Le MeKong French & Vietnamese Restaurant

MOLINE. Named after one of Indochina's most important rivers, this downtown Moline eatery specializes in Vietnamese cuisine with a bit of a French influence. Le Mekong, winner of several local and regional dining awards, offers excellent spare ribs, spicy chicken and, of course, spicy beef dishes – most swear by their Saigon Beef, flavored with garlic and fresh herbs. Of course, each entrée is accompanied by the likes of lemongrass, shallots or mixed vegetables. At lunch, the restaurant's buffet is popular with neighborhood business-types and convention-goers who are "in the know." Another, newer location is located across the river in Davenport (563-324-7310), but most locals claim that the original is best. Dinner reservations suggested.