Description: This unique Pan-Asian restaurant is on the top level of an open-air palapa in the Casitas section -- open for dinner only, by reservation. The dim lights, waiters’ themed dress, Far East music, and Asian runners on the tables all add to the mood during the leisurely dinner.
The a-la-carte menu is multinational, with choices from China, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia -- each dish is served on its own, appropriately designed plate (maybe square, oblong, or triangular, with a flower or herb decoration). We chose to dine here twice and were most pleased. You are on the second floor of the palapa, so if you ask to sit along the rail, you have a view of the water.
Especially tasty were the shrimp cakes, which were not cakes at all but deep fried morsels of shrimp in a tempura-like batter, with tangy dipping sauce and a few soy-dressed greens. One evening, we requested a double order!! Soups were clear broth with chunks of shrimp, mushroom, and Asian veggies -- the spiciness was inconsistent from night to night, from bland to perfect to way too "hot". Sushi is fresh and well-presented.
Main courses are tasty, but all the fish, pork, beef, and chicken were cut into stir-fry strips -- even the filet mignon and shrimp (probably to facilitate the use of chop sticks). It would have been nice to have full-size shrimp or steak. Each has its own sauce, but all are plated over the same stir-fried vegetables. The fish was described as deep-fried, but it was sauteed and still very delicious. Portions are not large, but many choices are offered.
The fried ice cream dessert is a must -- the design on each plate is individually drawn, the batter crispy and deep-fried, and the vanilla ice cream in Mexico is the best (real vanilla beans). The chocolate, with its deep, smooth cocoa flavor, is another winner.
Make your reservations early in the week to guarantee yourself a spot.
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