from September 2007 issue of MetroFamily

Restaurant Review: Kang's Asian Bistro

The sometimes peaceful, sometimes hectic, hot summer days have ended. Though it took me 19 years, I now see the value of commemorating the occasion. There's no need to sit at home waiting to turn on the front porch light. Why not celebrate getting back into a daily routine now that the kids have one of their own?

Our daughter Mandy headed back to college, so Joe and I thought it was time to go out as a couple and enjoy the company of friends. We met Denise Springer (MFM Editor) and her husband Andy, along with friends Cris and Toby Tindell in the Buddha Lounge at Kang's Asian Bistro for a relaxing evening of dinner and conversation.

Kang's Asian Bistro offers a blend of traditional Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisines. They have a large selection of heart-friendly menu items and a variety of sushi from which to choose.

We decided to dine in the Buddha Lounge rather than in the dining room so we could enjoy Karaoke night (every Friday beginning at 8pm). We had no intention of singing (no one should have to hear that), but we did want to take advantage of the entertainment factor.

We ordered lots of different items and shared what we could part with. Our group ordered two appetizers: spring rolls ($5.95), crispy rolls filled with ground pork and shredded vegetables, served with a sweet dipping sauce; and edamame ($4.95), lightly-salted, steamed soy beans.

Our entrees included Five-Spice Quail ($15.95), wok fried to a nice, crispy brown and tossed with jalapenos, garlic, salt, and pepper; Kang's Sweet and Sour Chicken ($9.95), with chunks of crispy chicken, onion, red bell pepper, and pineapple in a traditional citrus sauce; Scallop Drops ($14.95), made with real scallops (I point this out since some restaurants use shark or stingray in lieu of scallops-I learned that you can know you're eating the real thing when you notice a slight grittiness to scallops) surrounded by broccoli; Cashew Chicken ($10.95), stir-fried chicken breast with mushrooms, celery, water chestnuts, and baby corn; Baby Gecko sushi ($8.95), a Kang's original that's 100% lizard free; and Spicy Tuna Roll ($6.50). All entrees were served with our choice of steamed or fried rice. We all declared the food delicious.

Kang's has a full bar, several dessert items, and a helpful, friendly staff. They host a variety of events, so check their website when you're in the mood for something out of the ordinary. We had a wonderful evening and will, no doubt, return.

Fun Food Factoids
* Five Spice: usually equal parts cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, anise seed, and Szechuan peppercorns.
 
* Sushi: a Japanese specialty based on sushi meshi, boiled rice flavored with vinegar with other ingredients added. The sushi meshi's vinegar content varies depending on what other ingredients are added.

Annie's Restaurant Rating
4 of 4 forks
Kang's Asian Bistro
2080 E Second St, Edmond
405-285-8300

6600 N Ollie, Nichols Hills
405-840-1234

www.KangsAsianKitchen.com  

Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11am-10pm; Thursday-Saturday 11am-2am
Prices: $3-$24; childrens' menu items $3.95