Michael Bauer submits his review of Koh Samui and the Monkey spinoff Another Monkey, which recently opened in the former Conduit space. He says the menu’s way too long, but he says that chef Aom Phanthong is talented and she “successfully incorporates explosive spices and refuses to dumb down the flavors” in her sophisticated Thai cuisine. Also he says the tom yum shrimp nachos are “destined to become a signature.” All in all: two and a half stars. [Chron]
Patricia Unterman sounds excited about the izakaya trend, and she calls chef Nick Balla’s sometimes-fusion-y menu at Nombe “playfully Japanese, and very personal.” She loves the fish cakes, the Big Eye tuna balls, and the beef heart, and she says of Balla and partner/sake master Gil Payne’s dining room presence “I have never seen restaurant people have so much fun.” [Examiner]
