Food and Drink MYSTERY DINER
HCMC
Twenty21one Recently opened, the swank, sophistication and cuisine of Twenty21One has gained itself some positive feedback. So what does our mystery diner think? Photos by Bao Zoan
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n search of dinner, we hit up Twenty21one on Facebook for a reservation. Their response is fast and in 10 to 15 minutes we have a table booked for 7pm poolside. The restaurant is on the ground floor of stylish new ‘apart-hotel’ SILA in District 3. Parking is always important on date night for any number of reasons, so we’re delighted when we discover parking is underground and close to the lifts. The parking attendant even ushers us into the lift and presses the button for our desired level. It’s the simple things that keep us happy. As we head in, we’re pleasantly surprised that the door isn’t automatic, but is being opened by the restaurant manager who’s been anticipating our arrival. He’s
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pleasant and it’s a comfortable feeling not having to worry about explaining who we are and why we’re here. The main dining area is softly lit and the temperature is cool. The whole restaurant is done out in natural wood furnishings and polished metal giving it an industrial edge. But don’t get the impression the edge is stark and cold; instead, the place feels warm and romantic. One negative to the lighting we encountered is that it’s not Instagram-friendly. The pictures we took didn’t do the food justice. The manager leads us out of the main dining area a few steps up into what can be best described as a space. There’s a bar and then a row of tables along the window opposite which could sit at least 20 diners
comfortably. This area lends itself to small gatherings and parties, but is just as comfortable for couples. This is where we sit after we decide the poolside is too warm. Also, the sweaty bodies in view, seen working out in the resident gym, don’t do much for our appetites. Once seated, we’re given a glass of French sparkling wine and a trio of starters to enjoy with a basket of fresh crusty white bread and banh trang me (rice crackers) on the house. Finally, there’s a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City where we don’t have to ask for it. The hummus proves to be one of the best in town.
Looking West, Looking East Whoever came up with the menu is a genius. In a city where couples are often mixed, satisfying both people's