The Oriental Café offers something for everyone

The Oriental Café in Harrisonburg is across from Costco and next to Sheetz. The restaurant has large glass windows on the two exterior sides that allow for natural light. The painted walls are done in a deep pomegranate color with some ornamentation, and there is a small but fully stocked bar with big-screen TV. The sushi preparation area is located on the right side of the bar. Lunch and happy hour specials are available. Seating options include tables, several booths against the inside wall and seating at the bar.

The menu offers the usual appetizers, 17 in all, ranging in price from $2.95 for a crispy spring roll to the $14.95 friends combo. Since I love calamari, it was interesting to try their spice encrusted calamari for pepper lovers ($5.95). The calamari was not served in ordinary rings, but the sections were opened and scored in a diamond pattern, dipped and quickly fried with a most delicious pepper-flavored crust, which made them curl up to the size of a little finger. These were tender and spicy. Another favorite is the chicken gyoza ($3.95). You can get these dumplings steamed or pan fried. The fried version was not greasy and had just the right amount of dumpling filling.

Many vegetarian options are listed, and the menu says the restaurant will customize your meal... ( Click here to continue reading this article )

from the News Leader by Jo Ellen Opyoke