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| - I'm very glad that I didn't write a review of Ha Long Bay after my first visit there, because it would not have been so positive. While their first month or two in business might have been a bit shaky (looong waits for service, mixed up orders, etc.), I returned last night to find that they have vastly improved on all fronts.
We ordered the chicken dumplings, pho, and bun, and it was all excellent. The bun was euphorically good: cold noodles, fresh herbs and vegetables, and wonderfully seasoned grilled pork with a thin, sweet sauce poured over it. I highly recommend it. The pho was great, too, but I'm not as much of a noodles and broth person. I will say, though, that the beef and noodles in the broth were fresh and well prepared, and the sprouts, herbs, and chili peppers we got on the side of the dish were all fresh and flavorful, as well. Together, they made a nice combination of flavors and textures in the dish.
And the service, which on my first visit had been phenomenally slow and had messed up both our order and our appetizer, definitely had their acts together last night. My dining partner even spilled the bowl of pho on his lap, and our server was there in an instant with towels to clean up the mess. She was very nicely attentive.
After a rocky start, Ha Long Bay has established itself as a great option for Vietnamese food in Madison. Go, and get the bun.
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