Le Colonial - Atlanta, GA
Each year, when we are smack-dab in the middle of winter, everything starts to feel kind of grey. The sky is grey. Everyone is hibernating. Everything I eat is a version of soup or stew, so my tastebuds are just blah. Maybe this is that seasonal affective disorder everyone keeps talking about…
When I get a case of the greys, I know exactly how to snap out of it - shopping for new makeup helps. Hot yoga never hurts. But, eating vibrant, exotic food ALWAYS heightens my mood. When my friend Drea asked if I wanted to try a new French-Vietnamese restaurant, I. WAS. IN. And from start to finish, Le Colonial didn’t disappoint.
FROM THE BAR
(Pictured front to back)
TRAI VAI - Lychee Martini
AO LUA HA DONG - White Silk Dress
Both were FANTASTIC - you can’t go wrong with either of these, and they have an exotic wine selection as well.
DINNER
APPETIZERS
SUON NUONG - Baby Back Ribs
Ribs, Marinated for 17 hours in a LOBSTER BROTH, char-grilled and topped with peanuts, scallion oil, all on top of a bed of cabbage slaw. This was my FAVORITE of the night!
CHA GIO - Crispy Shrimp & Pork Roll
If you have ever had the privilege of trying authentic Vietnamese rolls, you will be very pleased with these. These are the PREFECT rolls, filled with shrimp, pork, asian mushrooms, cilantro and served with a delicious chili sauce.
MAINS
BO LUC LAC Shaking Beef - This was my favorite entree. Caramelized beef, topped with a lime pepper vinaigrette, all atop mixed greens. This is the best beef dish that I have had in months!
CA CHIEN SAIGON Crispy Red Snapper - A signature dish of Le Colonial, this beautiful fish is cooked whole and filleted for you, table side. Topped with peppers, scallions and a chili garlic sauce. (MAKE SURE you order extra sauce!)
MI XAO HE Garlic Noodles - Just get them. Don’t think twice. They are delicious. And they taste just like they sound - like garlic noodles.
DESSERT
Saigon Cinnamon Poached Pear, Citrus & Vanilla Chantilly, Toasted Almonds, Warm Valrhona Chocolate Sauce
Poire Belle Helene
…and I have been dreaming about Le Colonial since this meal! I CANNOT WAIT until my next visit, so I can try the famous roasted duck.
QUICK TIP - make a reservation! The room was packed when we were there, and they were only seating parties with reservations. Plan SEVERAL weeks ahead and make your reservations here.
Have you had a chance to try Le Colonial yet? Let me know in the comments below!