Le Colonial – 20 Cosmo Place (off Taylor near Union Square)

The good: So many things. As one of my favorites, it’s going to be hard for me to say anything bad about this place. Let’s start with the décor and atmosphere. The outdoor patio has a tropical, subdued feeling and you can imagine you’d feel comfortable wearing white linen. The inside is expansive, with low lighting. Lots of dark wood with white table cloths: simple and elegant. The food is Vietnamese and delicious. Try the lemongrass chicken or the coconut curry prawns, and the lettuce wrap rolls are great. There are many varieties to choose from, but if you need a suggestion, I recommend the duck. The waiters are not bad to look at, and they are as engaged or as formal as you want them to be. We’ve had the same Australian waiter every time we’ve gone and I must say I’m growing quite attached to him. Buddy. Whoops, getting off track… the food, again. Delicious. This is a great place to order family style. Get a couple of entrees, an appetizer and a side to share and it will be more than enough. Try the 'J' Pinot Noir (Healdsberg) for wine, it is delicious. There is a sommelier on hand some nights, too, and he’ll help you choose a bottle of wine if you need help or suggestions.

The bad: I like it too much, I can't even think of anything negative.

The bottom line: It is expensive, granted. But it is SO absolutely worth it, you have to go. A great Saturday night out: you can have dinner and then head upstairs to the bar. I wasn’t aware the bar was there until about my fourth or fifth visit, but apparently it is quite a hotspot (slightly posh/cheesy according to some).

The bathroom: Is always clean, and they have special Le Colonial hand towels, which gets me every time. Very basic, slatted-door stalls, nothing fancy. Fine.