Food Fashion and Flow: Anqi by Crustacean

Do you like the idea of ambient lighting, stunning interiors, mouthwatering food and a fashion runway in the middle of a restaurant? Me too!

If you venture into Orange County, you too can experience this fun restaurant. Anqi is a spin off of the Crustacean restaurant in Beverly Hills. Yes, 50 miles from Beverly Hills is an equally swanky, atmospheric restaurant with the same Vietnamese fusion dishes that Crustacean is known for. Both restaurants are upscale, but the price point is what separates the two restaurants. The prices at Anqi are a little more recession friendly than Crustacean, but you will have the same amazing dining experience. My friend and I found the ambiance absolutely perfect.

A crystal stream and rocks are under this 60 foot fashion runway, which is a functional dining area when fashion shows aren't taking place. Pretty cool, right?

There were numerous drink and appetizer options. The chicken potstickers are a popular item to try here and our server recommended a Lavender Blackberry Mojito. I asked her if they could make me a non alcoholic version of this drink and I was thrilled when they were able to accommodate me by making a mocktail version:-)

This drink had the essence of lavender,muddled blackberries, mint leaves and lime. There was not an ounce of alcohol in this drink and I was still sipping and smiling:-)

The space is expansive with tones of red, orange and black

Great place for date night or to have a nice dinner with friends

This summer greens salad was a great way to start our meal. This salad has squash, manchego cheese, a mixture of salad greens and olive croutons

The infamous garlic noodles and prawns. FULL of fresh garlic flavor

The well stocked bar. I was so impressed that the staff made me a delicious mocktail.

This beautiful space on the photo above is a part of the secret kitchen at Anqi and comes by way of the Chef's table. This special spot must be booked in advance for a minimum of 8 people who will have access to the private dining room, dedicated servers and staff apart from the other diners at the restaurant.

Guests at the chefs table can also request to see the secret kitchen by pressing a button in this room and when the chef grants access the frosted glass clears offering a peak inside the infamous secret kitchen, which is hidden inside the main kitchen and only accessible to the An family, the chefs and employees with more than 10 years service at the restaurant.

My dining companion passed on dessert, but I don't think any dining experience is complete without a sweet treat to round out the meal. This dessert came highly recommended and me being the chocolate fiend that I am., well, I just couldn't say no. I just couldn't.

You wouldn't have either.

This chocolate dome cake was garnished with blackberry sauce drizzle, hazlenut brittle port reduction and homemade Bailey's Irish Cream Ice Cream and it was absolutely scrumptious.