Straits of Malacca

Here is a new one for us. "Straits of Malacca" 202 W. Main St, Mason OH 45040 (5130 492-7656 bills itself as Uniquely Malaysian Dinning, and then lives up to it's billing. It is certainly for the more adventurous, although anyone can find something to eat. Those who are willing to experiment will find unique, delicious food, far different from most Oriental restaurants. To say the least, I loved the experience.
The help are most accommodating, from Chef through hostess to servers and busers. They could not have been nicer or more attentive.
Marilyn and I started with their version of a "spring roll". Translucent rice noodle wrap, not fried, with large pieces of chopped shrimp, bean sprouts, scallions, carrot strips and herbs all doused lightly with a semi spicy sauce. A luscious starter. Marilyn, being less adventurous than I, followed with rack of lamb, lamb pangkor, it comes in two sizes, full and light, served with noodles, cauliflower and mushrooms in it's own unique sauce.
The other man, and I shared a Curry Grouper fish head, for two. The platter, large, comes with the fish head broken into sections, including bones, swimming in a tasty curry sauce, broth consistency, loaded with cooked fresh vegetable; fresh tomato pieces, sweet red peppers, green beans, roasted pieces of eggplant and a few mushroom. Plenty of dinner for two healthy eaters ( cost $25). This is self served into an indented plate over a large helping of rice.Take as much and as often as you like.
Desert was a gelatin cake which while interesting was the least memorable. As you can guess we will return, although it is a long way from our home, in the city near the river.

Last night, for Marilyn's birthday, the family went to "Otto's", Covington, to celebrate. The menu has changed slightly, with more emphasis on bar food and smaller plates. Three of us had the sea scallops served on a bed of risotto, while Marilyn had her usual Tilapia, she had used up her experimental genes Saturday night at Straits. Of course, we all had the excellent fried green tomato's and others had Watermelon Gazpacho, fried eggplant sandwich and an interesting Brie and Berry green salad.
For desert our, in town children brought a BonBonerie Opera Cream cake, too rich , but enjoyed by all.