Dragon Asian Bistro

Confucius say, “Man with one chopstick go hungry.” Dragon Asian Bistro, where the Orient meets the beach.  Having opened on May 29 as part of the Tryp Hotel in Coronado, Dragon is a refreshing addition to the playa community restaurant scene, offering a combination of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine.  The two spacious dining rooms are tastefully adorned with minimalist Asian accents, in a black and red color scheme.  The restaurant is well equipped with capable and attentive kitchen, dining, and bar staff. The menu features some traditional dishes as well as some new twists on the classics. Head Chef Wilson  Lozano offers 16 different rolls and makis (5 or 10 pieces from  $7-$15) as well as a lovely assortment of nigiri and sashimi.  There are three soups and salads, and several hot and cold appetizers.  We’ve dined at the restaurant several times and always try to order a couple of new things.  On a recent visit we sampled the combination gyoza (beef, chicken, and veggie), which you can order steamed or crispy. 

The gyoza are presented in a traditional bamboo steamer accompanied by a sauce similar to a Korean dipping sauce.  The tuna tatami is lightly seared and coated in black and white sesame seeds and black peppercorns, served over a light soy/vinegar sauce.  Both were excellent.  The Tom Ka Gay soup was chock full of vegetables and shrimp in a coconut base, and our waitress happily brought us a spicy condiment to kick up the heat.  Happily, the menu has a little bit of everything:  stir fry, rice, ramen, noodles, curries, and grilled dishes. 

Prices are in the $11-$17 range.  The tasty Pad Thai is very traditional:  wide noodles with mushrooms, tomato, onion, carrots, chicken, shrimp, and crushed peanuts, bathed in a soy, tamarind, and nom pla oyster sauce.

Not to be overlooked is the variety of martinis and cocktails, which Carlos will expertly shake up for your enjoyment.  Some are traditional and others come, as one would expect in Panama, with tropical and Asian influences.  Cocktails range from $5-$8.  The wine list is adequate with decent whites, reds and champagnes.  Beers are  $3-$3.50.

The dessert menu has three creative choices:  Banana tempura served with ice cream, Thai spring rolls with fruit, and fried wontons with sweetened milk and cheese.

Manager Rossetty reports that their feedback has been good to excellent and they are anxious to offer some future promotions; i.e., All You Can Eat Sushi Night.
Open Tuesday–Saturday from 12 Noon-10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon-9:30 p.m.  Closed Monday.  Reservations:  345-4805.

TIP:  Ready for a little legendary cuisine? Have a Dragon experience!
Epicurious Em welcomes your comments and suggestions.  Feel free to e-mail her at em@playacommunity.com.