Rangoon Ruby - Burmese, Palo Alto

445 Emerson St, Palo Alto CA 94301
(650) 323-6543
Parking: street parking and parking lot across the street
Hours: Lunch Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner Sun-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm
http://www.rangoonruby.com

Last Visited: July 9, 2016

Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

I had heard coworkers talk about Rangoon Ruby, so I thought I would give it a try.  They tout themselves as the best Burmese Cuisine in the Bay Area.  Long story short, it's a good place for those that are completely new to Burmese cuisine, but the flavors are extremely mild.  This is good for diners desiring an explanation of each ingredient and whom are more interested in the service and setting than the food.  I gave the food three stars for appearance - it looks the part and is plated nicely.

Upon arriving, our party was greeted by a host whose sole job was hosting.  Throughout our entire lunch, she stayed at the hosting station, but was checking her phone when she thought nobody was watching.  Bench seating lines a portion of one wall and the bar lines the other wall.  Each table has white tablecloths with square plates.  Modern photography collages decorate the walls.  The chandeliers also have a modern feel.

After being seated, it took some time before we were attended to and it wasn't quite busy.  Service was friendly for the most part and the busboys seemed to be the most attentive.  My server was seemingly absent at times, but could be seen chatting with folks behind the bar.

- Tea Leaf Salad - Tea leaves, fried garlic, yellow beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, lettuce, tomato, jalapeno, and dried shrimp are served with a wedge of lemon.  Although the ingredients are fresh, and the server takes the time to explain each item, I found the quantity of lemon to be lacking and the whole dish lacked spice.  A traditionalist would also say that lettuce should not be used - cabbage is typically the primary base.  Fresh but bland.  Nice plating.  $14

- Nan Gyi Dok - Rice noodles are topped with coconut chicken
sauce, yellow bean powder, cilantro, red onion slices, and fried onion.  A hardboiled egg and fried won ton strips accompany the dish.  Although nicely plated, the coconut chicken was once again mild and the dish was closer to room temperature than hot or cold.  It lacked flavor compared to the authentic version.  $14

Tables are close together which could be uncomfortable if you have a larger personal space bubble or just don't want your neighbor to hear your entire conversation.  You also won't find anyone Burmese except the owner/chef.  During our meal, the server came to top off our water and promptly spilled it on our table and floor.  While she apologized, it was strange that nobody came to wipe off the puddle on the floor.

If you want to bring guests to try Burmese food and fear that they might be frightened of strong flavors, this is a good spot for nice presentation and setting, but if you want authentic food, you may try another place.