Faraway from the heat of Vietnam, Charles Phan's ever sacred Slanted Door embodies a fortuitous marriage of local bounty kissed with Californian flair and faithful Vietnamese flavors. A virtual emperor of a Bay Area empire, his branches ooze verve and vivacity. Superbly set in the cuisine-centric Ferry Building, the hype still delights at this swank, scenic place. Cypress tables cradle earthenware parading a litany of delights. Tinged with clean flavors are street foods like spring rolls with pork, shrimp, and peanut sauce at the side of a crispy snapper head with grilled pineapple and ginger jus. Reservations are hard to come by, but the bar is first-come, first-served luring boisterous beauties with a bevy of beers, cocktails, and teas.