Described by its owners as a mom 'n' pop spot, Kim and Dan Nguyen's (of Pasteur fame) Viet Bistro brings a new meaning to the moniker. Part-lounge, part-restaurant, the Vietnamese eatery is more chic than shabby, with bright orange light fixtures (designed by Kim herself), suede orange couches and black leather chairs setting the scene. Even the artwork hung on the exposed brick walls is far from traditional: Collages of actual butterfly wings create images of bowls and chopsticks.

Start your meal with a few of the flavorful appetizers, which include the crispy vegetable tempura covered in sweet chili sauce, a shrimp seaweed salad with organic baby greens, shrimp and soy mustard vinaigrette, as well as the spicy shrimp curry ($4.50-$7.50). Entrees feature lemon grass chicken, Boi Lu (beef marinated in pinot noir, soy sauce and peppercorn) and a whole red snapper ($10-$20). Top off you meal with either the coconut sorbet or, for a truly decadent treat, the white chocolate mousse cake.

If you haven't had enough of Viet's specialty drinks, pop into the adjoining lounge for a nite-cap. A lounge-specific appetizer menu (available after the dining area closes at 10 p.m.) is in the works.

Centerstage Reviewer: Eve Ardell