A GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
It is not to say that it is only women that enjoy a good Sushi Bar but they do have a particular penchant for this style of food. Perhaps it is the delicacy of the raw fish, or the knowledge that the diner will be able to eat without feeling guilty about consuming thousands of calories. And so it that I found myself, with my equally enthusiastic girlfriends, at La Phong Sushi House. A place well known to them, and frequented as often as possible, with or without their male partners. La Phong is a small space spread over three levels. The entrance level transports you straight into a typical sushi bar in Tokyo with the expert chefs practising their accomplishments in front of the diners sitting at the bar. Unfortunately the smell of cigarettes was almost overpowering, filtering through from diners in the adjoining room. We were ushered to the top level where we sat in true Japanese style in our own private room, the air being unaffected by any traces of that damaging depravity, the cigarette. Although we were offered menus the ordering had been made in advance by the most learned sushi aficionado member of our group.
The service was impeccable as drinks were served and bowls of edamame (soya bean pods) scattered around the table to snack on while we waited for the ‘proper’ food. This was not long in coming. The elegant presentation of the sushi was excellent. I make particular mention of the ‘Avocado maki’ (125,000 VND) which was so beautifully crafted, with the avocado outside layer resembling a variegated green snail, that it seemed shameless to eat it. But eat we did and our taste buds quivered at the subtle and tantalising flavours that exploded in our mouths. Accompanying this fantasy was ‘Shake sashimi’ (salmon), (190.000 VND); Maguro sashimi (tuna) (150,000 VND) and Ebi Tempura make (shrimp) (180,000 VND). Scooping a dollop of wasabi into my soy sauce dish, I watched the pale green paste dissolve on its own very quickly and knew that the evening was off to a very good start. What pleasure, a harmony of chattering women, fresh exquisite sushi and our own private room. We left satiated and continued on to Ging Spa and Relaxation Bar where customers can sit and sip wine or spirits while relaxing in large upholstered armchairs and having their feet massaged. The height of luxury!
La Phong Sushi House, 9 Tran Cao Van, District 1. Reservations: 08 3824 7882
Ging Spa and Relaxation, 110 Pasteur Street, District 1. Reservations: 08 3915 2979
It is not to say that it is only women that enjoy a good Sushi Bar but they do have a particular penchant for this style of food. Perhaps it is the delicacy of the raw fish, or the knowledge that the diner will be able to eat without feeling guilty about consuming thousands of calories. And so it that I found myself, with my equally enthusiastic girlfriends, at La Phong Sushi House. A place well known to them, and frequented as often as possible, with or without their male partners. La Phong is a small space spread over three levels. The entrance level transports you straight into a typical sushi bar in Tokyo with the expert chefs practising their accomplishments in front of the diners sitting at the bar. Unfortunately the smell of cigarettes was almost overpowering, filtering through from diners in the adjoining room. We were ushered to the top level where we sat in true Japanese style in our own private room, the air being unaffected by any traces of that damaging depravity, the cigarette. Although we were offered menus the ordering had been made in advance by the most learned sushi aficionado member of our group.
The service was impeccable as drinks were served and bowls of edamame (soya bean pods) scattered around the table to snack on while we waited for the ‘proper’ food. This was not long in coming. The elegant presentation of the sushi was excellent. I make particular mention of the ‘Avocado maki’ (125,000 VND) which was so beautifully crafted, with the avocado outside layer resembling a variegated green snail, that it seemed shameless to eat it. But eat we did and our taste buds quivered at the subtle and tantalising flavours that exploded in our mouths. Accompanying this fantasy was ‘Shake sashimi’ (salmon), (190.000 VND); Maguro sashimi (tuna) (150,000 VND) and Ebi Tempura make (shrimp) (180,000 VND). Scooping a dollop of wasabi into my soy sauce dish, I watched the pale green paste dissolve on its own very quickly and knew that the evening was off to a very good start. What pleasure, a harmony of chattering women, fresh exquisite sushi and our own private room. We left satiated and continued on to Ging Spa and Relaxation Bar where customers can sit and sip wine or spirits while relaxing in large upholstered armchairs and having their feet massaged. The height of luxury!
La Phong Sushi House, 9 Tran Cao Van, District 1. Reservations: 08 3824 7882
Ging Spa and Relaxation, 110 Pasteur Street, District 1. Reservations: 08 3915 2979