EAT OUT
Le Mekong: Cuisines of Vietnam in Johns Creek
By Mark Ho Posted March 1, 2010
Le Mekong opened its door about a month ago and it has already attracted a stream of regular customers to the restaurant. Located near the intersection of State Bridge and Medlock Bridge, the restaurant is visible and located across the road from Super H Mart in Johns Creek.
Le Mekong’s menu presents a simple approach to Vietnamese cooking by using fresh and quality ingredients.
Unlike many other Vietnamese restaurants in town with large menus, Le Mekong offers a short menu averaging 5 to 6 items featuring salads, beef noodle, rice & noodle, chicken, seafood, vegetable and beef.
The interior of the restaurant is cozy and warmth. A large waterfall glass panel with the restaurant’s logo etched on it provide a soothing sight.
The Calamari Tempura appetizer ($7.95) has a light coating and crunchy texture. You can taste the fresh flavor of the calamari.
Le Mekong present a simplified way to order Pho-Beef noodle. The sizes are regular ($7.50), Super size ($7.95) and kid size ($5.00). You are allowed to choose 3 selections of beef ranging from flank, brisket, tendon, meat ball, tripe, or eye round steak. Substitute for seafood or tofu-vegetables are allowed for an additional $1.00.
The pho broth is simply delicious -- thin soup with a bold taste. It blends well with the rice noodles and condiments of vegetables herbs, lime, and bean sprouts.
Johns Creek and Gwinnett county residents don’t have to drive to Buford Highway for a good bowl of pho. They would be surprised to find Le Mekong offers a version that’s healthier minus the greasy fat and it comes with a lean cut of meat.
A dish not to be miss is the Vietnamese Canh Chua ($12.95) or “sour soup.” The tamarind-flavored broth served with fish, tomatoes, herbs and bean sprouts. This dish would really open up your appetite.
Another dish that I really enjoy is crispy lemongrass tofu ($7.95). Lemongrass enhances the flavor of the fried tofu.
Service is quick and attentive. Wait staff is pleasantly patient and routinely check on us. You don’t have to wait too long for your food at Le Mekong. Food is delivered at a surprisingly fast after an order was made.
Prices are reasonable and overall food are tasty. Fresh and quality ingredients set Le Mekong apart from other Vietnamese restaurants and pho noodle restaurants.
I look forward to my return visit and sampling more of the house specials.
Le Mekong Vietnamese Cuisine
10900 Medlock Bridge Road
Ste 105
Johns Creek GA 30097
Tel (770) 622-5000
www.lemekongcuisine.com
Business Hours:
Tues-Thurs: 11:00 am-10:00 pm
Fri-Sat: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Mon: Closed
overall: A
food: A
atmosphere: A
service: A
pluses: Fresh ingredient
minuses: Lacks signature dishes