In the midst of what looks like an Austrian village in Amherst, New Hampshire, the EDEN Restaurant and Lounge serves an unusual menu of international fare. Exotic Middle East music sets the mood in a dining room with a stark white bar contrasting lots of soft black, lots of greenery and even a bubbling fountain to bestow the ambiance of the Garden of Eden.

We DID find the menu heavenly.We started with a Bruchetta Duo plate. Drizzled with subtly sweet balsamic reduction, one toasty slice offered up goat cheese with olive tapenade. The other piece was topped with tomato and basil pesto. It was divine! The asparagus salad tossed together pistachios, tomatoes, grilled asparagus and generous shavings of asiago cheese with citrus vinaigrette --- another good choice.

Our first entrée of marinated pork tenderloin coupled a pan seared polenta and grilled peach chutney. Unusually seasoned, the flavor combination was delicious. The red pepper risotto with salmon was christened with a flavorful sauce that blended together perfectly.

The dessert of vanilla panna cotta with moscato soaked berries turned out to be a creamy custardy treat. Chocolate dipped strawberries accompanied our ginger biscottis and cappacinos to end a lovely dinner. Service was very good and prices were appropriate for fine dining. All courses, with choices of sizes in portions, were generous. Appetizers ranged from $7 to $12; entrees were $12 to $28 and desserts $5 to $9.

Leaning heavily on the Middle East in atmosphere and menu, Eden serves a nice variety of international dishes using unusual combinations of spices created by the owner chef. The quiet dining room and lounge make a pleasant setting for a pleasing meal. Overall, Eden earns the Gold Plate! Located in Saltsburg Square at 292 Route 101 in Amherst, New Hampshire, it can be reached at 603-249-3336 or visited at www.edenrestaurantandlounge.com .

Eden Restaurant & Lounge 292 Route 101 Salzburg Square Amherst, New Hampshire 03031 (603) 249-EDEN www.edenrestaurantandlounge.com

Eden Restaurant & Lounge

292 Route 101 Salzburg Square

Amherst, NH, 03031

United States

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