Zao - Vietnamese Cuisine

I always look forward to Friday lunch dates since this is usually the time we can go beyond our lunch-time - only if workload permits, if you are gonna tell my boss ;-). Anyway, today's even more special since Abie's treating us over since it was her birthday last Monday. And so, the most difficult question to answer was asked: "Where are we eating today?". We've been eating around Eastwood City since God-knows-when and we've probably been to almost each restos there (if not all).

We've initially picked Dencio's (THE all-time fave pinoy resto), and we've already imagined eating some crispy pata, sisig, sinigang na hipon and krispy kangkong.. but too bad all seats were taken upstairs and its too hot to stay outside - that was freakin' 32 degrees Manila for us today.

Okay so we decided to settle for some Vietnamese food..and Zao, it is. The ambience is nice, they have this nice cushioned chairs, glass topped tables with a bar that looked nice and neat.

We've ordered pomelo salad, beef stew, satay & the fish fillet (sorry for the un-appealing names - i should have noted them all)

"the pomelo salad"
The salad was nice - there's this sweet and sour good taste combined.
I specifically loved the chicken strips, shrimp & the nuts in it.

fish fillet
We loved this so much. and if I may quote Geo: "Champion!"

beef, pork and shrimp satay
This was so-so, not a WOW but still not bad. 2 words: plain barbecue.
or maybe I'm just biased with Malaysian's satay - I was looking for that peanut sauce ;-)

beef stew

This was kinda too-flavorful for my taste, although I liked how the angus beef was cooked -not too gummy, nor too soggy.

As opposed to the bad reviews I've heard about their service, I'd say, Kudos to their people here in Eastwood! I didn't even have raise my hand and ask for an iced tea refill - they are always on standby. BTW their bottomless lychee iced tea is worth a try too. :-)

Zao is located at the Eastwood Citiwalk, Libis, Quezon City - beside Pasto & Seafood island. The other branch is at Serendra, Fort, Makati City.