Restaurant Spotlight

Hoang's Grill & Sushi Bar

By Jonathan Harper

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m skeptical of trendy restaurants. If its going to be posh, keep it authentic and sophisticated. As the City of Falls Church continues to revitalize itself with new buildings and renovations, we’re getting a face-life and so are our businesses. While this opens possibilities for the new and trendy, we risk loosing the independent cafes and establishments that build Falls Church. We want the aesthetics without loosing the tone and individuality. Hoang’s Grill and Sushi Bar is an excellent first step in the right direction.

While Amasia Bistro’s passing was unfortunate, its replacement has much promise. First, it’s a model for Pan-Asian restaurants, from the menu to the décor. But just as important, it’s the family-owned and operated feel that makes it a perfect fit in the community. Veteran restaurant entrepreneurs, the Hoang family has been in business for over 25 years, sporting many award-winning venues from Maryland to Florida, winners of the Top Taste Award in Sanibel Island, FL. This expertise has resulted in a combination of the traditional and contemporary with a modern edge. Hoang’s compiles an impressive menu with Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese roots. Original sauce recipes are made to perfection in-house by Mr. Nghai Hoang himself. Service is ideal, as the Hoangs work closely with their staff to personally accommodate the needs of their clientele, from specially prepared dishes to partitioning off seating for private parties. Seating is ample and well-spaced, with decorations that are ingenious and classy, combining a nature motif complete with bamboo buttresses on the ceiling, rock murals and an indoor fountain. Even the most meticulous eye cannot fully appreciate the ambiance with one visit.

Simply beginning with an order of the Vietnamese Spring Rolls is an excellent introduction, combining the delicate tastes of crabmeat, shrimp and pork with cabbage and water chestnuts served fried with a lemon-garlic dipping sauce. As an alternative, the Garden Summer Roll is equally delicious with steamed shrimp in a thin rice paper with peanut dipping sauce, accented by a tart mint leaf. For the soup lover, traditional miso is always a favorite, but the crabmeat and asparagus soup is simply decadent. With appetizers costing between $3-$8, its more than worth the price. For before-dinner drinks, Hoang’s offers a full bar with specialty drinks, like the deliciously sweet Lycheetini or the signature Hoang’s Margarita, accented with a melon liquor twist.

Entrees come in large portions with a variety of sides and trimmings. Family style sharing is encouraged (and because you’ll want to sample everything, highly recommended!). One particular favorite was the Caramel Clay Pot Fish, juicy salmon simmered in a unique caramelized fish sauce that practically melts in your mouth. The Lemon Grass Chicken is another worthy item, featuring skewered chicken pieces with a charcoal flavor accented with lemon herbs. While items are guaranteed to impress the most worldly eaters, many dishes are kid-friendly as well. The Beef Teriyaki Grill features lean steak with a light glaze that gives a sweet taste without overpowering the meat. Noodle lovers can partake in Pad Thai and Wok Stir Fry dishes. Vegetarian options are in abundance, featuring fresh vegetable dishes, curries and noodle bowls. The Tofu Pad Thai was excellent, properly seasoned and served with fried tofu cubes. Entrée prices range from $12-$18.

The sushi bar offers authentic Japanese styled sushi. As a sushi fanatic, I found this to be some of the highest quality in the area and the menu offers the traditional favorites and the hard to find delicacies like conch and spicy octopus rolls. An added bonus is the Hoang’s Happy Hour, Monday-Friday, from 5:00-7:00pm, with $1 sushi pieces and $2 select appetizers.

And Hoang’s Grill and Sushi Bar is only beginning. Upcoming features include a premium sake and tea menu. This is your elegant downtown Falls Church establishment that welcomes family dinners out or your first stop before a wild night on the town. It’s a comfortable atmosphere with a professional staff and addictive food items that won’t break your budget and will make you a hooked regular.

( 502 W. Broad St, #5, Falls Church, Virginia 22046, Phone: (703) 536-7777, www.hoangcuisine.com)