Lemongrass

Perfect mix of Asian-American cuisine

Lemongrass makes a remarkable contribution to the area dining community with one of the most innovative menus you will come across.

Alina Siharath, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef originally from Laos, has created an inventive menu based on southeast Asian cuisine masterfully and delicately Americanized.

After her brother Joe opened Lemongrass in Bossier City, she joined to help and has made a de nite difference in designing a menu steeped in Asian in uence but with enough American touches to please their demographic.

Located at 3244 Barksdale Blvd., the eatery’s name is derived from lemongrass, an essential ingredient in Thai and Asian cooking. Lemongrass is an herb native to India and tropical Asia with a subtle citrus avor that can be used dried, powdered or fresh.

To start, I was up against a selection of excellent appetizers, including the perfectly prepared steamed or fried dumplings served with a sweet tangy chili sauce; coconut shrimp (jumbo shrimp dipped and fried in coconut batter and served with gingered orange marmalade and Asian slaw); and lemongrass pork barbecue skewers (tender, marinated sliced pork grilled on bamboo skewers and served with Asian slaw).

Sliders are a hot trend all throughout the dining industry, and Lemongrass has tasty Banh Mi sliders. The basket order comes with two fourinch French rolls layered with Asian-style slowroasted pulled pork, aioli (garlic mayo), sliced ham, lettuce and Asian slaw. They are served with sliced cucumbers, jalapenos and cilantro and accompanied by regular or their incomparable sweet potato fries.

Also trendy, very healthy and satisfying are the Thai beef lettuce wraps. These feature tender, marinated grilled steak (or chicken breast) served with lettuce, bean sprouts, julienned cucumber and cilantro. They are served with the restaurant’s three amazing sauces: peanut-hoisin, carrot and sweet tangy chili sauce. The sauces are all made in house and are all wonderful accompaniments to this special dish.

A favorite of mine on the “dry noodles” part of the menu is the Singapore-style fried rice noodles. This exquisite dish features thin rice stick noodles avored and stir-fried with yellow curry, chicken, grilled pork, shrimp, onions, celery, bean sprouts, jalapenos and dry chili peppers. This savory and spicy dish is garnished with fresh scallions. After only one serving, you will be hooked.

Another standout is the Panang curry with your choice of chicken, pork or beef simmered in an outstanding spicy red coconut curry with bamboo shoots, onions, diced potatoes and fresh basil served with steamed rice on the side. This exceptional dish is for lovers of spicy food.

For the growing number of vegetarian diners, they can choose red curry tofu pad Thai, crispy tofu sautéed with bean sprouts, onions and tossed in at rice noodles and fresh basil and garnished with fresh scallions; chili basil tofu, stir-fried tofu with bean sprouts, basil and chili served over steamed rice; and the vegetable fried rice, the classic Chinese-style dish made with carrots, onions, peas, egg and scallions.

Most often in Asian restaurants dessert is not a real priority for me, but at Lemongrass, the fried banana wontons are an irresistible treat. These tasty treasures are deep friend wonton-wrapped banana parcels with perfect texture, delicately fried and served with white chocolate mousse, caramel sauce and nished with toasted coconut akes. This is one of the most appealing and satisfying desserts you will nd anywhere. This is an incredible way to end an unforgettable meal.

Lemongrass has proven to be the perfect place to get your x of Asian fusion cuisine.

Flavorful: The Banh Mi sliders are French rolls layered with pulled pork, aioli, sliced ham, lettuce and Asian slaw and are served with sweet potato fries.

Fresh Find: The pan-roasted Asian-style snapper is topped with tomatoes, onions and mushrooms in an Asian-inspired tomato sauce and served with rice.

Traditional Fare: Lemongrass’ pork barbecue skewers and Singapore-style fried rice noodles are customer favorites.

Lemongrass, Asian Fusion Cuisine
3244 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City, La. 71112

Phone: 550-5698

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

Service: Exceptionally knowledgeable and personable.

Prices: Low - Moderate

Military I.D. holders receive 10 percent off.