L'usine - The Coolest Cafe in Saigon

L'usine, for me, is the coolest cafe in Saigon. The place has character, food is good, and so is the service.

I've brought many of our guests here. Like me, they loved the place. I concede it could be quite noisy (poor acoustics) and the service slower when full, but that's the case in most eating places.

We checked out its second branch at 70B Le Loi St., which opened last October.  At the ground floor is the lifestyle shop.  

We lingered a bit to check the merchandise.

The kids love the cool gadgets like lomo cameras. My first time to see Marou dark chocolates made from 100% Vietnamese coco (80% cocoa). Luxe Cochine stuff - votive candles and skin care products;  there are three fabulous fragrances, White Jasmine & Gardenia, Water Hyacinth & Lime Blossom, and Vietnamese Rose & Delentii.  I can't resist getting a few drops of lotion from the tester.

But I digress.

Up a flight of wooden stairs is the cafe on the first floor.

The interiors is as cool as the one in Dong Khoi. It also felt more spacious, though I'd think the area in front of the counter would be cramped when full.

Again, I loved the touch of colourful fresh flowers on the table.

Acoustics was bad, with all-concrete walls  (as with most cafes in Saigon). The service is more efficient (not too many customers perhaps?).

 The western menu is written on the board.

At the counter are the luscious cupcakes.

Also the magazines. 

Red-win beef pot pie

The food was quite good.

We had roast beef sandwich and red wine beef pot pie; both came with a small portion of salad.

Roast beef sandwich

The mango smoothie and the carrot juice had the right level of sweetness. My coconut juice was served in a glass with the coconut meat - I prefer it that way, more convenient.

A meal would typically cost VND 150-200k (US$7.50-10) per person. Not cheap in Vietnam, but then again, this is an uppity-lifestyle cafe.  Quality food and a cosy ambience do add to the bill.

I like it as much as the first one in Dong Khoi. Still a great place for a meal and to hang out.

Below are a couple more pictures of the ground floor shop.
 

Nha Hang Ngon, Saigon

Ngon restaurant is our default restaurant when craving for Vietnamese food.  Housed in a colonial-style building with big windows,  the food is good,  the price is right, and the place does not feel cramped, though most times its bustling with locals and tourists.

We also like to bring guests here;  their appreciation of Vietnamese food is deepened by the experience.



Che (sweets) on earthen bowls

The restaurant boasts of variety, with different food purveyors from appetizers to main course, drinks and dessert.  The vendors used to be street vendors,  those who excelled in the local dishes they prepare,  gathered into one location.  Brilliant concept, eh?

This restaurant is much blogged and written about,  nothing new for me to add. 

Cha Gio (fried spring rolls)

Go around first and see the purveyors preparing the dishes. Dining in the courtyard and the upper floor is recommended.  The big windows and airy ambience make the dining experience more pleasant.




Bun Bo Hue noodles

Quan An Angon at 160 Pasteur St.

Saigon Eats : The Elbow Room

Saturday afternoons are my me-time. Reading a book, taking a nap, getting a massage, or catching up with friends.  I had a great time today with my friend R.  the trust and openness we have towards each other makes our conversations truly enjoyable.  There's confidence  that what's been shared between us remained between us.

Since I could not say anything about what we talked about, I'm wiring about the cafe instead.

The Elbow Room is a delightful little place along Pasteur St.  I liked the ambience, it was quiet and relaxing (except for when a young Japanese boy who threw a tantrum and started screaming and kicking).  The deco was simple but charming. The service was almost flawless,  the servers were attentive but not intrusive.

From what I had, I'd day say the food is nothing to rave about. Not bad but nothing very noteworthy either. I chose the Elbow Room smoothie, it was not smooth at all, it had loads of icicles; the coffee was good and the vanilla syrup made it taste a bit more special;  R swears by the spicy shrimp pasta though. 

To be fair, I havent tasted must of the food in the menu.  I plan to come back with the kids for brunch;  the Chef's Specials and the all-day breakfast seemed interesting.