Mai's Vietnamese - Cotati

8492 Gravenstein Hwy 116, Suite J, Cotati CA 95931
(707) 665-9628
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
Hours: Tues - Sun 11am to 8pm

Last Visited: October 16, 2010

Food: 2 to 3 stars (previously 4 stars)
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

Mai’s Vietnamese Cuisine has been open since summer 2006. Located next to Buffalo Billiards in the Apple Valley Plaza (nearby Lowe’s), Mai’s is tucked away in the far corner of the shopping center. It’s amidst a sea of other restaurants – a Thai and Mexican/Pilipino place to name a few. However, Mai’s simple and elegant atmosphere is inviting and shows the fine detailed touches of its owners.

From Agilent to Mai’s Vietnamese, the owners have been through their fair share of local technology booms and bust. And so, they are now starting out on their own in a simple restaurant – lots of yellow and brown in décor, you’ll find that each table has fresh colorful flowers on it, and that there is lots of greenery all around the restaurant – from bamboo to other plants. Asian musical instruments are on display and gentle music from string instruments play on the sound system. Vietnamese art can also be found in the room.

Each table is covered with a white tablecloth and a piece of glass as well as the fresh flowers aforementioned. The table has a napkin and chopsticks in a paper wrapper at each place setting. Upon our arrival, we were given a glass of ice water with half a slice of lime in it. We were also given freshly roasted peanuts that had been lightly coated with a sugar and salt mixture. The chairs are a dark wood with a simple design that adds to the décor. You can also hear the sound of the water fountain sphere in the rear of the restaurant nearby the register. Recessed can lights are in the ceiling and small lanterns are on the side walls of the restaurant. It’s a nice setting for a romantic evening or out with friends.

Typical Vietnamese fare is offered on the menu.

- Pho Dac Biet – Special Combo Beef Rice Noodle Soup – We ordered a large bowl to split, and when we mentioned that we wanted to split it, the owner was quick to respond that it wouldn’t be pretty if we took it apart at the table, so she would go ahead and split it for us. This is how Mai’s originally got a four star service rating (now down to two to three stars). The impeccable attention to detail made it stand out from the rest. The soup contains rice noodles, meatballs, eye of round steak, well done brisket, flank steak, tendon, and tripe. It was accompanied with a plate of fresh Thai basil still on its stem, fresh bean sprouts, jalapeno slices, and quarter lime wedges. The flavorful beef broth contained the usual thin slices of onion and fresh cilantro and green onions. Another item of note – the food is plated very nicely – we received our bowl with a plate underneath it, and these particular spoons have an extended back so that it can use the edge of the bowl as a ledge so the spoon doesn’t fall into the soup. When we ordered, the condiments also came in a very simple and elegant holder. Great through April 2010. During my most recent visit in October, the quality of the meat had declined (lots of fat and gristle) and the price had gone up two dollars to the prices shown here. I was also really thirsty after dinner, a sign of monosodium glutamate and a lot of it. Aack - this is what dropped the food rating so much. Regular $8.50, Large $9.50

- Com Suon Nuong – Pork Chop BBQ Rice Plate – A marinated pork chop is butterflied and barbecued. The end result is placed over rice and served with fish sauce, lettuce, carrot, and pickled daikon. The pork chop has great flavor and is marinated thoroughly. The rice has an excellent consistency – not to mushy and not too hard. The vegetables are fresh and cut very neatly. Good. $6.95 (old pricing)

- Bun Tom Thit Nuong Cha Gio – Grilled BBQ Pork, Shrimp, and Egg Roll over Vermicelli – Slightly warm vermicelli is topped with crushed peanuts, shredded lettuce, an egg roll, three grilled shrimp, and pieces of grilled barbecued pork. Marinated turnip/daikon pieces and carrots strips accompany the meat along with bean sprouts, chopped mint, and cilantro. A fish sauce based dressing comes on the side to mix in with the noodles. The freshness of the dish comes through with the contrast of the warm meat and the cool noodles. Unlike other restaurants, the noodles haven’t been in the refrigerator and so they aren’t hard or as dense as other places giving it a better texture. Very good. In the past, I’ve had bun at other places and didn’t feel so good after. Mai’s cleanliness and the temperature of the noodles gave me more confidence about the bun. $9.50

After dining, I didn’t find myself feeling thirsty, but when I did drink something, I noticed that I drank the entire drink, so perhaps it’s a thirst from spices. I’m not quite sure. The silverware we received to cut the pork chop wasn’t dirty, but there were lots of spots on it. I tried to wipe them off, but they wouldn’t go away. This is certainly an area of opportunity, but only a minor blemish.

The restroom has a great looking sink and faucet, so be sure to check that out. Overall, I liked the very clean and unique setting of Mai Vietnamese and it’s a standout amongst its peers for that reason alone. The owner’s attention to detail and demeanor is terrific. The food is flavorful and delicious. The dishware is modern and also has simple style. Prices are about fifty cents higher than the Sonoma County competition, but it’s well worth it. After going back several times, I have found their service and food consistently good until the October visit.