Ana Mandara

Ana Mandara's Exquisite Table Setting

Who would ever think a Vietnamese restaurant can be so good (as good as the other notable Slanted Door). Ana Mandara has an atmosphere that is much more Asian than Slanted Door. Its interior is filled with large paintings, calligraphy, lamps, and magnifcent arches. This restaurant is located right at the street level of Ghirardelli Square. There are no windows in the restaurants, so one does not get to see the Bay View.


It is like being in a little village by itself...

First up...Crispy Lobster Ravioli. I was so hungry...by the time I realized that I needed to take a picture, I have already finished 80% of it. I am a big fan of Mango...and the orange sauce on the plate is that of Mango Sauce. YUM!!


Crispy Lobster Ravioli with Spicy Mango Sauce

I got the fish, Mekong Basa this time. Basa is kind of like sole, although without being overly oily. It was okay...not great, but it was indeed fresh. Jenny was the clear winner, she got this magnificent five-spiced chicken. I kept telling her that she needed to cut fatty food, so she should just offer me the chicken skin. Jenny smartly declined. :-(


Seared Mekong Basa

Crispy Skin Five-Spiced Poussin

For the above dishes, Jenny and I shared a French Pinot Noir (2003 Bourgogne Rouge, Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France). It goes well with either dish, although we had different taste experiences due to our food. Very complex taste with a nice peppery finish that lingers quite long.

I am a big lemon fan. Without second thought, I picked Lemon Mousse. Mmmmm....so tangy good...without being too tangy. Jenny had the Coconut Rum Cake. That dessert was okay....it did not ring a bell for me. However, Jenny mentioned that she is allergic to rum...and if there is too much rum, she might throw up. I kindly asked if I needed to ask for a barf bag, just in case she decided to do a protein spill in my car.


Meyer Lemon Mousse

Flourless Coconut Rum Cake