is the quality of lobster. No skimping here, huge chunks of lobster, mixed with Hellmann's mayo, green onions, salt & pepper served in a traditional Maine style roll along with fries and cole slaw. Lobster is definitely the star in this sandwich!

Maine Lobster Roll

The combo, which includes a sandwich, drink and a choice of  chowder/bisque at about $25 is a great deal. Both their chowder and their lobster bisque are exceptional. If there was ever a reason not to count calories, this is it!

We are still working our way through the menu, but it has been impossible to go there, and not get the Maine Lobster Roll.

Go try it. Today!