Thanh Vi Restaurant

So we heard about this French restaurant in the San Gabriel/Rosemead area and we thought...no way! We've been driving to Burbank and Pasadena for the last 2 to 3 years for French food (from Rosemead...that's a bit of a drive). Then recently we found out that this cute little place in Pasadena (Crepe Vine Bistro) can't serve hot foods anymore because they had another fire..so disappointed : - ( \r Anyway, so we decided to give La Vie a shot. OMG...what a surprise! I can't tell you how happy we are to have found a place that serves decent French food in our area. I had the duck (very impressed!) and my DP had the filet mignon (good as well). We ordered a shrimp salad and some escargot (both good as well) and then, of course, the souffle. The souffle was very airy and light and an absolute treat! It's not as substantial as the ones made at other places but it was very very good! They have decently priced wines and the service staff are very nice. They make you feel welcome and we saw that a lot of their customers were treated like family even though they were not. All in all...a great neighborhood place for good food. The price can't be beat for French food and don't let the location fool you. It's in a nondescript strip mall but they've been there for 8 years and people still keep coming. Make sure you give it a try...it's worth it! Pros: Nice relaxed atmosphere, great prices, decent wines, good souffle Cons: might be a little hard to find, tables are a little too close more

I eat here once a month and it never disappoints me. The atmosphere is quite and private and I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a table for two. It's very different than what I expected the first time as it is in a small lot that seems odd for a restautant, because of this when you go for dinner all the other businesses are closed so there is ample parking.\r \r The food is excellent, the price is very reasonable, the service is good to great. Pros: Great Food, Easy Parking, Reasonable Prices, Good Service, Best for a casual night out more

Wasn't too impressed by this restaurant personally, since I have the expectation of it begin some cult-like, indie French-Vietnam fusion cusinie. On the bright side, it didn't come with the typical French-Viet fusion cusinie price tag (read: Michelia). Corkage is $8 and their wine list is okay. Pros: quite a unique French/Viet cuisine experience Cons: but food quality is just slightly above average more

First of all, ignore that post by eskimo1026. I doubt that person would know the difference between Burgundy and Coke. He compares the food to HK (hong kong) cafes around the area? Are you kidding me? Oh by all means, try going to any of them and taste the difference. \r \r I've been coming here for over a year now since my friend recommended the place. I tell ya, don't let the outside of the restaurant fool your mouths. You're in for one hell of a treat. I lived in France for over 8 years and have not tasted anything close to what La Vie has to offer. Very rarely can any chef make rabbit (not for the feint of heart) so tender and juicy that it actually doesn't have that stringy hard texture. Well, La Vie's chef has done it. The souffle is to die for, but make sure to tell them to preorder it, as it's made from scratch. I was lucky enough to have been able to meet the chef. He had worked previously in a few very well known restaurants in San Francisco. One of them I've visited before, called La Bougere (sp?) on Geary. The family is very sweet and tries their best to make people feel at home. Reservations are definitely recommended, especially on holiday occassions. \r \r Pros: Food more

The food at La Vie is mediocre. Nothing stands out and nothing is awful. Typical French fair of pureed soups and meat dishes with a couple of veggies and a starch. The only plus is the price. At around $14-$16 per person you can leave filled with enough food feeling good. My feeling towards this place is ""ho-hum"". Pros: Price, Lo Key Cons: Typical, decor more

I was in fact a little disappointed at the food and also the service. The food was good, BUT I wasn't impressed and couldn't really call it a French style. Any HK style cafes could have made the same or even done a better job than that. Try Cafe Beaujolais in Echo park and you will understand what I really mean by French French style. Besides the food quality, they were also short staffed. There was only one waitress with one busboy on Sunday night serving over 2 large parties of 10 and some small tables of 3 and 4. My friend and I order a bottle of wine and no one even bother to offer us a taste before filling up the wine glass. Unless I hear some major improvements, I will not consider going back. Pros: Good food Cons: Short staffed, Small portion, Slow service more

French foodies, you have to try this! La Vie offers classical French cuisine at very reasonable prices. I always start with the escargot...the butter garlic herb sauce goes great with the bread. I love the duck, and occasionally they'll have a trout special, which is splendid. To top it off I get the souffle with Grand Marnier...just heavenly. It's located in a non-descript place, and the decor could use some improvement. However, you won't mind all that once you experience the great food and excellent service. Make reservations as this place is always crowded when I go (weekends and weekdays).\r Pros: inexpensive, delicious food, service Cons: location, decor more

This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to in the San Gabriel Valley. It's small, non-descript location made me skeptical at first but now it's one of my favorite places. Their escargot and rack of lamb are the absolute best. Pros: inexpensive, friendly staff, great food more

when I first heard about this restaurant I was a little skeptical about it. Where do you get great french food for such a value. My dentist recommended me anyways so I made reservations. Wow!! It was such a treat. Full course meal for 2 around 35 bucks. Get the souffle ahead of time tho. I would definitely recommend it to everyone. Pros: very good value, great food, friendly service Cons: small restaurant, hard to locate more

I've been to La Vie a few times now. Each time, I leave satisfied. The food there is delicious and all entree comes with soup, salad, and coffee. My favorite dish is the duck, and the escargot I ate lastnite for appetizer was the best I've ever had. A full course dinner for two, and souffle for dessert only costed a little over $40. If you live around the area and don't want to drive too far for great food, I really recommend this restaurant to you. Pros: Delicious food, Inexpensive Cons: Small restaurant, Outlook not appealing more