Polish Gourmand Pope John Paul II Pigged Out Here
Ever since Polish gourmand Pope John Paul II pigged out here in 1987, this authentic Cambodian abode has been San Francisco’s best-known Asian wild card.

The food (like Thai but fruitier) and presentation (gilded antique everything) reek of royalty, but the setting screams suburban basement. The sunken pillow-seating section is the best bet for groups of six or more.

Anything accented with five spices (galanga, lemongrass, turmeric, lime and garlic) is worth trying. The fragrant duck curry ($11.95), skinless shreds of meat, thick-cut ruffled potatoes and baby carrots simmered in a delicate lemongrass, garlic, shallot, ginger, dried red chili, cream and viscous jus d’ orange gravy is indeed royal.

For dessert, dare to sample the audacious jackfruit custard ($3) – you might be surprised. The pumpkin custard, floated on a puddle of condensed milk (with a texture like babyfood pablum), was a loser. Fruity and chocolate mousses are a safer bet.    [18 May 2000 19:15:41]

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Recommended Dishes: anything accented with five spices

     ­andrew dean (laughtears), laughtears.net   adean at ekno dot com

Family Like Service, Royal Food
Whenever I want to treat myself to something special, I visit Angkor Wat.

While their ambiance won't be your cup of tea if you arrived in a Jaguar, it's lovely, cosy and intimate in a more authentic way - most good eateries in Southern Asia are not pretentious, counting instead on good food to bring the customers in.

The service is wonderfully personal - you'll get advice on dishes, and a special smile reserved for regulars. Water arrives cold, dishes piping hot.

In addition to delectable, juicy dishes (try stuffed mushroom appetizer, also available in a vegetarian version!), Angkor Wat is the home of the most amazing Iced Coffee drink in the Bay Area.

If you are a coffeephile, you won't be able to leave without at least two of the tall, big glasses of strong, flavorful coffee with top quality, heavy cream - not for the faint of heart, literally! I usually down three.

The traditional dancing shows feature lovely local dancers who seem to be high quality enthusiasts more than the professional dancers - excellent, but without the artificial feeling to it. You can almost imagine yourself transported to a Cambodian street as you leave the place.

Oh yes -- they are very proud about the pope's visit. He ordered seconds, and you will too.    [11 Sep 2002 13:26:20]

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Recommended Dishes: stuffed mushrooms

     ­Nunsuch