Review: East(TV Diner) - Simply named EAST, this Asian restaurant sat on a hill overlooking Route One in Wells, Maine. Under a pagoda portico, twin waterfalls with statuary flanked beautiful golden entrance doors. The interior was just as stunning in the two dining areas and round bar. The enormous menu was Chinese, Japanese or Thai and we ordered some of each.
Starting with a standout appetizer, the Japanese Tempura was some of the best with a combination plate of shrimp and assorted vegetables. Each tender fried piece was lightly coated in batter and each held its distinct flavor from shell fish to sweet potato.
We knew we were on a roll again with the standard Pu Pu Platter that circled chicken fingers, shrimp, spareribs, wontons, crab rangoons, beef teriyaki and egg rolls around the flame. The entire assortment was quality perfect and totally greaseless.
The Thai menu offered Basil Chicken and Vegetarian Fried Rice. The herb came through aggressively, but allowed the Thai tastes of hot, salty, sour and sweet to hold their own. The fried rice was a perfect mate to the poultry dish.
Complementing the entire meal, medallions of tender meat in the Chinese Hunan Pork coordinated with sweet vegetables in a delicate sauce for a dish that matched the superiority of the Thai and Japanese dishes.
Using the same light crisp coating as the appetizer, the tempura fried vanilla ice cream stayed gently crunchy under the whipped cream. Topped with a cherry-a great sundae!
And, the green tea ice cream was as much of a treat. Unusually dense for the frozen confection, this refreshing finish had pleasant undertones of the healthy drink.
Our server was patient and accommodating explaining the ethnic foods and--- although he was brand new---did a great job in a place that was hopping with a long waiting line for dinner. Big portions were a good value for top quality plates with appetizers starting at four dollars up to twelve dollars for a tidbit Pu Pu platter, entrees seven to twenty-five dollars including sushi plates and desserts two to four dollars.
East offers an eclectic Asian experience with classy nuances like painted ceramic teapots at each table within the comfortable and beautiful restaurant. The entire staff is amenable and obliging-as obliging as the value in the extensive menu. It was one of the top one-hundred Chinese restaurants in the USA in 2008 and we think it still is.
It earns the Platinum Plate.
They can be reached at 207-641-8788 or by going on line at www.eastdining.com .
Location:
East
636 Post Road
Wells,
MEUnited States
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