December 19, 2010

Lan Pan-asian Cafe

I wanted to visit this place for a very long time but it is far from where I live. One time I remember I met my friend in the neighborhood, he was doing some shopping and I was probably running around doing something and he called "I'm here, let go have lunch at Lan Pan-Asian Cafe" I rushed to park the car in the parking lot behind this place which is where everyone parks because this restaurant is located in a shopping Mall. Got off the car, my friend did as well and happily we head to have lunch... all until we walk into the door and the waitress says with a smile "we close right now between lunch and dinner." I almost felt to the floor as it was a chore to park the car around here... But I went back by myself on another occasion and it was well worth it.

Wild Mushroom Salad

Grilled shiitake mushroom, enoki mushroom, and field greens; cilantro-ginger vinaigrette.

Let me start by saying that this dish is $6.95 and for that price in Miami you might get a hot dog so this salad was a great start for the price. When I first got it I looked at the waitress as I was like "I ordered a mushroom salad and where are the mushrooms in this salad?" but I kept my mouth shut. I would have not hide the wild mushrooms below the pile of shredded carrots but again, listen, this is a $6.95 dish. The mushrooms were cooked perfectly and the cilantro-ginger vinaigrette had the perfect balance of flavors.

Shrimp Dumplings

Shrimp, red peppers, and chives steamed in a wheat wrapper; garlic-soy sauce.

Perfection at $5.50. The dough was perfectly cooked and the garlic-soy sauce was light enough that it was not overpowering. How I wish Lan Pan-Asian Cafe would be in my neighborhood as I would probably visit this place twice a week. The very reasonable prices on every dish they have on the menu would allow anyone who loves Asian cuisine to splurge frequently. I have to say that as Miami is quite often quite tricky with food prices, the food quality here is very much up the alley to the food served a five-star gourmet places - now, yes, if you want to be pampered by the whole staff go to Mr. Chow at the W hotel but the pampering and smiles everywhere comes with a $600 dinner tag. Here at Lan Pan-Asian Cafe you come, get seated, eat and go.