Me and my wife decided to try this new to us Asian eatery for a date night dinner. First off let me say the that the food was delicious and the portions a great value even though part of the menu were ala carte making the mean more expensive.
Upon walking up to the restaurant we noted that the parking was sparsely populated. And the restaurant despite its open sign appeared to be deserted.
There was no welcoming ambience and when we walked in the the young hostess told us nonchalantly to seat ourselves neither greeting us or giving us menus.
There were no decorations of any kind to invite us into a land of enchanting food so indicative of an Asian restaurant. It was like walking into a black and white TV set. Dirty and scuffed grey painted cement floors looked more like an unkempt warehouse than a restaurant.
The only thing that saves this place is the large glassed in atrium at the back of the restaurant and even that could do with a little more landscaping effort .
The booths and cafe tables were black the wall were painted off white. One wall was covered in a tasteful cut rock facade. But that’s where the effort at warm decoration ended.
The table service was attended by a sweet young professional waitress who was quick and responded with suggestions.
The black ceramic plates were very interesting and appreciated by my wife. The black flatware carried the theme even further.
There was fun and interesting activity designed to keep children busy. It was a rectangular stone bin with large flat white rocks that children could paint or draw on,
Other than that there was not hint of warmth engendering a romantic atmosphere.
Payment was excepted at the table. And instead of fortune cookies we were given two little oddly tasting candies.
Are we spoiled or what?… you decide.
We will be back for the food. The flavors were well paired, they served authentic rice noodles which were excitedly appreciated instead of spaghetti noodles we have sometimes been served in twin cites “Asian” establishments. Plating was appealing and hot. They didn’t have Asian tea, either oolong or jasmine. Well anyway the...
Read moreTried Haven Asian Eatery in Eden Prairie for the first time the other day.
They do not have a logo sign or banner above their suite yet, so you may miss it - drove around a few times and saw a green "we're open" sign taped to the glass door.
Was greeted and seated by a staff member quickly, as there was only one other 3-person party upon arrival (1:30ish p.m.). Ordered the kaopoon, papaya salad and strawberry boba smoothie.
Was informed that they did not have boba pearls, but that didn't bother me. The smoothie tasted fine. It doesn't come in the usual tall cup like from the farmer's market/deli counter; the cup was a little smaller than those.
The kaopoon broth was creamy, sweet and spicy, which was to my liking. Chicken breast was the protein but there wasn't a lot; and I would have liked to see bamboo shoot slices but that's just my preference. It also came with veggie toppings on the side: cabbage, bean sprouts, lime, cilantro and green onions - they should consider adding mint as it's a refreshing herb alongside the curry broth. (If it did come with mint, I did not get very much.) Overall, their kaopoon was decent.
The papaya salad comes with long grain sticky rice, cabbage and beef jerky. Salad was made Lao style with "fire" as the level of spice. This dish was satisfying, as the salad was seasoned and spicy to my liking. The beef jerky is awesome - it's been dried then (I believe) fried to order as it was hot and crispy, but still tender. Had three pieces and I wish to order the jerky alone to-go next time.
The space is decent; didn't get to sit near the window seating but it had a beautiful backdrop of the fall trees behind their suite. Staff was really nice, checking on me because I had ordered a super hot papaya salad - told them I loved spicy food.
With tip, it was $47ish.
Will visit again since the restaurant is located near our area and would like to try...
Read moreIn a world often bustling with the transactional, there exists a haven of altruism and compassion – Haven Asian Eatery. While I've yet to grace its tables, a recent TikTok video captured my attention, revealing a narrative of benevolence and culinary excellence that transcends the ordinary dining experience.
The story unfolded with a TikToker's attempt to lavish $1,000 on food, only to be met with a heartwarming refusal from Haven Asian Eatery to accept payment. Instead, a collaboration emerged, as they channeled their generosity into distributing the abundance of food to the homeless. This act of kindness, captured in a fleeting moment, encapsulates the very essence of Haven Asian Eatery – a place where the spirit of giving thrives alongside culinary mastery.
While my taste buds have yet to revel in the flavors of Haven Asian Eatery, the visual feast presented in the TikTok video left an indelible impression. Each dish, a masterpiece.
Yet, beyond the culinary delights lies the true essence of Haven Asian Eatery – a sanctuary of generosity and compassion. The selfless gesture captured in that TikTok video speaks volumes about the values upheld by the restaurant's team, transcending the mere act of dining to embody a true sense of community and solidarity.
As I eagerly anticipate my inaugural visit to Haven Asian Eatery, I do so with a sense of reverence and excitement. It's not just the promise of exceptional cuisine that beckons me, but the opportunity to be part of something greater – a movement rooted in kindness, empathy, and connection. I have no doubt that my experience at Haven Asian Eatery will be marked not only by culinary excellence but also by the warmth and humanity that permeate every aspect of the dining experience.
if I ever come to town this will be the first place I will visit the owner has a...
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