A Lunchtime Grazing at Gingergrass

Gingergrass
2396 Glendale
Silverlake, CA
7.26.06 - Wednesday, 12:30 PM
Moi + Noah

Noah is my weekly lunch buddy, an ex-work associate that can finally just be a friend. We hop all over Los Felix and Silverlake for yummy eats, and this week, we landed in Gingergrass.

First impression - love the lofty, minimalist feel. The building feels unfinished, and yet, I was comfy. No distracting frou frou scenester fanfare - and the smells were intoxicating from the get-go. The place was slammin', and a little too warm (but where isn't it a little too warm these days), but other than tat, good start.

Service was consistent and non-evasive - great for a lunchtime buzz, as everyone seemed rushed. I loved the very fresh and yummy sounding menu, loaded with unique ingredients (Asian jackfruit, pickled veggies, etc.) and all priced super duper reasonably.

They do serve a wee bit o' alcohol, but at 100 degrees and noon on the dial, I held back the urge.

Drinks:

Just sodas

Appetizer:

Gingergrass Fresh Rolls
* Crab and avocado rolled with lettuce and cucumbers served with a creamy spicy aioli
I was a little disappointed by the texture on these - the skin was too chewy and overall, unsubstantial. The flavors were a bit overtaken by the heavy mayo sauce, but overall, this was an OK dish. What annoyed me - they serve 1 1/2 rolls, or 3 half pieces. I loathe appetizers that become difficult to share - because let's face it, that's what most of us do. Why not just serve us the two whole rolls? Would it really break the bank? Grr.



Salad:

Jack and Ginger Salad
* Asian jackfruit mixed with fresh cabbage, lotus root, poached shrimp, caramelized shallots and topped with white and black sesame seeds and peanuts tossed with a shrimp sauce vinaigrette
THIS is where things got interesting. What a unique, refreshing, and incredibly flavor salad. The textures and, as you can see, colors, were stunning. I really loved this dish. The lotus root and jackfruit were succulent, juicy, and perfectly matched. I also spied a significant amount of shrimp and goodies for the low $8 price tag. This one was so well played.

Entree:

Shrimp Noodles
* Shrimp served over rice stick noodles with shredded lettuce, pickled vegetables, herbs and nuoc cham
Just what you'd expect - freshly wok-ed noodles, veggies, and shrimp. Tasty, but rather insignificant.


The damage for one soda, one appetizer, one entree, and one salad was about $29 before tip.


RESTAURANT REPORT CARD

Ambiance - B-
Service - B-
Food (Taste) - B-
Food (Presentation) - B-
Wine/Drinks - C
Value - B+
Vibe/Energy/Scene - C+
Overall Experience - B-

Final word - Great local lunch hang, if you like 'em original and LOUD!