cuisine and culture of Contemporary vietnam the focus of Tamarine restaurant OPENING AUTUMN 2002

Palo Alto, Calif., Aug. 13, 2002 – Tamarine Restaurant, a new Vietnamese restaurant opening this autumn in Palo Alto, Calif., will feature the cuisine and culture of contemporary Vietnam.  Along with culinary delicacies of Vietnam, the restaurant will showcase works of emerging artists from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.

The concept, cuisine and distinctive culture of Tamarine are products of years of travel, dining and cultural exploration throughout Southeast Asia by proprietor Anne Le and executive chef/proprietor Tammy Huynh.  Hailing from the award-winning Vung Tau family of restaurateurs, the two set out to create a way to experience the culture of Vietnam through its cuisine, its art and cultural practices.

“We want to immerse our guests in the richness of Vietnamese culture by revealing two of its highest art forms—its cuisine and fine art,” said Anne Le, Tamarine’s proprietor.

Featuring light but flavor-intensive dishes from Vietnam, Tamarine’s small plate entrees are designed to be paired with a variety of aromatic, flavor infused rice dishes. These dishes are designed to be mixed and matched in ways that balance flavors and fragrance, as well as texture and color.  The interactive dining experience Tamarine’s proprietors envision encourages guests to compose their own combinations of aromatic infused rice and small plates to create their own unique flavor experience.  “We will be there to guide and offer suggestions, but we want our guests to experiment and savor their own creations,” said Anne.

 “Vietnamese cuisine is the best and most refined in all of Southeast Asia,” said Steven Smith, board member of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and owner of restaurants in San Francisco and Bali. “Tamarine does it beautifully, with a fresh and exciting approach to the cuisine and concept.”

Tamarine will seat 164 guests in its formal dining room, private dining area, bar and patio combined.  The bar contains two high communal tables that are the focal point of the room.  The complete menu, along with small plate specialties, will be available in the bar, where specialty cocktails with Asian fruit bases and dramatic tropical flavors such as lichee infused Vodka martinis will be featured.

Art and Philanthropy Integral to Tamarine’s Concept

The works of six Vietnamese artists, a collection of paintings on paper, canvas, wood and lacquer, will be displayed for six months.  Semi-annual exhibits will close with a cocktail event to auction the artwork.  Proceeds generated from the auctions will be donated to La Maison Chance, an orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. “The art is an integral part of Tamarine’s concept,” said Anne.  “It fulfills our desire to promote the cultural achievements of Vietnam and provides us with another means of philanthropic giving.”

Designed by Engstrom Design Group, nationally renowned restaurant design and architecture firm, the interior features a rich natural palette of warm gray, green, gold, and slate. Original works of art were selected to accent Tamarine’s elegant décor.  

Tamarine Restaurant is located at 546 University Avenue, Palo Alto, Calif., and will open in the autumn of 2002.  For further details, contact Kristine Schaefer, 650 529-1250, or visit www.tamarinerestaurant.com. Works of art can be viewed online or in private viewings.  For reservations or private viewings, please call 650 325-8500.