LA.com - Lowdown



You Silver Lake foodies think you're so lucky. First you get Rambutan, the sexy Thai tapas spot. Then Malo for Mexican and Blair's for bistro fare. You even get a low-key, fun wine shop. Now, you get an ultra-casual, just-hip-enough Vietnamese restaurant? What'd you do to deserve all this dining good fortune, anyway?

Gingergrass is a nice addition to the 'hood, and the locals know it. Because the chef/owner once helmed Vietnamese fave Le Colonial, there's enough buzz to bring a loyal fan base. The spacious room has high ceilings, cement floors and cork "art" on the walls. A long wooden banquette anchors one side with a few tables scattered about; you can see the staff hustling around the kitchen from every seat.

Thankfully, the menu isn't a laundry list of all things Vietnamese, but instead a nice selection of different cooking styles, noodle dishes, sandwiches and entrees. Some standouts include crisp imperial rolls--like mini-spring rolls--filled with chicken or veggies; chilled salad rolls plump with lettuce, cilantro, pork and poached shrimp; beef pho with thin slices of sirloin and fresh basil; and caramelized shrimp with baby bok choy.

Tip: Need a wine to go with that takeout? The Silver Lake Wine shop right across the street stocked some wines just for you. Just go in and ask--we picked up a lively viognier for $11.

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