31 reviews or comments posted; 10 questions asked; 37 answers given.
My initial four star rating was given because of atmosphere and quality, both in food and ambiance. I've been back many times since my original post and am very sorry to say this place now officially sucks ass.
Some work was done on the second floor to transform it from a dining room into some kind of party room, but the result is a pile of stool, and reminds me of the basement of Moe's Bar - complete with sleeping staff on the couches, burned out lights and disused beer refrigerators. What was the point? Seriously.
Also, while some may appreciate the over zealous female staff jumping all up in the Koolaid, I don't. Maybe I just don't understand their role.
It really sucks as I thought The Loft would become a regular on my circuit. Now it's only another toilet to avoid. What a waste.
| Was this review ... |
Five stars? I like the place alright and think their food is decent, selection good, and service great but can't imagine rating Casa Mia anything more than three or four.
They run good twofer specials during the week: Monday is pizza, Weds is pasta and a couple others which escape me. It works out to be pretty gd cheap when 2 can walk out for dinner and a couple beers for under 100k.
They also feature late hours which could come in handy if you're ever in that part of the city and need some grub at the wee hours.
| Was this review ... |
Not so quiet any longer but a great, comfortable space with good service and a big drinks menu. FWIW, the place looks nothing like it does in the pictures. I dunno who was smoking what secret stuff when they were shooting but the cafe is tasteful and cool, not all rosey and weird and hotel lobbyesque. Time for an update.
| Was this review ... |
Thanks for the rec but Vijit wasn't really so good. I ordered cold, without a menu, and while that may have been a problem I think the reality is that Vijit is just okay, or passable Thai food.
When I called there was a minute or more of chaotic Vietnamese yelps (you know the ones, don't lie) before finally putting the English speaker on the phone. Delivery took just over an hour, and my pad thai was less than impressive, though the curry was good.
I'll give them another go now that I have the menu, and update my review if needed. I just don't think they're quite ready for primetime.
| Was this review ... |
Stopped in for a bite after reading the reviews here, as Kanga would have never even registered on my radars if it wasn't for NH.
Ordered the green curry and a Tiger - curry was 49,000vnd and my beerfriend was 17,000. I expected the standard small bottle but was given one of the bigger ones though I dunno the exactments. Curry came with rice, in 2 separate bowls, and I LOL'd when they were placed on the table. The portions were massive, really big. Not even Manbearpig could finish this stuff. I'm really serial. The consistency was a bit gloopy for my liking but the fresh basil, garlic, ginger and galangal helped make up for it.
My total check was a whopping 66,000 dong and I took one half home for my lunch manana. And I will be back for more. Serial.
| Was this review ... |
Where can I buy it?
I'm looking to buy a DVD player with a USB jack. Any ideas where I might find one? I saw the recent post and responses re. Big C and Metro, but I'm a little short on directions and locations as I'm relatively new and unfamiliar with the city.
Thanks muchly.
Where can I buy one of these? http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50304949/Clothes_Dryer.jpg
Where might a fella go to eat the best steak in the city?
Hot summer days make me so parched around noon, I mean 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Where might one find the best happy hours in this wonderful city? I'm not a cocktail drinker so beer and food specials are really what I'm after.
Any idea what the current street exchange rate is for USD - VND?
I would like to buy some gifts and have been directed to Van Phuc village. Any idea how to get there by motorbike?
I just got a massive craving for Thai food but can't seem to find any reviews to bowl me over. Any suggestions?
Also, what's the name of the place on Ly Thuong Kiet?
My stomach says "thanks!"
I'm looking to buy a plant, specifically a Phalaenopsis orchid and don't know were to look.
I see the women on the streets peddling lots of stuff but nothing that resembles an orchid.
Why do people constantly list their rooms for rent with an APARTMENT or HOUSE for rent heading?
It's annoying and a complete waste of time for those seeking something other than a flatshare.
Fix it, please?
Thanks.
Posted Wednesday June 18th, 2008.
What about 3Days/2Nights for $155 per person? The lodge looks pretty posh and the price seems reasonable: http://maichaulodge.com/Default.aspx?ProductId=1
In response to the question: How does one get to Mai Chau or Cat Ba by public trans? where is the station? Has any one got experience taking a bus to Mai chau? how was it? Ar...
Posted Friday June 20th, 2008.
Random gun incident
*shrug*
Am I missing something?
In response to the question: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/18/AR2008061800285.html Was trying to get clarity on the current financial situation...
Posted Tuesday June 24th, 2008.
