Lucky Buddha
Downtown Richmond has a new Asian-fusion cuisine restaurant, located in the former home of 1421, a very good Italian restaurant. 1421 on Cary Street did not last, and I wonder if the Buddha, too, will.
Among our favorite things were the $3/piece steamed buns; we sampled the vegetarian and the AsianBBQ Pork versions, which both came covered in a sweet and spicy sauce.
The fried spring roll with pork was less successful, it coming with a cilantro-vinegar sauce and the same red, sweet sauce.
For entrées we ordered the seafood stirfry with rice, and the sesame/beef noodle bowl. Both had merits, but were not overwhelmingly spectacular. The seafood dish was too plentiful (enough rice for 2 diners), and the beef dish, while good (I loved the mushroomy broth), it was ultimately a little disappointing… it was missing “something” that made it sing. I guess it was ultimately boring.
Too full for dessert, we left it at that. The Buddha’s atmosphere is interesting, and while service was good, it wasn’t stellar. A few waits intervened during the evening, when, for a Saturday, few patrons visited. Certain some flavor combinations and offerings may appeal to diners tired of simple Chinese food, but… improvements could be made with the layout of the restaurant (there’s a big, wide-open space near the kitchen entrance that makes you feel the place is empty), and the quality of presentation, and boldness of flavors.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Actually the Lucky Buddha isn’t new. It’s been around since last year. I’m not sure exactly when it opened last year but I know quite a few people who went there for New Year’s Eve.
June 24th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Since the new chef took over the food is so much better if you haven’t been there in a year or so….the spring rolls are excellent, crispy and filled with lots of goodies..we tried the special rack of lamb that had been marinated in sauces and was exceptionally good. We also had several types of sushi, all prepared fresh and the presentation of all of the foods was outstanding. We have been there before in the last few months with a group of friends and everything they ordered, such as the katsu pork, the calimari, and steaks were all delicious. They have great dessert but we are usually too full and satisfied from the food and sushi. It’s a great place for a date too…good atmosphere.