A stylish atmosphere and menu make Liu Pon-Xi a great place for mixing dinner and a night out in the Short North.
Huge oragami-like lights provide the perfect mood lighting for every occasion as colors change by the minute. Adorning the dining room, massive fish tanks house curiously low numbers of fish. A small stream guides patrons to the tables. This multi-level room provides interesting design for seeing and being seen. Shimmering mesh curtains section off a private area for intimate gatherings. The bar occupies another section of the restaurant where libations can be enjoyed separate from the main dining area. Li Chi martinis add authentic East Asian flare. Reservations are accepted but not required and plenty of comfortable seating is available for those who choose to wait for a table.
Liu Pon-Xi is part of the new segue to the Short North on High Street at 8 East Goodale Street.
Happy hour is offered weekdays from 4p.m. – 7p.m.
There is a range of entertainment, and in-house music that features Drake Andreae bi-weekly and guest DJs weekly.
For a first course Crispy Wonton Skins provide a fresh alternative to the more traditional crab wontons offered by Liu Pon-Xi’s Asian competitors. These unique flaky pastries are complete with crab meat, cream cheese and Reggiano Parmesano.
When servers remember to offer the specials, they are worth hearing. The Hot and Sweet Scallop special delivered a superb marriage of flavor.
Dishes are served á la carte in hearty portions great for sharing. This makes it easy to try many different dishes at once, a great option for families or friends. The Homestyle Tofu is accompanied by fresh and snappy vegetables in a warm brown sauce. This moderately-firm pan seared tofu would be a fine meal in itself. The fried rice was highly palatable, mixed with fresh vegetables and the perfect blend of spices. It was not at all greasy like much of the takeout from around the city.
When it comes to selecting seafood skip the Shrimp in Lobster Sauce, unless craving a explosion of poorly combined flavors. Jumbo Shrimp Tails are a good choice with shitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, scallions in an appealing presentation. These enormous shrimp are appropriately paired with a cilantro infused ginger sauce.
The Caramel Chocolate Rasberry Martini, made with caramel vodka, Raspberry Stoli, Godiva and Irish Crème, is worth the splurge on calories and makes a complete dessert in itself.
Prices may be high for students at $10 to $30 per plate, and realistic patrons should expect costs to double with the a la carte ordering style.
For a small fortune the Kobe Filet Mignon, extremely-high quality imported Japanese beef, is an option at $45.
On the occasional Saturday late night, diners beware; the main dining floor becomes a Latin night club. Regardless of whether patrons have finished their meals, salsa dancers and staff will treat patrons as if the restaurant has closed. Those not interested in being tripped over by the entertainment should make early reservations.
