Get ready to wish you were able to join us as we experienced Vietnamese Week at Simon LA located in Sofitel Los Angeles on Beverly Blvd at La Cienega.

Simon LA located in the Sofitel Hotel on Beverly Blvd at La Cienega in Los Angeles

In celebration of the launch of Sofitel Legend and the debut of its premier property, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Sofitel Luxury Hotels is offering a Vietnamese-inspired celebration at select properties across North America. During Vietnamese Week, taking place October 19 – 24, 2009, properties in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York are leading restaurant guests on a special journey to the century-old Metropole through the gastronomic delights of a special Vietnamese dinner menu.

We were among the guests lucky enough to experience this unique gastronomical experience. Upon entering the Sofitel we were impressed with the helpful attitude offered by all the staff and could not miss the beauty and comfort all around us. We made our way to Simon LA and were impressed all over again with the professionalism of the staff and beauty of the restaurant itself but the delicious scents wafting from the open kitchen was the most vivid sense. We anxiously perused the special Vietnamese Week menu and made our order.

Klaus Doelling, the restaurant manager was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful

All three courses, which included wine pairings, were already determined so all we had to decide was to order the Vietnamese Menu which we anxiously did.

First course amazing soup and spring roll

Our meal began with bean sprout and mung bean soup with seafood combination's with scallops, shrimp in chicken broth with ginger, pineapple, lemon grass, very aromatic and garnished with a fresh spring roll with carrots, cilantro, bean sprouts and a poached prawn.

Main course - extremely flavorful meats, the filet was our favorite

Our second course consisted of a 2 oz grilled filet marinated with fish sauce, salt and little bit of cracked pepper and served on lemon grass skewer. This was our favorite by far. Also on our plate was Nem, a dumpling wrapped around ground beef with lemon grass, ginger, chili with bok choy and vermicelli noodles – an old Vietnamese recipe previously used to cook tiger meat. .  In addition was a short ribs stew served in a red onion cup with lemon grass, fish sauce and bok choy as well.

Amanda “The filet melted in my mouth with an explosion of flavors” Lawrence “The filet was so amazing I really didn’t want to eat anything else”

A large part of the enjoyment of the meal was tasting food seasoned with flavors that we had never experienced before. All the courses blended perfectly with each other and at the end of the meal we were perfectly satisfied with both the quality of the amazing meal and the quantity; not too little and not too much.

Fabulous Cream Brulee topped with homemade honey bee pollen vanilla ice cream

Our dessert was amazing although not necessarily Vietnamese. It was a banana crème brulee, with a bottom layer of marinated bananas, a baby caramelized banana on top with cardamine, cinnamon, star anise and bee pollen homemade vanilla ice cream.

The presentation was lovely and the wine delicious, everything was fabulous. The meal was not at all rushed. All the courses blended together very well.  The portions were perfect, not too much and not too little. 

Cotton Candy is the traditional comp dessert

To capture the authenticity of Vietnam, Sofitel Metropole Chef de Cuisine Mrs. Nguyen Thanh Van traveled to Los Angeles, Chicago and New York to train Sofitel chefs in the art of Vietnamese cooking. Celebrating long traditions of ancient Hanoi, Vietnamese Week menus at Simon LA, Café des Architectes (Chicago) and Gaby (New York) restaurants are sure to delight locals and hotel guests alike.

The attention to detail even showes in how the candle holder mirrors the interior decor

Guests are encouraged to make advance reservations by visiting OpenTable.com.

These events celebrate the introduction of Sofitel’s new Legends collection; select Sofitel Luxury Hotels that offer a rich, celebrated history and that are considered landmarks in their respective cities. Built in 1901 at the very heart of Vietnam’s capital, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is the first property worldwide to carry the Legend banner. The 364-room property is the “Grand Dame” of Hanoi – famed for its blend of warm Vietnamese hospitality and French luxury. The hotel boasts two newly renovated wings; three restaurants; a luxurious spa (opened July 2009); fitness center; beautiful outside terrace; outdoor pool; executive club and bar.

Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance
Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents, in more than 50 countries. Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, New York or Bangkok, or nestled away in a country landscape in French Polynesia or Brazil, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French art de vivre.

The evening was so terrific at Simon LA with the scrumptious food, excellent service and beautiful ambiance that we plan to go back and review their American menu and will let you know when we do.

Simon LA - Sofitel Los Angeles

http://www.simonlarestaurant.com/

8555 Beverly Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90048

310-278-5444

Discover Sofitel on http://www.sofitel.com/

Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the new worldwide Accor loyalty program on http://www.a-club.com/

All photos by Lawerence Davis