Gingergrass - That’s One Strange Salad
Thursday, October 12, 2006 16:34
Gingergrass
2396 Glendale
Silverlake, CA
My first impression of Gingergrass felt warm and fuzzy - I love the lofty, minimalist feel. The building feels unfinished, artsy, yet oddly comfortable. No distracting frou frou scenester fanfare - and the smells were intoxicating from the get-go. The place was slammin’, and a little too warm, but that only adds to the cozy-factor. Good start.
Service was consistent and non-evasive - great for a lunchtime buzz, as everyone seemed rushed. I loved the very fresh and yummy sounding menu, loaded with unique ingredients (Asian jackfruit, pickled veggies, etc.) and all priced super duper reasonably.
They do serve a wee bit o’ alcohol, but at noon on the dial, I held back the urge. Who says I don’t have willpower?
Zee food - well, it’s strange. In a good way, I think, but the samples I had were a bit - hmm. Off. My best friend in the world is Vietnamese, and she assured me it’s anything but authentic here. Unique and fresh scores high in my book, so overall, I’d say Yes to Gingergrass. Here’s why:
Drinks:
Just sodas
Appetizer:
Gingergrass Fresh Rolls
* Crab and avocado rolled with lettuce and cucumbers served with a creamy spicy aioli
I was a little disappointed by the texture on these - the skin was too chewy and overall, unsubstantial. The flavors were a bit overwhelmed by the heavy mayo sauce - this was an OK dish. What annoyed me - they serve 1 1/2 rolls, or 3 half pieces. I loathe appetizers that become difficult to share - because let’s face it, that’s what most of us do. Why not just serve us the two whole rolls? Would it really break the bank? Grr.
Salad:
Jack and Ginger Salad (pictured above)
* Asian jackfruit mixed with fresh cabbage, lotus root, poached shrimp, caramelized shallots and topped with white and black sesame seeds and peanuts, with a shrimp sauce vinaigrette.
THIS is where things got interesting. What a unique, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful salad. The textures and, as you can see, colors, were stunning. I really loved this dish, despite it’s unexpected sweetness. The lotus root and jackfruit were succulent, juicy, and perfectly matched. I also spied a significant amount of shrimp and goodies for the low $8 price tag. This one was so well played.
Entree:
Shrimp Noodles
* Shrimp served over sticky rice noodles with shredded lettuce, pickled vegetables, herbs and nuoc cham.
Just what you’d expect - freshly wok-ed noodles, veggies, and shrimp. Tasty, but rather insignificant.
The damage for one soda, one appetizer, one entree, and one salad was about $29 before tip. Not too shabby-licious!
RESTAURANT REPORT CARD - Gingergrass, Visit 1
Ambiance - B-
Service - B-
Food (Taste) - B-
Food (Presentation) - B-
Wine/Drinks - C
Value - B+
Vibe/Energy/Scene - C+
Overall Experience - B-
Final word - Great local lunch hang, if you like ‘em original and LOUD!
By PoetKitty (see more of her posts). You can find more of PoetKitty's writing at her own website OMG Food!
KT says:
October 12th, 2006 at 6:43 pm
I love Gingergrass. Have only been there for dinner, but I had a delicious banana-leaf wrapped fish dish and the banh mi was delicious as well. And they have some interesting drinks as well (a basil lemonade is what I recall?)
Also, if you buy wine from the shop across the street, there’s no corkage.
I totally agree with the coziness too, that’s one of the reasons I love to go there. It’s a good “comfort” restaurant.
MaxMillion says:
October 14th, 2006 at 5:46 pm
I love Gingergrass, too, and I agree — it’s anything but authentic fare, but who cares?
They do use *a lot* of sugar in their dishes, especially in the dipping sauces.
One and a half rolls? What’s up with that?! I always get their (deep fried) Imperial Crab and Shrimp rolls (you get 4) and I ask for some peanut sauce in addition to the one provided (I’m all about the sauces).
They do a fantastic Venison dish, as Zteve mentioned in his previously posted review. There’s usually a cod one on the menu too, I think, which is great.
Their noodles are fab, but I adore their “broken rice” — it’s tiny bits of white rice and somehow incredibly delicious!
le lion says:
December 4th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
i love Gingergrass! from the shrimp chips and dipping sauce they give you when you’re seated to the fried banana spring rolls with chocolate sauce for dessert. i usually order the Mako salad, which has a huge bed of red peppers, cabbage, bean sprouts, jicima, etc. and and more than enough pieces of marinated lemongrass steak. i love that even if there is a wait (which there always is) i put my name on the list with my cell number and go across the street to Silverlake Wine to have a glass of something new while we wait…
Gingergrass definitely puts some flare on the typical Vietnamese fare, and i think its a very welcome addition to the neighborhood.