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Review: Citronelle(Dining)
Posted: Mar 17 2005, 03:30 PM
Review of Citronelle
Street: 826 S. Winchester Blvd
City: San Jose
Phone: 408.244.2528
Type of Cusine: Vietnamese
Website: http://www.citronellemv.com/
Description: "Citronelle", means lemongrass in French. Vietnamese cuisine often used lemongrass, which has a distinct fragrance and taste and yet its effect is light and refined - similar to Vietnamese cuisine, which also has a unique taste often with an intense flavor and yet not overpowering. The name Citronelle symbolizes [their] philosophy of offering the richness of modern Vietnamese cuisine in a way that reflects the taste of Vietnamese food and the influence of French cooking method and presentation.
Review Title: Excellent Modern Vietnamese Cusine Modestly Priced
Overall Score: 9
(Overall Satisfaction: 10, Value: 8, Quality of Food: 10, Quality of Service: 10, )
My Opinion:
A few years ago, I was saddened to drive up to Pho Saigon, one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants and learn that it was closed for renovation and would reopen as Citronelle. I didn't realize that it was still the same restaurant with an enhanced atmosphere and menu. I was there yesterday for a Campbell Chamber of Commerce luncheon and was very happy to realize that it was still everything I loved about Pho Saigon, but with richer ambience. This isn't to say that it was a dive when it was Pho Saigon. The atmosphere is now just that much more pleasing and the prices are still very reasonable.
Each time I've been there, I've gone there for the Pho (which is excellent), but the prepared menu yesterday called for their signature Lemongrass Pork Chops which was delicious and beautifully arranged on my plate. I'm still going to go for their Pho and Spring Rolls when I have the option, but if I've got a friend who doesn't like Pho or the kind of foods that most people think of when they think Vietnamese, Citronelle should be an easy pick we could agree on.
Citronelle also has a private party/banquet room that they'll reserve out on a first come first serve basis. It serves up to 50 people and there's no charge for using the room, but just remember to order lots of their great food. We spoke with the owner yesterday and they're not sure how much longer they can continue to stay open.
It was a wonderful surprise to learn that my beloved Pho Saigon actually hadn't gone anywhere, but it was just as dramatic of a shock to hear that it might be making the departure I thought it made a few years ago. This restaurant is terrific in all ways and the owners are terrific. It deserves your business whether you want traditional Vietnamese food like Pho or more modern Vietnamese food like their French influenced dishes.
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Street: 826 S. Winchester Blvd
City: San Jose
Phone: 408.244.2528
Type of Cusine: Vietnamese
Website: http://www.citronellemv.com/
Description: "Citronelle", means lemongrass in French. Vietnamese cuisine often used lemongrass, which has a distinct fragrance and taste and yet its effect is light and refined - similar to Vietnamese cuisine, which also has a unique taste often with an intense flavor and yet not overpowering. The name Citronelle symbolizes [their] philosophy of offering the richness of modern Vietnamese cuisine in a way that reflects the taste of Vietnamese food and the influence of French cooking method and presentation.
Review Title: Excellent Modern Vietnamese Cusine Modestly Priced
Overall Score: 9
(Overall Satisfaction: 10, Value: 8, Quality of Food: 10, Quality of Service: 10, )
My Opinion:
A few years ago, I was saddened to drive up to Pho Saigon, one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants and learn that it was closed for renovation and would reopen as Citronelle. I didn't realize that it was still the same restaurant with an enhanced atmosphere and menu. I was there yesterday for a Campbell Chamber of Commerce luncheon and was very happy to realize that it was still everything I loved about Pho Saigon, but with richer ambience. This isn't to say that it was a dive when it was Pho Saigon. The atmosphere is now just that much more pleasing and the prices are still very reasonable.
Each time I've been there, I've gone there for the Pho (which is excellent), but the prepared menu yesterday called for their signature Lemongrass Pork Chops which was delicious and beautifully arranged on my plate. I'm still going to go for their Pho and Spring Rolls when I have the option, but if I've got a friend who doesn't like Pho or the kind of foods that most people think of when they think Vietnamese, Citronelle should be an easy pick we could agree on.
Citronelle also has a private party/banquet room that they'll reserve out on a first come first serve basis. It serves up to 50 people and there's no charge for using the room, but just remember to order lots of their great food. We spoke with the owner yesterday and they're not sure how much longer they can continue to stay open.
It was a wonderful surprise to learn that my beloved Pho Saigon actually hadn't gone anywhere, but it was just as dramatic of a shock to hear that it might be making the departure I thought it made a few years ago. This restaurant is terrific in all ways and the owners are terrific. It deserves your business whether you want traditional Vietnamese food like Pho or more modern Vietnamese food like their French influenced dishes.
This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion
Posted: Mar 22 2005, 11:34 AM
Review Title: And much more!
Overall Score: 10
(Overall Satisfaction: 10, Value: 10, Quality of Food: 10, Quality of Service: 10, )
My Opinion:
I think it's kind of a shame to refer to Citronelle as a "Vietnamese" restaurant, 'cause in my opinion, it's much more. When it was called Pho Saigon, I considered it Vietnamese, but now it has a distinct "French" influence and the menu is much more interesting (to me). At any rate, the owner, Mai Dam, is a great hostess and she "aims to please". It's a great place to meet with family and friends and I've NEVER been disappointed (and yes, I'm prejudiced!!)
Sally Howe
Campbell Express newspaper
This is an automatically generated post created when an opinion has been added to an existing review. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion.
Overall Score: 10
(Overall Satisfaction: 10, Value: 10, Quality of Food: 10, Quality of Service: 10, )
My Opinion:
I think it's kind of a shame to refer to Citronelle as a "Vietnamese" restaurant, 'cause in my opinion, it's much more. When it was called Pho Saigon, I considered it Vietnamese, but now it has a distinct "French" influence and the menu is much more interesting (to me). At any rate, the owner, Mai Dam, is a great hostess and she "aims to please". It's a great place to meet with family and friends and I've NEVER been disappointed (and yes, I'm prejudiced!!)
Sally Howe
Campbell Express newspaper
This is an automatically generated post created when an opinion has been added to an existing review. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion.
Posted: Mar 22 2005, 08:01 PM
Review Title: my favorite
Overall Score: 7
(Overall Satisfaction: 6, Value: 8, Quality of Food: 8, )
My Opinion:
Great food.Simple but great taste
This is an automatically generated post created when an opinion has been added to an existing review. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion.
Overall Score: 7
(Overall Satisfaction: 6, Value: 8, Quality of Food: 8, )
My Opinion:
Great food.Simple but great taste
This is an automatically generated post created when an opinion has been added to an existing review. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion.
