The Asian Bistro (AB) is Newberg's latest entry into the world of semi-pro dining.
AB is a confusing little place. The music is italian classical, the decor is grandma/asian. The name 'Asian Bistro' suggests something young, hip, or trendy if you will. You expect to be served some pan-asian-american food. 'Asian' would suggest perhaps some Japanese, Indian, or perhaps Thai food. Nope. Make no mistake about it: it is Chinese through and through (they do have curry chicken..chinese style).
Immediately upon entering the small business lot that AB resides in, you notice that parking is limited and shared with 5 or more other businesses and nowhere else to park nearby, right off 99w no less. Not sure where you'd park if the lot was full...
The place was probably at 50% capacity when we arrived for rush hour dinner. Time seemed to slow down because the service was crawling. We waited a tad too long to get seated, our order taken, etc. Oh well, they're new; I can be patient for good food. I ordered almond chicken, the wife had garlic shrimp and Little G had a free bowl of Egg Drop (AB language for egg flower) soup. An appetizer of crab puffs and we were set.
The waitress said she get us a tea cup but never did so I stole one from another table. Minus half star.
She kept the drinks refilled like a pro. Plus one star.
Food: the crab puffs were excellent. Fried nice and light (with clean oil) and good filling. The almond chicken was not too visually appealing. It looked all brown, smothered in 'almond' gravy. It was one boneless chicken breast, breaded and deep fried. Damn it was good. Plus one star! The wife said the shrimp were also good. Little G's soup was ho-hum. Tasted like store bought packaged crap. Still, the best place for Egg Flower soup around these here parts is Lucky Fortune (see my reviews).
The "fried rice" sucked. I'm pretty sure it was minute rice or something. Rice and egg. Thats it. No real amount of soy, no veggies, just rice and egg...bad rice and egg that is.
Look around AB, you won't see a knife. Anywhere. It's like AB doesn't have knives. I needed one to cut up G's chicken portion but had to use a fork instead. By the time the waitress came around it would be too late (but she strangely kept those waters full).
We had to ask for soy sauce. At a chinese joint! The nerve! You get the general feeling that the people running the place are still trying to get everything running smoothly.
I'm going to give them a chance and try it again. That almond chicken was very delicious. read more