Buddakan. The Buddha's clubhouse. This place is sick! It's got huge bars, spectacular seating areas, lounges all over the place, and a HUMONGOUS super long dining table downstairs for private parties, seating up to 50 people. And, they've got a huge selection of food. No matter what night it is, Buddakan is always filled to the brim with people. We started with the Edamame Dumplings, which my family liked, but I thought was bland. It tasted like green mush in a dumpling skin. Next, I ordered the Tuna Tartare Spring Rolls. Now, those were amazing! The tuna had a refreshing zing (maybe ginger) but the fried wrap was hot and had a great crisp. Delicious! We also had the Pork Potstickers which had a hint of spice to it. And was there a bit of lemon in the hoisin sauce? Nice touch. Next, we ate the Sizzling Short Rib, Minced Pork Lo Mein, the Vegetable Fried Rice, and the Char Sui Roast Pork. I didn't quite like the Short Rib-- a bit too dry. And, it was supposed to come with Chinese mustard, but it was just mustard aioli. The Lo Mein and Fried Rice is supposed to be great there, but I just liked them. They were a bit boring; the fried rice didn't have enough seasoning, and the Lo Mein was too saucy and salty. Personally, I like Chinese takeout Lo Mein better. BURN.
Now, for my favorite part of the meal-- Char Sui Roast Pork. The sliced pork was accompanied with little wraps and pickled vegetables to make asian tacos. The pork was unbelievably tender with crispy edges. The veggies contributed a nice crunch and some acid.
Overall, I wasn't impressed with Buddakans' food, but the decor and spaciousness was a home run, and I would love to throw a party there one day. And btw, they have a killer Shirley Temple. I give Buddakan 3 1/2 pineapples. Till next time!
-tdg
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