Whether you are a regular at the Tamarind Tree or are completely unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine, Long Provincial Vietnamese Restaurant is THE restaurant you need to visit. The food and drinks are incredibly fresh and unique; they are also reasonably priced. Though a carnivore myself, I found enough choices on their extensive menu to build a five-course vegetarian meal savory enough to tempt even the most die-hard meat-eater. Not that I passed up the Da Nang pork satay or the Curry Duck (both delicious)! The Long Provincial roll (fresh rice paper filled with pork, caramel shrimp, egg, and veggies, served with a sweet and garlicky peanut sauce) was all the things a great appetizer should be—-it arrived quickly, was enough to share, and teased our palates delightfully, making us eager to taste the next course.
Usually when I patronize an Asian restaurant I expect great food and mediocre service. At Long, not only is the food incredible, the service is outstanding. I went to Long with some friends on their opening weekend and was truly impressed by the attentiveness and knowledge of the staff. Considering the length and complexity of the menu, the servers must have done quite a bit of homework.
The wine list is extensive, but not intimidating; I have not seen such great pricing too often, either. Though Long currently does not have a happy hour, their martini list (think Lychee, Tamarind, Absinthe, exotic fruits) is priced lower than most and one can enjoy fresh or fried rolls, satays, and appetizers like Cinnamon Pork Rice Balls or Garlic Butter Crispy Chicken Wings all day and evening.
I will definitely be going to Long for lunch during the week; the service is plenty fast enough for lunch hour, yet relaxed and inviting.
Though I expected just another “trendy” Belltown pub/eatery, I was pleased to discover Long. Yes, they have a fire bowl and a jellyfish tank (pretty cool), and specialty martinis, but Long has some of the freshest and best food around! Take a date, take Mom, just GO!