Long before all the craze began surrounding the world famous
Crustacean,
Thanh Long opened its doors in the Outer Sunset in San Francisco. My cousins introduced me to Thanh Long many years ago during one of their birthdays. We managed to rack up a pretty nice bill which included numbers of their distinct spirits. We also managed to sample a number of their dishes and I can firmly say everthing is good! Known for their seafood dishes and savory sauces, the suburbanites of San Francisco don't have to go to North Beach, The Embarcadero or even Fisherman's Wharf to get extraordinary dishes incorporating the San Francsico Bay's abundant sea critters that are oh so yummy on the palate.
So you've probably heard of all the ritzy ditzies hanging out at the Crustacean location in Beverly Hills. For example, apparently Brandy and her ex-hubby were very keen on the restaurant and their garlic noodles, as well as Bobby Brown causing a ruckus during the supposed show about him but we all know we watched it for Whitney Houston. There's a new restaurant in Las Vegas and I can only imagine all the interesting characters who have graced that dining room.
Thanh Long, however, incorporates all the great things about Crustacean but doesn't have as many crowds. The feel is also more family-oriented. Forget making reservations a month in advance at the Polk and California location, as well as the one in Beverly Hills. Hit Thanh Long in the Outer Sunset on Judah and you're in with no less than 5 hours' notice. I think it also helps to know the hostess. If you expect to make it one of your favorite restaurants after silently chowing down on the roasted dungeness crab with garlic butter, remember to leave a nice tip and a business card of some sort so they remember who you are.
All of the An families' restaurants are two stories. Thanh Long, for example, can accomodate a large party in their upstairs dining room. Gents and ladies, this is a lovely place for a romantic dinner. Specifically ask for a cushy corner in the back of the first floor dining room or the half circle booth, facing the bar, also on the first floor. For those who want to impress their significant other, this is definitely a place for impressing. Expect to get a little messy if you do order the crab. But that's all a part of the fun in going!
Lastly, remember to get out the garlic smell on your fingers by rubbing them on stainless steel after you get home. It might be weird to do that on your silverware while you're in the restaurant. Watch out for the remnants of your garlic breathe the next morning, even after brushing, flossing and gargling breath freshener of some kind before giving in to your food coma.
Thanh Long and Crustacean is and will always be among of my favorite seafood restaurants in The City.
PS
Kudos to the person who can get the closest to telling me how they make their damn garlic noodles!