I'm going to Metro tomorrow and will check out the region-free DVD player prices and report back. Some say it's cheap, other say not so much.
In response to the question: Where can I buy a cheap DVD player? Yes, all the DVD players for sale in Hanoi are cheap when compared to their Western counterparts. But the stan...
Posted Wednesday June 25th, 2008.
I ended up buying one at Metro for 650,000vnd which has the USB input and has, so far, played everything I've tossed at it.
Happy days.
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a DVD player with a USB jack. Any ideas where I might find one? I saw the recent post and responses re. Big C and Metro, but I'm a ...
Posted Tuesday July 1st, 2008.
Is this when everyone gets the free flag for the backpack?
In response to the question: Are the any Canadians out there doing some Canada Day celebrations tonight? If not are there any Canadians or people who appreciate Canadians and/o...
Posted Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.
Excellent.
Thanks, Teacherman!
In response to the question: Where might a fella go to eat the best steak in the city? ...
Posted Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.
Thanks but I've heard way too many negatives from way too many Chinn diners to ever let him touch my dong.
In response to the question: Where might a fella go to eat the best steak in the city? ...
Posted Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.
http://www.vietnamtourism.com/ should get you sorted.
In response to the question: I've been searching without success for some time now for a telephone number for Cat Ba National Park's front office. Anyone have their contact inf...
Posted Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.
Try 9439513 or 8449438231.
In response to the question: I've been searching without success for some time now for a telephone number for Cat Ba National Park's front office. Anyone have their contact inf...
Posted Friday July 4th, 2008.
I'll hit Minh Duc either later today or early next week. Any idea what they charge for a duvet cover?
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a place to buy luxurious quality, pure cotton bed sheets - that are vaguely reasonably priced? Also, pillows? Thanks ...
Posted Friday July 4th, 2008.
Egg crate? Memory foam? anything around??
In response to the question: Looking for a place that sells mattress topper's(therpa-pedic memory foam). Anyone know if you can get them here? Thanks ...
Posted Saturday July 5th, 2008.
I normally use The Deli 2 - 9410959, there is a definite difference(falafel, chicken skewers, chicken noodles, roasted pork baguette, grilled veg, etc), Foodshop (beef samosas and tandoori chix w/garlic naan), or Khazzanna (if I'm livin' large). Oregano is okay but just lacking on so many fronts, at least in my book.
I was told today that Matchbox is now delivering and plan to add them into the mix from next week.
In response to the question: Since I work from home, and often feel too busy with my work (or just to lazy) to venture out for dinner or lunch, I like having food delivered to my ...
Posted Sunday July 6th, 2008.
Minh Duc has duvet covers for $27, the set with pillow cases and sheet for $40/680,000vnd.
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a place to buy luxurious quality, pure cotton bed sheets - that are vaguely reasonably priced? Also, pillows? Thanks ...
Posted Tuesday July 8th, 2008.
69 hits and not one suggestion to fill the gullet? C'mon, kids, help a brother out.
In response to the question: Hot summer days make me so parched around noon, I mean 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Where might one find the best happy hours in this wonderful city? I'm ...
Posted Wednesday July 9th, 2008.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/listing/show/1036
In response to the question: Hi all, I recently got a second job here, proof-reading and editing the results of endearing (but essentially rubbish) Vietnamese-English translat...
Posted Wednesday July 9th, 2008.
I've been seeking the same and was told they don't exist here.
In response to the question: Cockroach baits. I cannot find them anywhere...it seems the only way to rid these foul creatures is to use fly spray which I am not a big fan of. S...
Posted Wednesday July 9th, 2008.
Good God, yes.
OPEN.OPEN.OPEN.OPEN.OPEN.OPEN.OPEN.OPEN.
In response to the question: This is a survey i know it's not a place to do it but i really need your opinions, so the more answers you give, the better my survey is. Thank you in...
Posted Monday July 14th, 2008.
My tailor directed me to the dye shop at 27(?) Nguyen cong Tru Street for my dyeing wishes.
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a place to buy luxurious quality, pure cotton bed sheets - that are vaguely reasonably priced? Also, pillows? Thanks ...
Posted Monday July 14th, 2008.
Thanks.
I opted for the easy option - VietcomBank and got 16,835.
In response to the question: Any idea what the current street exchange rate is for USD - VND?...
Posted Wednesday July 23rd, 2008.
Check this place out :
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/show/1794/Uma-The-Manor
Seconded.
In response to the question: Does anyone know of any factories around here where you can buy a sofa for a nice price? Couches seem to be either cheapish but very ugly or nice but ...
