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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Delightful "two-headed dragon" specializing in Chinese and Vietnamese fare.. The Scene
Even though this West Bank eatery serves up amazing Vietnamese specialties, Kim Son gives Chinese food top billing on its sign and menu--the better to appeal to mainstream appetites. But whether you're craving cuisine from Saigon or Beijing, Kim Son plays both sides of the cultural fence very well. Look past the now-familiar dishes of the Cantonese hit parade (kung bo chicken, beef with broccoli, etc.) and you'll find flavorful Vietnamese dishes that border on the exotic.

The Food
Although the Chinese dishes are also consistently well prepared, Vietnamese seafood is probably Kim Son's strongest suit. Clay pot-cooked shrimp are tender and delicious, served with a peppery gravy. More experimental diners should branch out and try the scallops baked in a salty crust or the beer-steamed crab (also served in the traditional hot pot). And the Vietnamese hot and sour soup, a homestyle twist on the standard Chinese version with shrimp and tomato, has a brightly flavored broth with plenty of afterburn.

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foodcritic504

Joined 11 years ago

GREAT FOOD GREAT RESTAURANT. The service at Kim Son was a necessity, and I'm not talking about bringin' you're your food. The pacing on the dishes was great, with one plate gliding right onto the table just as you finished your previous dish. And finally, our server kept our glasses full, an item that you'll truly appreciate when you sample some of the spicier fare.

The steak came out on a large platter and was cut into nearly two dozen well-seasoned grilled morsels. Underneath the beef was a bed of crunchy raw cabbage, grilled onions with fresh, cool tomatoes surrounded the whole thing. This was a marvelous dish.

Before I get into the cost I have to fill y'all in on what could be one missing "Eighth Wonder World" Kim Son, by a long shot, has the biggest menu I've ever come across.

Kim Son was a real treat.

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DigitalOnes

Joined 11 years ago

Friendly They Ain't. They're not particularly friendly either. When I go to a restaurant I like to be served by outgoing, friendly people. The people that work at Kim Sons are neither. So miss Miller IS ACCURATE.

Their in house dining specials give decent value for money. It's about average to slightly higher than average for the city.

The food is average to slightly above average on a good day. The atmosphere is below average to average, the portions for take out are ridiculous for the price.



Do not repeat DO NOT order out here. They charge an arm and a leg for below average portions.

Once I ordered "to-go", Feeling a little dehydrated I asked for a glass of iced tea. The drink service waitress looked at me somewhat crazily, and demanded to know what I had ordered. When I told her she reluctantly poured the glass of tea.