Disappointing Asian food
This review is based on one dinner visit to Gourmet Garden.

I ventured to Gourmet Garden hoping to find a neighborhood treasure. I was underwhelmed, though. The atmosphere of this strip-mall hole-in-the wall was the most striking thing about my visit; Gourmet Garden seems to do virtually all of its business through carry-out and delivery. I was the only person seated in the dine-in area, which was a little awkward. There was no music, only the bustle of customers at the carryout counter, phones ringing, and shouted orders to the kitchen. That I'd want to dine in seemed mildly surprising to the staff, but they accommodated me.

I tried their tea, steamed dumplings as an appetizer, and maki roll (smoked salmon with cream cheese) as an entree. Unexpectedly (to me), all arrived at the table at roughly the same time.

Each of these was rather disappointing. The tea (and the water) had an odd smell to it, although the taste was fine.

I had expected tight, fleshy dumplings with a flavorful filling, but these dumplings seemed soggy and mushy, with a meatball-like filling. I didn't finish the dumplings.

The maki roll was not the one I ordered; it contained salmon, but with some sort of vegetable in place of the cream cheese. It was decent. It had the usual presentation, with the rectangular plate, shaved ginger, tiny mound of wasabi, chopsticks, and soy sauce. Was the sushi fresh? Probably, but the whole experience didn't inspire a lot of confidence in that fact.

I overheard a noticeable number of phone calls and in-person customer interactions where the customer had received less than his or her full or order or had received the wrong order. These mix-ups sound like a consistent pattern at Gourmet Garden. If you order carry-out or delivery, I'd strongly recommend checking that you have the right food immediately.

The prices are okay. Hot appetizers $1-$4.50. Soups are $1/point or $2-$4.50/quart. Poultry dinners are $7.50. Seafood dinners are $9.25. Beef dinners are $7.75. Pork dinners are $7.25-$8.50. Curry dinners are $7.50-$9.25. Vegetarian dinners are $6.50-$7.50. Fried rice, lo mein, and chow mein are $6.25-$9. Egg foo young is $6.25-$6.50. "Chef's Suggestions" are $9-$11. Nigiri Sushi is $3.50-$4 for 2 pieces. A "big roll" (10 pieces) is $8. Sushi maki roll (4-6 pieces) is $3.50-$7. Lunch specials are $5-$6    [23 Aug 2003 14:22:25]

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     ­Katie   keb189-chefmoz at katie-and-rob dot org

Delivery is good
Good food, but somewhat expensive for a normal meal, although the Sushi is decently priced. They have only messed one out of about 50 orders I have made, but they make up for it, by giving free sodas or eggrolls. Be careful because the eggrolls have way too much pepper in them.

For delivery sushi in Columbia, I am happy.    [30 Dec 2004 22:35:26]

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Recommended Dishes: Combination fried rice, Sunrise Maki Roll

     ­Brian   brianwilhide at comcast dot net