Posted Saturday July 26th, 2008.
Pay it.
Yeah, it's a big jump but also something to be expected in a developing country with the current market conditions.
She's trustworthy, cooks and cleans, makes you happy, and is assumedly one of the reasons your life in Hanoi is a happy one and more comfortable than it might be in ____________ .
Mos def worth an additional fitty imo.
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Saturday July 26th, 2008.
Anything to report?
I'm seeking the same.
In response to the question: Where can I have a small quantity of t-shirts printed with a logo I've created? And can they copy a 'pdf' file graphic, or would I need to put it in s...
Posted Saturday July 26th, 2008.
(i think he thinks you might should gonna give her some more money. And you're really bad, filthy and irresponsible people who should have some babies and see what it's really like.)
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Sunday July 27th, 2008.
I stayed here for my first few weeks in the city and would do it all over.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/show/596/Especen-Hotel-Tho-Xuong
The staff were helpful, the room was clean and relatively quiet(go high!), and the location enabled me to get a good feel for the city and check out some sights. I paid $16 a night and have pics of the room if you want 'em.
In response to the question: Im moving to Hanoi in jul/aug with my family for my new job.I was going to stay in a hotel for a couple of weeks so to get the feel of the place and t...
Posted Monday July 28th, 2008.
The Sunway is very, very small and poorly maintained. I think the bigger hotels offer better equipment and facilities.
In response to the question: Hi guys, Im looking for a good gym which has enough equipments that do not actually fall off during your work out :(! Im considering Horison and Sh...
Posted Friday August 8th, 2008.
And the best Thai in Hanoi is?
In response to the question: I just got a massive craving for Thai food but can't seem to find any reviews to bowl me over. Any suggestions? Also, what's the name of the place ...
Posted Friday August 8th, 2008.
Interesting, thanks.
Now I'm just curious why there aren't any reviews.
In response to the question: I just got a massive craving for Thai food but can't seem to find any reviews to bowl me over. Any suggestions? Also, what's the name of the place ...
Posted Saturday August 9th, 2008.
I turn my phone off and still use it as my alarm clock. Set it for 5 mins from now, turn it off and see for yourself.
In response to the question: I am trying like mad to find a plug in alarm clock that has a battery option also. I currently use my cell phone alarm and a battery operated old scho...
Posted Monday August 11th, 2008.
K thanx.
Sounds like a job for Supermaid.
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a plant, specifically a Phalaenopsis orchid and don't know were to look. I see the women on the streets peddling lots of stuff b...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
I'm so confused.
In response to the question: Can we do something about the utter rubbish section. It seems that there are some people who are playing with this click. I agree with all the others ...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
Whatev, Hippo.
You obviously have more free time and patience than most. Congrats.
In response to the question: Why do people constantly list their rooms for rent with an APARTMENT or HOUSE for rent heading? It's annoying and a complete waste of time for thos...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
What she said.
Khumbu-oi! Where's the cat?
In response to the question: WARNING! For those of you looking for housing to rent, steer CLEAR of Pho Van Cao, at the end of Lieu Giai! On Alley 33, house number 3, there is an ...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
Enough hijinx.
Cat back, pls.
Best cat pic EVER.
In response to the question: WARNING! For those of you looking for housing to rent, steer CLEAR of Pho Van Cao, at the end of Lieu Giai! On Alley 33, house number 3, there is an ...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
Or else I'll cap the monkey.
In response to the question: WARNING! For those of you looking for housing to rent, steer CLEAR of Pho Van Cao, at the end of Lieu Giai! On Alley 33, house number 3, there is an ...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
**VICTORY!**
In response to the question: WARNING! For those of you looking for housing to rent, steer CLEAR of Pho Van Cao, at the end of Lieu Giai! On Alley 33, house number 3, there is an ...
Posted Wednesday August 13th, 2008.
Nice accusation, Jimbo, but no.
Just curious if you have anything positive to say here. Every one of your posts and reviews are negative. Considered meds?
In response to the question: WARNING! For those of you looking for housing to rent, steer CLEAR of Pho Van Cao, at the end of Lieu Giai! On Alley 33, house number 3, there is an ...
Posted Wednesday August 13th, 2008.
That's way too high. Mine averages ~250 in summer, which I think is too much. You're obviously paying someone elses bill.
In response to the question: I know similar questions have been asked about this, but... After living for 6 months in my flat, I've discovered that we're paying 3-5 times what ...
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Itsnotbob
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New Hanoian Member SinceMonday June 2nd, 2008