Monsoon

• Cuisine(s): Asian
  Hours: Sun,Sat 9am-2:30pm, Sun,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat 5pm-10pm
  Price: $$$
• Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards, cash, ATM/Debit
  Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Private Party, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Style
  Serving: Brunch, Dinner
• Alcohol: Full bar
  Reservations: Accepted, Recommended
  Parking: Street

Description

With an Eastside satellite operation and an uncertain future in their original, 12-year-old Capitol Hill space, siblings Sophie and Eric Banh seem undaunted by change. Monsoon remains a crisp, tidy place to dine: The hybrid Vietnamese cuisine is never too fussy, nor does it try to cram too many ingredients or flavors into one dish. The vibe is clean and minimalist, like the room. Enduring favorites on the menu include a caramelized Idaho catfish, an Asian pear salad, and prawns in yellow curry. Portions aren't huge, which encourages you to order more dishes; and a surprisingly deep wine list can do some damage to your wallet. The weekend brunch menu shows the Francophone influence on Southeast Asia: Belgian waffles and French toast coexist nicely with banh xeo crepes and bok choy. Plan to wait if you don't have a reservation. On sunny weekend mornings, it takes some luck to get a seat on the small patio. With the building slated for demolition-to make way for a condo-in the undetermined future, Monsoon should be appreciated while it lasts.