LSXO

LSXO Restaurant Review:

This clandestine restaurant in Huntington Beach’s Pacific City shopping center maximizes the concept of “tucked away.” It’s hidden within the confines of Bluegold, a small nameplate affixed to a wall next to its nondescript door. On the other side awaits an oasis of sophisticated décor and the best Vietnamese cuisine in OC outside of Little Saigon. The old-school ’90s hip-hop co-owner/executive chef Tin Vuong chooses to pipe in takes the starch out of the space’s Beaux Arts furniture, ocean-facing windows and nature-driven artwork, while also adding an astute air of modern authenticity. The environment pairs well with Vuong’s skilled approach at presenting well-composed bites that are contemporary, but stay relentlessly true to the genre’s soul. The pork, shrimp and crab dumpling starter sets the stage for a meal replete with balanced flavors. Green papaya salad with Viet beef jerky, peanuts and chili lime vin is refreshing, while the shrimp and pork-stuffed rice paper spring rolls are an essential part of the experience. For mains, we recommend diving into the seafood-loaded, paella-esque red and black rice or the succulent lamb satay. The shaky shaky beef with watercress and baby tomatoes is also a crowd-pleaser. Save room for the worthy desserts, and there are several fine nuggets to be found on the compact cocktail, wine and beer list.