Todd W.
Yelp
It's clear that this place is a favorite amongst those who have discovered it's quirky charms, including my Dad and his wife. I like it fine, but don't entirely share their enthusiasm, giving it a solid three stars: A-OK!
The restaurant - on Rt 28 between Alton and Wolfeboro - is a ramshackle seasonal joint with slanted floors, a breezy screened in porch (no AC inside), Asian themed decor and un-comfy bentwood chairs. No credit cards accepted - cash or check only.
I suspect that one reason this place is popular is because it seems SO VERY DIFFERENT than the majority of available options in the lakes region. They serve (and proudly mix up) a variety of Asian flavors from Thai (Curry), Korean (Kimchee & Bulgogi, which they spell Bulgoki), Phillipine (Adobo), Japanese (Tempura & Yakatori), Chinese (Canton noodles) and Indian (Samosas).
For this variety of flavors I find the menu strangely limited, as there are only 6 apps and 8 entree choices including nightly specials. We sampled the appetizers including spring rolls, cheese Rangoon, and a wasabi shumai, leaving other ordinary options such as satay, yakatori, and hot & sour soup for another day. There is nothing special here; I thought the apps lacked the imagination and flavor apparent in the entrees, and they were priced higher than I'm used to paying for better quality elsewhere. The spring rolls were better with the sauce they served with the Rangoon. The free rice chips are, on the other hand, hands down addictive. I wished they had the Crab and Corn fritters that I've read about, but no on two visits.
Their salad, which comes with entree, and tends to be delivered before the apps, is greatly elevated by tasty tangy house made dressings which you should order on the side. You can purchase them to take home. I love the ginger dressing.
Speaking of bottles - bring your own if you want alcohol.
Their service is not a strength by any means, yet is casual and friendly, so arrive with patience, and expect to have to ask for things like water, wine glasses, specials menu, fresh cutlery, and perhaps your entree. The waitress, when delivering our check, dryly and succinctly inquired "You Done?". I swallowed a chuckle...
The entrees are the clear stars here - no disappointments amongst the several I've sampled including the Bulgogi (a Korean BBQ steak), Trout with delish tempura asparagus, and a medium hot Red Curry with Shrimp and Scallops (small quibble - last night the shrimp were slightly overdone, and the scallop under). They feature thoroughly enjoyable, strong yet well balanced flavors, pleasing textures, and nice presentations. Portions are reasonable, and you will either lick your plate clean or, perhaps if you've had several apps, take the leftovers home with you. We did a little of both.
The desserts looked tempting - and on one occasion we tried a decidedly un-Asian yet decadent chocolate, coffee ice and Kaluha concoction. I would like to have sampled a few others but we had a campfire with S'Mores waiting for us back home. Next time.