January 1, 2004


Viet Ville offers family-friendly dining with an Asian flavor

By Moses Funtilla
Special to the Times

There was a quaint restaurant I used to go to when I was young. They served great food, but knew only enough English to be able to understand the order and take payment. The atmosphere was nothing to speak of, and the service was in dire need of refinement.

Although Viet Ville Restaurant, located conveniently next to Highway 85 and the Oakridge Mall, is a far cry from the eatery of my youth, with outstanding service and a friendly, conversant staff, they do share one important quality – excellent food.

Whether you have a well-honed taste for Asian cuisine or are a casual diner, you will enjoy the healthy selection of appetizers, entrées and even some desserts. In fact, their emphasis on health is clearly outlined as you read their “Welcome to Viet Ville” announcement brochure beneath the glass top covering the white-clothed tables.

A family-run business, Viet Ville opened its doors in March. Tom Nguy, a mild-mannered man who cares enough to make your dining experience as pleasant as possible, manages the restaurant. Nielle Nguyen is in charge of the kitchen and her meticulous style of food presentation adds to the pleasant dining experience.

This is a far cry from the average Vietnamese “Pho” noodle-house or fast food restaurant. Viet Ville is a sit-down family restaurant catering to every age and culture. The music is American. The pictures in the restaurant are Vietnamese. The fish tank, bamboo plants and displays add to the authentic Vietnamese cuisine and ambiance.
The table service is quick and the food presentation is appetizing. Evening meals are served with flair and ambient lighting.

Seating accommodates 50 people and is suitable for small parties and business luncheons.
Menu Selections

Recommended appetizers include the Imperial Egg-Rolls and Spring Rolls, as well as the Tofu Rolls, each served with a delicious dipping sauce. For a heartier appetite, the chicken salad is a zesty treat just before the main course.

There are three “Chef” specials, with the tantalizing Beef in Lime Dressing being one of the most popular selections. The 11 noodle soups are prepared with fresh basil, crisp bean sprouts, limes and jalapenos. They come in any combination of chicken strips, round eye steak, beef meatballs, well-done flank, fat brisket, tendon and tripe.

Vermicelli dishes are served with shredded lettuce, cilantro, bean sprouts, mint, crispy cucumber and traditional Vietnamese fish sauce. The rice plates are served in similar fashion to the vermicelli dishes.

One notable mention is the Viet Ville Rice Plate Supreme, which includes tasty marinated skinless chicken filets, marinated beefsteak, marinated pork tenderloin slices, shredded pork loins, prawns and tasty fried eggs. This entrée will fill any hungry stomach.

The beverages are as important to a Vietnamese meal as the meal itself. Exotic drinks and drinks “you just have to refill” include the Vietnamese drip espresso, served hot or cold, Thai iced tea, and tapioca milk mixed flavor, which really goes in its own category as a dessert flavored with taro, honeydew or mocha.

The flan custard is a delicate final touch to a full Vietnamese-American meal at Viet Ville Restaurant, a truly remarkable dine-in and take-out establishment among the less full-feature food court venues of the Oakridge Mall across the street.

Viet Ville Restaurant is located at 5440 Thornwood Drive, behind the Oakridge Mall next to Santa Teresa Boulevard, phone 227-1752.