Date: 4-24-09
Tucked into an area you'd otherwise ignore, Blossom (on Main Street in Downtown Los Angeles) is a hidden gem! Blossom occupies the corner of 4th and Main in a two sided storefront. The decor is minimalist and very clean.
The best thing about Blossom, is that even if you have to wait for a table (the place can get busy!), the service is so fast that the wait is negligible.
I have eaten at Blossom numerous times and have enjoyed everything I've had. My favorite lately is the Shaking Beef. Small tender delicate pieces of quality beef cooked to perfection. As you bite into these juicy pieces of meat you can combine them with the well cooked rice and onions also found on the plate. A small lightly seasoned salad on the plate adds a freshness and crispness. The best feature of this entree is the small dish of seasoning left for you to add at your whim. It is a salt and pepper mix combined with a sour seasoning that adds an interesting dimension to the dish. Also present is the ubiquitous lime, a staple of Vietnamese dishes.
Speaking of staples of Vietnamese cooking, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Pho. Pho, a rice noodle soup (probably the most well known Vietnamese dish in America), is offered in many different flavors and is a very large portion. The side accompaniment plate contains mung beans, lime, basil, and peppers to add in the combination that best suits your tastebuds.The Vietnamese crepe appetizer (another classic Vietnamese dish- Banh Xeo) is delicious. It's sort of a "make your own" Vietnamese burrito. You're provided with the crepe and the fillings and can assemble it as you please.
Another option I tend to order is the #23- one of the varieties of Bun, cold vermicelli rice noodles (the really thin ones!!) with toppings. Each of the bowls comes with a salad underneath the noodles, but the different numbers correspond to different combinations of toppings which include shrimp, lemongrass steak, and egg rolls. I like the combination that includes all three. The lemongrass steak is nicely seasoned (not too heavy) and is cut into thin strips. The shrimp are well cooked (we know how easy it is to overcook shrimp!). The egg rolls are fried and delicious. Note- the egg rolls do usually contain pork, if you don't like pork make sure to ask for the vegetarian! Then you take the little bowl of fish sauce, pour it on, and mix! A delightful combination of flavors awaits you. Why are you making a face at fish sauce? It's delicious!!!! I promise. try it once, if you don't like it, you never have to eat it again. It's not very fishy, it's just a bit salty and it's classically Vietnamese. (P.S. There's also hoisin, soy, and sriracha (a Thai style hot sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar) on the table to add in if you prefer. I like combination of all four!!)
The curry comes in a variety of flavors- vegetarian, shrimp, chicken, or beef. The curry comes in a bowl alongside white rice. The vegetables in the vegetable curry are bok choy, green beans, carrots, and mushrooms. None of the vegetables are overcooked. They are crisp! The curry is nicely seasoned, a bit spicy, but tasty.
The spring roll appetizers are also very good- light and refreshing. These rolls come in a few options- all of which are good (yes, even the tofu one!). They come two to an order presliced in half so it's a perfect appetizer to share for a group of four. The sauce on the side is a brown salty sauce with a hint of peanut to it.
Other things about Blossom that I like? They give you all the sauces you could ever need right there on the table and you don't have to ask for them; the wait staff is usually very attentive and quick; and frankly, the portion to price ratio is great- this is truly a good deal.
6-23-09 Update: We tried the young coconut milk drink today. It's $3.00 and is a lot of liquid. It's sweet and milky clear liquid, very flavorful. Inside is soft coconut flesh, different from the consistency of any shredded coconut you've ever had. It's a nice little treat and can even serve as a light not too sweet dessert!
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