(longprovincial.com) – Downtown Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: My sister-in-law recommended Long Provincial on our recent visit to Seattle on a glorious summer-inspired day in May. As soon as she said the restaurant was opened by the same owners of Tamarind Tree, I was immediately sold!

Type of cuisine: Provincial Vietnamese cuisine. “The creators of Tamarind Tree Restaurant are pleased to bring you Long Provincial Vietnamese Restaurant, a new experience in downtown Seattle. At Long Provincial you will discover the fresh and exquisite flavors of traditional dishes enjoyed in regions throughout Vietnam but not typically found elsewhere. Whether you are looking to relax with delicious appetizers and an exotic martini in the mesmerizing atmosphere of our Jelly Bar, or you want enjoy a full meal of the best Vietnamese cuisine in the Pacific Northwest, Long Provincial is an experience you will savor.”

“The norm at Long… is food that creates monsoon season in your mouth.” -Kathryn Robinson, Seattle Metropolitan, July 1, 2009

“The menu, like the one at Tamarind Tree, will reflect a wide variety of foods from north and south Vietnam. At Long, they’ll serve some Tamarind Tree favorites, many grilled dishes and plenty of ‘lighter fare,’“ –Nancy Leson, The Seattle Times, January 12, 2008

Ambiance: “The resulting clandestine hideaway is a serene, fire-accented fantasyland graced with banana palms and jellyfish.” -Providence Cicero, The Seattle Times, July 24, 2009

The lobby an inviting arena of bright fuchsia walls graced with intricate Vietnamese decor,

ambient lighting creating an amber glow, set against tall, darkened ceilings,

the first dining room enticingly happy, exuding the flavor and timbre of a tropical hideaway,

leads us to the frosted windows of elegant dining at Long’s.

We take our seats at the manicured tables and begin to peruse the extensive menu.

What I ordered: Our table began with the Chả giò ~ Egg rolls ($7.50), deep-fried with taro root, carrot, onion, garlic, black mushroom, eggs, and minced pork served with mixed herb fish sauce,

and continued with the Cà tím lụi ~ Asian eggplant satay ($5), fresh Asian eggplant marinated in lemongrass, onion, garlic, and seasoning served with mixed herb fish sauce.

At the recommendation of our server – despite its messy-ness – I enjoyed the Bánh xèo chay ~ Vegetarian crepe ($10) with shiitake mushroom, bean sprouts, mung bean, and tofu in fried rice batter topped with coconut milk served with green vegetable platter (of Romaine lettuce, cilantro and Thai basil) and vegetarian soy sauce.

My sister-in-law went with her tried and true favorite, the Bún thịt nướng ~ Skewered grilled pork noodles ($9.75) served in a bowl with mixed herb fish sauce over a pile of vermicelli rice noodles and topped with fresh vegetables, herbs, bean sprouts, pickled carrots and chopped roasted peanuts.

While my husband and our good friend, visiting from the DC area enjoyed the Bún thịt gà nướng ~ Skewered grilled chicken noodles ($10), prepared similarly.

What I loved: My sweet pancake was a stunningly fun and interesting dining endeavor, perfectly crispy, fresh and bursting with an array of traditional flavors.

Why I loved it: Excellent cuisine, friendly service and an inviting setting.

Cost: Low to average ($9 – $12 per dinner entree)

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