YOSHI JEN GRILL & SIDES in Springfield, MO

Yoshi means good luck at Yoshi Jen it translates into good food!

Jen tells me: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisines fuse in the Hawaiian Islands to emerge as Pan-Asian.

Over the last decade, the trend perfected in the major metropolitan areas landed in the Heartland. In the beginning, here in middle-America, the adaption was slow as the imitators went a little too wild with strong overpowering flavors, and unfamiliar names, but recently; we’ve all become more mature and educated. The mild fusion of delicious aroma and flavor known as Pan-Asian are some of our favorite foods in the Ozarks.

Today, many do it well, but no one blends the flavors, atmosphere, and genuine customer service better than Yoshi Jen. The sleek understated furnishings allow the feeling of sunshine to radiate from the pale yellow walls while tiny pastel metallic tiles add the reflection. The small restaurant could easily serve as a model of positive Feng-Sui. Yoshi Jen is proof positive that Asian inspired food does not require diners to eat in the dark. This establishment might be the cleanest I have had the pleasure of patronizing. Even the floor is spotless. Yoshi Jen is a happy place.

The food is delicious! I should know, it is my neighborhood spot, a place where I feel completely comfortable going alone any time of day. Dine-in, carry-out, it is consistently wonderful.

Bambu Vietnamese Cuisine in Springfield, MO

When Bambu opened its doors several years ago, it was different than it is today. Back then the server had to painstakingly explain the dishes and the ingredients to our party and quite frankly it was too laborious to be enjoyable. Often an establishment will begin to spiral into a decline, but this tortoise slowly but surely climbs.

Recently, on a few occasions I revisited the restaurant. These days the menu is more sympathetic to the average patron which allows for a more pleasant beginning to the dining experience. 

The decor is charmingly gaudy. Sitting in the midst of the reoccurring bamboo theme I'm entertained by the overall appearance. The mood lighting is somewhat retro, all soft and shadowy which is okay with me, but for many it might be problematic.

Although it isn't by definition a standard use of the word, my son refers to a category of cooking as sub-Asian. For him, this includes: Vietnamese, Korean, Pan-Asian, Thai, and Indian cuisine. It separates the modern influx of distinctly different kitchens from the area's older more common Chinese meals.

Barbecue Pork with Steamed Rice

The menu is extensive with a lot of curries and soups that are visibly very popular. I love curry, but on three different occasions I ordered variations of beef steak. The beef is so delicious, it's hard to consider anything else. Reportedly, the barbecued pork is equally as succulent.