Another restaurant I visited during Orange County Restaurant Week was AnQi, at Bloomingdales in South Coast Plaza, where I met Tanya of Design Action Studios for lunch.  Considering it was only 11:30 a.m., we refrained from ordering the Pink Lotus martini  but savored every bit of the three course lunch.

The first course was a Roasted Corn Soup with chicken and avocado. For our second course I chose the Vegetable Delight with organic tofu and Tanya selected the Roasted Wild King Salmon in a citrus reduction sauce. Molecular Cheesecake ended the meal –  a light, airy puff of cheesecake with berry sauce. We also enjoyed a Hibiscus Lavendar Nojito sent to our table as an apology for the slow service we encountered when first seated.  I doubt if that’s a common occurrence and will definitely return for the Pink Lotus martini and more AnQi specialities like the Garlic Noodles, which I’ve read Warren Beatty finds addicting.

AnQi opened in December, 2009 and we have Elizabeth An, eldest daughter of Helene An of Crustacean, Beverly Hills fame,  for bringing the House of An to South Coast Plaza.  Described as Euro-Asian bistro and gourmet Vietnamese  fusion in reviews that I’ve read,  AnQi transforms traditional Asian cuisine with complex flavors and exotic flourishes. This, combined with celebrity-style presentation, handmade cocktails such as the  Pink Lotus martini served with a puff of cotton candy, and a dramatic, sexy and sophisticated space declares AnQi an extraordinary dining experience. Put it at the top of your short list!

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