 As of late 2002, Peninsula foodies no longer had to travel up to such San Francisco hot spots as Ana Mandara and Slanted Door to find artfully prepared Vietnamese cuisine. All they had to do was visit downtown Palo Alto's absolutely stunning Tamarine. The creative team of Anne Le and Tammy Huynh has set a new bar for south-of-San Francisco Vietnamese cuisine with a lengthy menu that offers a contemporary spin on classic fare. The gorgeous restaurant, which complements its sleek, modern décor with a revolving exhibit of works by Southeast Asian artists, quickly became one of the top reservations in Santa Clara County and has managed to develop a very dedicated clientele that draws equally from the weekday lunch crowd and those looking for a romantic night on the town. The small-plate menu, which promotes the Vietnamese tradition of the communal meal, is highlighted by such starters as the five-spiced honey-roasted quail and crisp calamari seasoned with garlic and spring onions. The seared lemongrass sea bass, accompanied with a sweet mango noodle salad, and the St. Jacques scallops, served pan-seared and sautéed in a complex mix of mint, garlic and coconut, are both so good that they're tough to share. The restaurant also has a fine wine list, strong on Italian offerings, and a lovely dessert menu that features such decadent treats as the pineapple upside-down cake.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
