Ampersand is not the move. The only thing that was AMAZING was the crab Rangoon. And that was some sort of fusion. Maybe Asian Mexican fusion. But my steam buns was bleh. Then my husband ordered the salmon (full disclosure I don't like salmon) but the only seasoning seemed to be in the sauce. I couldn't find a lick of salt anywhere. My seafood "ramen" was not ramen. It was a seafood stew w/ramen noodles added. It was actually more reminiscent of gumbo than ramen. All it needed honestly was some okra ... And that would've been great if I ordered gumbo! Nothing tasted Asian. His chocolate torte tasted parched. And my matcha cheesecake seemed to be confused on what it wanted to be and the texture was... Odd. Also, the crust tasted of nothing. All in all we're not coming back. The presentation of everything was beautiful. But the food was a hard pass. Oh, and that drink - Mothra - was a scheme that Todd set up. It was three swallows in there and it was gone. What looked like boba was just colored ice. Not worth the $15. I'm pissed!
Ampersand Asian Supper Club
Excerpts
Ampersand is not the move. The only thing that was AMAZING was the crab Rangoon. And that was some sort of fusion. Maybe Asian Mexican fusion. But my steam buns was bleh. Then my husband ordered the salmon (full disclosure I don't like salmon) but the only seasoning seemed to be in the sauce. I couldn't find a lick of salt anywhere. My seafood "ramen" was not ramen. It was a seafood stew w/ramen noodles added. It was actually more reminiscent of gumbo than ramen. All it needed honestly was some okra ... And that would've been great if I ordered gumbo! Nothing tasted Asian. His chocolate torte tasted parched. And my matcha cheesecake seemed to be confused on what it wanted to be and the texture was... Odd. Also, the crust tasted of nothing. All in all we're not coming back. The presentation of everything was beautiful. But the food was a hard pass. Oh, and that drink - Mothra - was a scheme that Todd set up. It was three swallows in there and it was gone. What looked like boba was just colored ice. Not worth the $15. I'm pissed!
Very beautifully decorated and service was very professional. We tried three of their hot teas and they were all great—mango green tea, earl grey lavender and Japanese green tea. Very strong notes of flavor for each one. I would say the highlight was the pork bao. Nori Fries were crispy but flavor wasn’t anything special. The miso ramen was a little much after a few bites—definitely not the traditional Japanese miso ramen you would get elsewhere. I got a few piece of the bak choy were black and bitter. The grilled also onions ruined the dish, in my opinion. It had a weird flavor and did not go well with the dish. I got medium spicy for the ramen, which I did not find spicy at all. If you like spicy, I recommend going for the extra hot.
Very beautifully decorated and service was very professional. We tried three of their hot teas and they were all great—mango green tea, earl grey lavender and Japanese green tea. Very strong notes of flavor for each one. I would say the highlight was the pork bao. Nori Fries were crispy but flavor wasn’t anything special. The miso ramen was a little much after a few bites—definitely not the traditional Japanese miso ramen you would get elsewhere. I got a few piece of the bak choy were black and bitter. The grilled also onions ruined the dish, in my opinion. It had a weird flavor and did not go well with the dish. I got medium spicy for the ramen, which I did not find spicy at all. If you like spicy, I recommend going for the extra hot.
What an excellent place. One of my new favorites in town. First things first the drink selection is excellent. Drinks created by the bartender in house. Feel free to just tell your waiter to surprise you based on a couple tastes you like. You can't go wrong. The bartender was awesome as a person as well. Making us a delicious drink on the spot when one was out of order for the night and our interactions were great as well. The food is supreme as well. I took myself and my two boyfriends and we love to get a lot of things and share them. For appetizers we got pork cashu buns and the calamari. Both were really really good but I preferred the calamari just a little better. Really really good cook on those with an excellent dipping sauce and some fun crunchy add ons as well. For entrees we got the ahi tuna bowl, Japanese curry with duck and finally miso Ramen with tofu and chicken broth. All of these dishes were terrific in different ways. The Japanese curry felt heavy in a great way, very hearty and full of rich flavors. The duck was really well cooked as well. The ahi tuna bowl was really refreshing and light and while it was a big bowl it didn't feel heavy or make me sleepy. Very tasty and easy to eat. I must admit the star of the night for food was the Miso Ramen bowl. Deep deep flavor and richness with really well done noodles and soy soaked egg in there. Really can recommend the Ramen. Might be my favorite in cbus but I will have to go back to confirm. Desserts were very very tasty as well. We did the black sesame creme brulee and the apple pie egg roll. Both were phenomenal but the deeper chocolaty notes of the creme brulee won me over the apple pie While the rest of the place is great I must say the service was really a stand out. We got Eli and they were unbelievably charismatic and charming and really clicked with us with conversational banter but never felt unprofessional in any way. Friendly, knowledgeable and fantastic as a person is how I would describe Eli. Really a gem of a waiter. Hopefully i get them when we come back. This place really feels like a special place. Little pricey but totally worth the spend. I look forward to going back again and again.