When I look for a place to eat, I always want to find a restaurant where I can relax in a relatively quiet atmosphere. I don’t like loud, busy places where it’s hard to hear what my dining companions are saying, and I just want to get off my feet and enjoy a meal that I don’t have to cook. For these reasons, I was happy to recently discover Zen Garden. Though it has been around for a while, I am sorry to say that I had not visited this place before 2013, but I am looking forward to making up for lost time.
Upon our entry, we were met with a warm smile from a friendly young man who led us to a table in the center of the dining area. The atmosphere was one of immaculate tranquility – a slow, beautiful Asian instrumental loftily wound its way through the air, bouncing gently back and forth throughout the calm room, relaxing my shoulders after a long work week. A steaming pot of smooth green tea coaxed me into taking off my coat and closing my eyes for a moment before taking a look at the menu.
After a bit of deliberation, I ordered the “Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms”. Best choice I’ve made in a long time – the mushrooms (OH, the mushrooms…) were crisp and intensely flavorful under a thin blanket of sauce, and mixed with slices of cucumber, green pepper, carrot, and asparagus, which were all immaculately stir-fried, especially the asparagus. Everything was tossed in a spicy lemon sauce and served with a fluffy pile of rice. It wasn't very pretty, but it was sooo good. My dinner date was very jealous of my order after sampling it.
The service was great – friendly, efficient, and quick. I’ll be back.
Zen Garden
2240 Frankfort Ave. 40206
(502) 895-9114
Open Monday through Thursday from 11 to 10, Friday and Saturday from 11 to 11
Closed Sunday