February 2008   View Previous Eating Out Articles 

Hot Stix

  What’s on the menu: Traditional Asian fare, including potstickers, edamame, crab and cheese rangoons, and other small plates to start. But, the main event is the create-your-own stir fry bar. You can choose from a variety of fresh veggies like carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, bok choy, baby corn, spinach, celery and more to add to your base of noodles or rice. Then, decide on which seasonings you’d like – fresh mint, cilantro, garlic, chili sauce and ginger will add tons of flavor to your dish. Plus, you’ll choose from a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, pork, shrimp and fresh fish. A sauce of your choice will finish off your dish – sweet and sour, Mongolian, BBQ and teriyaki will be the kids’ favorites, but more grown-up palates will prefer sweet heat, coconut curry or the thai peanut sauces. This all-you-can-eat dinner experience costs $11.99 for adults, kids ages 5-11 are $5.99 and children 4 and under eat free (lunch is a couple of bucks less per person).

  Why your kids will like it: The bar gives kids the opportunity to choose what they want to eat (and what they don’t). Plus, they’ll feel like grown-ups placing the veggies and such in their bowls. For older kids, getting to write their names on their “hot stix” to identify their meal will be fun, and trying new things in a relaxed environment can make kids more willing to try something they aren’t so sure about.

Kids will also get a kick out of adding a whole egg to their plate to be fried up in their rice – a little soy sauce and some veggies, and they’ll have a Chinese restaurant classic minus all the stuff they don’t want.

  Why parents will like it: You can turn your selections from the bar into a noodle or rice bowl, or choose a salad, soup or bread option for a twist on the traditional and something a little on the lighter side. Sausages, tofu and other specialty items elevate the menu a bit, and you’ll love watching your kids’ faces as they try new things. The do-it-yourself portioning allows children to try new things without being wasteful.

The quick service makes this an easy in and out place on a busy night, and the full bar with specialty drinks adds an adult feel if you have more time to spend at dinner. High chairs are available and complimentary valet makes coming and going a breeze.