Hip Vietnamese Concoctions

by Winchelle C. Nacague

Vietnamese food, as we know it, shows heavy influence of Chinese cooking. Images of steaming noodle-based soups or pho, topped with choice meat or chicken, crisp sliced veggies and the distinct fresh leaves of basil or other herbs and fresh spring rolls or nem with peanut sauce for dipping come to mind. But a further exploration shows Indian cultural presence and due to the French colonization, some deep French influences in Vietnamese cooking.

A true culinary master balances all these influences. One such is chef Danny Vu, executive chef and managing partner of Aquaknox Restaurant who, together with Natasha Morse, have recently opened this underwater palace, along Arnaiz St. in Makati. A successful restaurateur, chef Danny won the Asian Entrepreneur of the Year award in Los Angeles, California in 1997. His love for food led him to cooking and ultimately became his passion. A self-taught chef, he attributes his mastery to his willingness to learn, hard work, dedication, and a lot of reading. He spent his earlier years cooking in Thanh Long of San Francisco and Crustacean of Las Vegas and Beverly Hills. Among other celebrities who enjoy his cooking are Tony Curtis, Mike Tyson, Magic Johnson, Sharon Stone, and Annette Benning. When asked what he values most when cooking, ?Happiness and the satisfaction I give to my customers,? chef Danny answers with a smile.

?Aquaknox will celebrate its atmosphere. Our goal is to create an ambience where our guests can engage in different levels of experience and ultimately come out rejuvenated. With our delectable cuisine, fine wine and a contemporary Zen atmosphere transcending a feel of Beverly Hills, Aquaknox is sure to be Manila?s next most coveted dining hotspot,? says Morse. Their aim is to bring in a fresh and healthy dining option in an upscale contemporary restaurant.

Indeed, feel transported to a world of subtle contrasts as you step into their restaurant. The large interiors framed by cascading water features and dark wooden accents on a backdrop of deep amber-stained walls and subdued lighting complete the cozy ambiance. If you?re one of those people who love seafood, particularly crabs, this is the place you?ve been looking for.

The mezzanine boasts of a private lounge for corporate functions, private parties or intimate dining with its contemporary design and subdued lighting. A highlight of the restaurant is the exclusive wine room offering the finest selection of premium wine from the world?s best wine regions.

?I?m confident that seafood lovers will savor our uniquely sumptuous dishes and fall in love with it,? says chef Danny of his newest venture. Esteemed in LA for concocting exquisite recipes such as the Dungeness Roasted Crabs, Vietnamese Garlic Noodles and Shaken Beef, chef Danny recreated and developed these dishes further to suit the local palate. He counts the Aquaknox Crab, and Aquaknox Garlic Noodles as his best dishes.

Exquisite, inviting, and fabulous!

Start off your contemporary Vietnamese dining experience with ?Cha Gio? Crispy Imperial Rolls (P110), which consists of real crab meat and pork, wrapped in rice noodles, fried to a crisp and served with their dipping sauce. If you prefer a more refreshing alternative, opt for the ?Goi Tom Cuon? Prawn Spring Rolls (P120) which is fresh prawns, garnished with lettuces, mint, cilantro leaves wrapped in and served with their slightly spiced peanut sauce.The BBQ Skewers, with your choice of beef, pork, chicken (P150, 2 skewers per order) are tender morsels highlighted with fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and scallions, is another must-try. But what truly stood out among the appetizers was the Salt and Pepper Calamari (P210) it sounds simple, even ordinary but Aquaknox?s version is truly sublime. The calamari was tender but still firm and covered in crispy batter. The green onions and bell peppers which served as its flavor complemented it perfectly, leaving you wanting to order yet another dish. For those on a diet, Natasha?s King Prawns with Mangoes (P300) are perfect, served with organic greens, red onions, and ripe mangoes.

After whetting your appetite, make room for the house specialty, ?Cua Rang Moui Toi?, chef Danny?s Special Crab (P990). It is a huge dish, so make sure to bring a healthy appetite. Other specialties to try include Collosal Grilled Tiger Prawns (P460) served on a bed of Aquaknox garlic noodles, and ?Ca Kho To? Salmon Steaks in Caramel Fish Sauce (P380) with green onion and coriander.

For non-seafood lovers, Aquaknox still has something for you. The ?Bo Luc Lac? is Aquaknox Shaken US Tenderloin Beef (P440) served with scallions, onions, and tomatoes. Mommy?s Grilled Pork Belly with Special Sauce (P330), ?Thit Heo Nuong Vi? (P340) is grilled garlic-pepper pork chops with saut?ed mixed vegetables and Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken (P280) with onions, garlic, and soy are sure winners.

Don?t forget to order the Aquaknox Special Garlic Noodles (P125), chef Danny?s specialty. Take note though, this dish of egg noodles sauteed with garlicky butter sauce is quite addicting!

Vegetarians are sure to enjoy these fresh offerings, Sugar Snap Peas with Shitake Mushrooms (P170), ?Bong Cai Xao? Cauliflower with Garlic and Pepper (P150) and Dry-Fried String Beans (P160).

In addition, sumptuous new dishes such as ?Tom Rim? (P390), caramelized tiger prawns with garlic, green onions, and sour bean sprouts served with chef Danny?s special sauce, and ?Cha Ca? Hanoi Grilled Cod Fish (P340) marinated with turmeric and served with dill and scallions, will be introduced to capture loyalists as well as novel diners. An extensive menu made from the freshest seafood, premium meats, all-organic produce as well as choice ingredients and spices flown in from all over the country and even abroad is anticipated to capture Manila?s taste buds.

?Delectable dishes, exemplary service, and an unforgettable dining experience,? is what everyone who comes through the doors of Aquaknox can expect when they dine here, promises Natasha Morse.

For reservations, call 894-3380. Aquaknox Restaurant is located at 800 A. Arnaiz (formerly Pasay Road) corner Amorsolo St., Makati City. Since Feb. 14, they were open Mondays to Sundays from lunch time to 11p.m.