Long? (SEA)

[terrier]

Has anyone been to Long yet? (The new restaurant from the owners of Tamarind Tree in the old Qube space.)

I walked by on Friday night and noticed it was open - completely unexpected as the Qube signage and a leasing sign were still up when I walked by in late February. I did see PR go out the last week of Feb, but feared it might have been just a scheduled release that didn't account for the economic implosion.

Unfortunately, I was on my way back home from the Palace Kitchen when I passed by and had the baby with me (so I couldn't just stop in for a cocktail in their adjoining 'Jelly Bar' space.)

So, anyone here been?

Edit: I see they have their website up - http://longprovincial.com

[dagrassroots]

Looks like the same menu as tamarind tree just a little more pricey.

[bergeo]

I went on Friday night. You can find my review here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/long-seattle#...

[terrier]

Went to Long today for a late lunch.

The interior is a big improvement from the days when that space housed the late, unlamented Qube (thank goodness). It's still pretty modern and austere (at least when natural light is filtering in) but no longer feels cold. The vestibule and bar are especially nice spaces.

Service was attentive and friendly, though the server didn't know the vietnamese names of the dishes yet - I could understand this for the esoteric stuff but banh xeo isn't.

Banh xeo was tasty and well presented (nice big lettuce leaves, plenty of herbs) though I think Green Leaf has a more flavorful batter. Really enjoyed the bún; very nice balance between the noodles and vegetables - the grilled pork meatballs had good flavor but could have been a little juicier. Likewise, the 'special steamed rolls' were good enough but the beef wasn't particularly tender. It couldn't have waited too long to be served - food came quick - so I think the grill station needs some attention.

Tham was there and very interested in our impressions after the meal. He mentioned they were still in a soft opening as the staff gets trained up (there's no signs up suggesting the place is open; right now you have to know it's there to find it.)

I asked him what new dishes he was excited about - soft shell crab banana blossom salad, cognac scallop pomelo salad were two I remember him mentioning.

After some reflection, I think if he wants to give Long Provincial its own identity (rather than Tamarind Tree II), the lengthy menu could be tightened up and presented differently (e.g. a broadsheet.)

I do look forward to returning in a couple of weeks to try some of the new menu items.

[choweater]

I agree with your sentiments, terrier. It seems too much like TT and it should try to distinguish itself from its ID sibling. The multi-leveled design suggests a very different feel from TT, so perhaps the menu could be shaped into a more of a special place to go for Vietnamese specialties.

One very distinguishing feature of Long is the staff. Yes, friendly and attentive, but definitely not a crew familiar with the cuisine. Expect the server's suggestions to be "best of" selections and not the more challenging dishes. Once again, the staff selection may be a deliberate path that Mr Tham has chosen to distinguish it from TT.

We went late in the first week of the "soft" opening and ordered some dishes we'd always loved at TT, including Green Mango Salad with Grilled Tofu, Tamarind Tree Rolls, Chili Lemongrass Beef, and Long Provincial Banh Xeo (we hadn't been to TT for some time and were craving those dishes)

I thought the execution on the green mango salad was a little careless, as the pickled vegetables were cut almost 4X thicker than we expected. This affected the overall texture of the dish. The dipping sauces for the salad and the crepe seemed to be less balanced, more chili than I was accustomed to. And the crisp center of the rolls dominated the texture and flavor, also the beef was kind of one dimensional and failed to transport me as it often has at TT. The crepe was delicious with pork, scallops and shrimp in a perfect proportion to the sprouts. Of course a delicious selection of herbs and lettuce accompanied the banh xeo.

I am more than forgiving of any restaurant's shortcomings in its early days and I will definitely return soon to try the new dishes including the Soft Shell Crab Banana Blossom Salad. Cocktails were spot on and the jellyfish tank was intriguing (although one jellyfish got sucked into the pump and had to be removed). I have always impressed that Tamarind Tree had broken the mold of ID restaurants by combining good food, service and design. I hope Long can up the ante and bring Seattle's ethnic dining to the top of the pack.

[akq]

I got take-out from Long today and was a bit disappointed. I ordered the grilled pork and eggroll bun. The noodles were a bit overdone and stuck together in several clumps, the pork was dry. Lots of lettuce & cabbage, though, so that was good. Since it was take-out and suffered from the walk back to my office before eating, I'd certainly take this experience with a grain of salt.

[kkbriggs]

I was there today as well and had a similar experience with the pork and eggroll bun. Since I was with a friend we were able to try a couple of different things - TT rolls were good and the chili lemongrass tofu wasn't bad either. Overall, not a bad place and certainly a lot more convenient than TT for a work-day lunch.

[bluedog67]

Had dinner at Long on Sat nite. We had visitors from SF, and decided to give it a go w/ their 18 month old in tow, hoping that early arrival would make it a little easier. The staff was very, very accomodating. We had brought a portable high chair, and the hostess commented she had the same brand for her child and immediately took responsibility for getting it strapped in. They were very helpful with bringing out some rice for him and accomodating any other unusual requests to keep the peace.

We ordered the scallop salad, that was very good, really nice texture variations, the seafood crepe, also good. crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Next came chili lemon grass chicken, lily blossom halibut and braised pork w/ coconut meat. The chicken was fine, but nothing special, the halibut was really tasty w/ several different types of mushrooms, and delicate sauce. The pork was served in a lettuce cup, and seemed a very small portion. the sauce was a bit thick and sticky (perhaps intentionally) but full of depth and flavor. The pork itself cood have been more tender, if braised for 12 hours like the menu said. The coconut meat was perfect texture, and thick pieces that really accented the food.

Great spicy cocktails - one with fresh watermelon - and good wine prices. Agree that all was similar to TT, but was nice to be a little closer to home. Will probably return.