Top of the Town 2012

If you’ve never been to Vietnam, it’s difficult to truly understand the rich, fragrant flavors of the country’s cuisine. Suffice it to say that everything—the pho, the lemon grass chicken, the shrimp egg rolls—is exquisite. We love it all so much that we’re willing to venture up and down Federal Boulevard to find just the right dishes. During one of these journeys, we happened upon Vietnam Grill in a compact strip plaza just north of West Mississippi Avenue. That small space accommodates no more than 40 diners, but owner Yen Lai and her mother (who mans the burners) turn out plates that pack big flavor. The menu reads in both English and Vietnamese, but ask Lai for her suggestions and she’ll steer you where your taste buds want to be. Don’t miss the pork egg rolls, spicy beef noodle soup, or buttered quail with vegetables. 1015 S. Federal Blvd., 303-936-5610