Sushi's a popular choice at Ginger Garden, and we can understand why – each piece is skillfully crafted and incorporates first-rate ingredients
Ginger Garden in AmherstAsian restaurants may be commonplace, but upscale versions often aren't, and that's what sets Ginger Garden in Amherst apart from its competition.
Open since last fall, Ginger Garden operates out of a space originally built as a California-style steakhouse. Several tenants later (and after a major interior overall) it's been transformed into an elegant yet comfortable example of new Asian style -- tastefully colorful, yet understated.
The menu at Ginger Garden brings together three Asian themes -- Chinese cuisine, Japanese cookery, and a genre the house describes as "Asian fusion."
Among the Chinese listings are found favorites like Sweet and Sour Pork ($9.25), Szechuan Beef ($9.95), Kung Pao Shrimp ($11.95) and Ma-La Lamb with Basil ($12.95).
Sushi dominates the restaurant's Japanese offerings and ranges from basic sushi and sashimi to selections like Boston Rolls ($4.50), Spicy Tuna Rolls ($5.25), and a Dancing Roll ($13.95) fashioned from lobster salad and mango.
Supplementing these are the likes of Salmon Teriyaki ($12.95) and Shrimp Tempura ($12.95).
Asian fusion brings together Thai dishes -- Basil Chicken ($9.95) and Lemongrass Duck ($13.95-- with a few choices from Korea and Vietnam.
Appetizer reflect a similar level of diversity, with possibilities found among the listings like Egg Roll ($1.75), Crab Rangoon ($4.95), Chicken Lettuce Wrap ($7.50), and Japanese style Gyoza (pork dumplings -- $4.95).
Wonton Soup ($1.75) is on every Chinese restaurant menu, making it a suitable benchmark against which to assess an establishment's culinary aspirations. Judging from the version we enjoyed at Ginger Garden, those standards are high indeed.
The broth had a nicely developed chicken flavor infused with a hint of ginger. Plump wontons, red-cooked pork, green onions, and shredded bok choy completed a fresh-tasting, enjoyable bowl-and-spoon experience.
Sushi's a popular choice at Ginger Garden, and we can understand why -- each piece is skillfully crafted and incorporates first-rate ingredients like a sushi rice with just the right slightly-sticky consistency and sweet vinegar flavor.
A special Lobster Tempura Roll ($15.95) was a masterpiece of the sushi chef's art -- tempura-fried lobster tail was wrapped up with avocado, matchstick cucumber, nori, and rice. A drizzle of unagi sauce lent a spicy edge to each slice of the roll, while a cool cocktail of mango, melon, green pepper, and raw onion supplemented the traditional pickled ginger palate-cleanser.
Both the Chinese-style "chef's suggestions" we sampled were virtually flawless.
Coral Shrimp ($12.95) featured a dozen or so jumbo shrimp in a sweet-spicy garlic glaze; candied walnuts served as a taste and texture counterpoint.
Chicken Amazing ($11.50) relied on a dark, Hoisin-enhanced sauce to flavor wok-sauteed chicken and a host of veggies that included asparagus, zucchini, and sweet red pepper chucks.
Both entrees were generously sized, beautifully presented, and featured masterfully balanced flavor profiles.
A "favorite" on the Asian Fusion menu, Tropical Fried Rice ($9.95) was a dish we'd eagerly order again. Suggestive of classic chutney (and spicy enough to be interesting), the rice incorporated dried cranberries, cashews, raisins, pineapple, and turmeric as well as shrimp, sliced chicken, and egg shreds.
Panang Curry with Shrimp ($12.95) was a dish of Southeast Asian origin. The floral, coconut-milk-based sauce had seductive lime and basil notes, but its heat was such that it might challenge delicate palates. Plenty of jumbo shrimp as well as baby boy choy, tomato chunks, asparagus, onion, and sweet pepper chunks made the curry a hearty meal.
Most entrees at Ginger Garden are served with white or brown rice.
The restaurant has a fully stocked bar that pours various beers and brand name wines as well as exotic Polynesian cocktails. Complimentary hot tea is available on request, and Ginger Garden features a number of non-alcoholic fruit punch drinks.
Dessert choices include various exotic Ice Cream flavors ($3.95) like ginger and red bean as well as Fried Ice Cream ($4.95), Fruit Cocktail ($4.95), and Fried Sesame Balls.
The noon hour menu features a considerable assortment of midday specials priced from $6.50 to $7.95.
Name: Ginger Garden
Address: 351 Northampton Road, Amherst
Telephone: (413) 256-6666
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Entree Prices: $8.95 - $22.95
Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped Access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Accepted