Chef Kevin Tien's expert manipulation of texture and flavor are to thank for how playful Moon Rabbit, the modern Vietnamese restaurant he opened last year, is. The team behind Moon Rabbit, which includes pastry extraordinaire Susan Bae and co-owner Judy Beltrano have managed to make fine dining feel completely un-stuffy and fresh. Their efforts have resulted in Moon Rabbit becoming the toast of the culinary world and racking up numerous local and national awards.
The vibe: Relaxed but elevated, and definitely fun. I was surprised by how bright it was in here, a sharp contrast from the many dim dining rooms I've been in. All the better to be able to see the beautiful plates. The servers are attentive and eager to help with pairings and suggestions.
The food: I genuinely believe you can't go wrong with anything here because the menu rotates often and utilizes seasonal ingredients. Even if a dish ends up being a little out there for your tastes, you at least can rest assured it won't be boring. But the most special section of the menu are Bae's desserts, all of which use Vietnamese ingredients and flavors in intriguing ways. I am a huge fan of cake, and I often think abot the Cà Ri, a sponge cake flavored with green curry, that comes with soursop mousse and avocado sorbet—this is the most interesting baked good I've ever eaten. Another standout is her seaweed panna cotta.
Time Out tip: Want to try Moon Rabbit for a fraction of the price tag? Visit during lunch, when you can take advantage of adeal that gets you one appetizer, entree, and dessert for just $35. The offerings on this menu are no less interesting, and include three desserts you can't get during dinner like a black sesame cream puff and cinnamon toast egg tart. For dinner, try the Chef's Visit to Vietnam for $85 per person for a sequence of surprise dishes.