Written by Nancy Yang, Realtor
I love the Twin Cities and living in Minnesota. We are blessed to have such a diverse population with people from around the globe. I've eaten in different cities (although definitely not enough) and tried a variety of ethnic foods. No matter where I go, it just doesn't feel like home. We have the best variety of ethnic food, right here in the Twin Cities!
Being Asian, specifically Hmong myself, I am a little critical when it comes to Asian food. I was so excited to hear from my nephew that a friend off his, Brian Tam, left the cell phone sales arena to open a new restaurant in Woodbury, Minnesota. Having my office conveniently close by in Woodbury, I thought I would stop by. A quick search on Google led me to the WoodburyPatch which mentioned that Asia Bistro just opened on July 4, 2011.
The restaurant is located over in the CityWalk Woodbury development, where a different restaurant, Giappanese was previously located. Asia Bistro has beautiful Asian themed decor and the menu has a lovely story of how the restaurant came to be.
I was surprised to see such a variety of Asian foods being offered. In my past experience, when there is such a plethora of selection, either the food is all done very well or...
I was disappointed to learn that their Pad Thai was not available. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect Pad Thai that is just the right mix of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. And I was just thinking how great it would be that I wouldn't have to drive into St Paul just for good Asian food now. Brian, the owner did come out to explain that they were trying to order the perfect noodles from Chicago.
My next selection of the Thai Baby Back Ribs which sounded delicious were also not available.
I settled on the Thai Chicken lunch combination which came with delicious spicy green beans and a side of jasmine rice. The Thai Chicken was described as a chicken dish with red curry spice and coconut. In my opinion, you should always choose white rice as a side so as to not distract from the pungent flavor of the curry.
Well, to tell you the truth, the jury's still out on this one. I was hoping the curry was going to be "currier." I like my curry to explode with flavor in my mouth and leave my taste buds panting for more.
Next time, I will try something else off of their menu. They've got it all: sushi, beer, wine, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and Japanese. By the way, it's a little confusing if you are driving on Woodbury Rd as the sign on the outside of the building currently says "Shanghai Bistro." If you want Hmong food, you will have to watch for my next blog post. Thanks for reading and happy eating!