Le Colonial’s Vietnamese French cuisine has left an amazing lasting impression on me. That’s because my meal of crispy and light spring rolls, avocado crab martini, grilled shrimp mousse wrapped in luscious sugar cane, steamed and delish Chilean sea bass, and the flaky and delectable Green Tea Crepe dessert artfully and carefully prepared in a pyramid shape that immediately melts in your mouth, refuses to leave my mind. Executive Chef Xuan, who’s personality is just as flavorful and fresh as her food, has been preparing Le Colonial’s scrumptious and healthy menu for many years and that’s’ the reason it is still one of NY’s favorite hideaways. The enchanting two-story townhouse reminiscent of 1920’s South East Asia, makes for a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. They’re open late, and have a chic and intimate lounge upstairs where one can enjoy cocktails and a nosh in a more casual setting. NY regulars including society doyenne Anne Bass rarely miss their weekly lunch and celebrities including Morgan Freeman, Jessica Simpson, Antonio Banderas, Cameron Diaz and fashion czar Oscar de la Renta have all enjoyed dinner at the East 57th St gem. Le Colonial is a tasty force to be reckoned with. Go. www.lecolonialnyc.com