Claws Of Mantis

I totally forgot about Lori (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=LNEXz0drBNtLHwrb1G-VPA) review, the one and only to date.

I went to Louie's Bar on a Sunday late afternoon in March to get some food prepared by my favorite Hawaiian food pop-up. In ordering practically everything on the menu, I learned soon after arriving in meeting the chef Kevin who was responsible for one of the four menu items.

As it turned out, it was actually the one that I was most curious to try. The Bho Ko Tteboki (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=UxZ-lfFD39A86k5Q7HYzaQ&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), comprising of Viet style beef stew, braised brisket, daikon, carrots, rice cakes, Thai basil, and cilantro, is certainly more impressive if you sat down and ate at the bar. Having dinner obligations that night, I brought this meal home and reheated a few days later. It didn't turn out too bad (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Zo-qN5gISMSikXzPBgLMIA&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q). Though visually not as attractive, I smiled as I downed each alternating bite of rice cake, meat, and veggies. I really enjoyed this and, if carbs were not an issue, would pour that sauce on a bowl of rice. Liked the basil and flavor mix on this.

Being curious about his menu, I learned from his IG account that he is doing pop-up meals at 167 11th Street, offering tasting menus on several days a week. Sad that I missed his collab meal at Restaurant Nisei last Sunday. When things open up, I hope to go with friend(s) here and try his food again.

I'm big on entrepreneurship. It's amazing how many new and really good food-related​ ventures have gained popularity during the pandemic. They won't do an IPO like tech start-ups, but they create jobs, fill a need, especially during these pandemic take-out days,​ and definitely fill up our bellies. Claws of Mantis definitely filled my belly with some awesome Vietnamese food this week!

After hearing raving reviews from friends who've tried this, my FOMO got the best of me. Thanks to their creativity, the menu varies and it seems unlikely that you'll see a menu repeated. Their pop-up schedule also varies​, but I sure lucked out with a menu that didn't disappoint. I also appreciated​ how well organized and timely they are.

**Suon Nuong Com Tam (Pork Rice Plate)**
Broken rice plates are my kind of comfort food during this cold and rainy weather. This was awesome! It comprised of a generous thick pork shoulder steak, cha trung (pork and & egg loaf), nem nuong (sweet sausage),​ and of course, broken rice.

I enjoyed every single item, but my very favorite was the cha trung. Omg, it was one of the best I've had! I've had numerous homemade versions from Vietnamese home kitchens, including my own kitchen, but this ranks high up there. It was really moist and filled with plenty of vermicelli noodles. Loved the height on this too. My second favorite was the very nicely grilled pork steak with the perfect amount of fat that helped keep it moist.

A side of soup and ​refreshing 3-layered jello (pandan, salted and coffee-flavored​) are​ also included. I'd say coffee was the most prominent flavor.

I really enjoyed and appreciated the generous portions. It filled up even a forever hungry girl like me. High-fives and elbow bumps are in order to Claws of Mantis on this cool venture!

I absolutely love my meal here. The entire evening displayed the skill and love the whole staff put into the food and experience.

Every dish was amazing and flavorful, from the perfect single bite clam to the epic beef tongue steak. I have never had Vietnamese food elevated like this.

I look forward to visiting again and trying the next menu!!