BunRabs Home Yummy Chow Home

Mangosteen
601 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA
415.776.3999

www.mangosteensf.com

Pork lips now

What kind cocky saucier wouldn’t want to get off of the boat for a Mango(steen)? Not me. When they opened up this little Vietnamese restaurant I dug in.

Service:
Friendly and efficient.

Atmosphere:
They did a great job creating a cool and interesting looking Vietnamese style place. The mechanized fans waving in unison, the paintings, the lanterns, the green walls (good green, not bad green.) It’s a casual place, with aluminum chairs and paper placemats, they created a modern, casual and sunny environment with a South East Asian flava.

 

Shrimp and Pork salad roll ($4.95):
Thin slices of pork and shrimp are rolled into this oversized rice paper cigar with vermicelli, cilantro leaves and lettuce. Peanut sauce comes in a little bowl on the side. I supplemented this with a squirt of the pepper sauce and found it delish. The addition of pork to this roll makes for a two fisted starter.

Spicy Garlic Noodles with cubed filet mignon ($8.95):
Tender beef and chunks of red onion alongside a mound of garlic noodles made for some good eatin’. The cubes of fried potatoes seemed to guild the lily. I did like the pile of chopped, undressed lettuce and carrot squiggles that offered a fresh crunchy diversion. Give a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of the seasoning mix and you’re good to go.

Chicken with lemongrass ($6.95):
This dish is listed under “rice dishes” so it kind of sounds like you are getting a bowl of rice with bits of chicken mixed in. Not so. It’s a succulent, moist piece of chicken that comes with an astringent vinegar dipping sauce. The rice, chicken and salad combo was very good.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee ($2.50):
It’s like frappaccino concentrate over ice cubes…but in a good way. It has a nice strength to it, and it’s sweet so stirring the ice a bit to hasten the melting process made for a more dilute combo which I like.

 

Two carrots out of four

This is a great addition to the neighborhood. They have only been open a little while and intend to revamp their menu in a week or so. I will check back to see what has changed. This place is a good value in a fun setting (and no Fucking Tigers!)

 

"Wow!"

Mangosteen Bathroom Rating:
One unisex. This has got to be the best restroom in the Tenderloin with it’s fountain and mirrors. Not only is there a bamboo arrangement, it’s also clean and well stocked.

Entire contents copyright © 2005 by BunRabCo. All rights reserved.