We enjoy Chinese or Thair cuisine at Lemongrass at least once a week, dining or taking out their delicious food.

We sampled their Japanese sushi samples at the Food Bank’s Empty Bowls fundraiser and were surprised at how much we enjoyed them.

Lemongrass has an open Japanese kitchen right in the middle of the restaurant. We decided to take the plunge—twice—and have now added Japanese to our list of must-have ethnic foods.

Previously we had limited our choice to those touristy places where you sit around a grill while chefs cook shrimp and flip them into your shirt pocket.

 We were ready for the real thing.

First on our list was Seafood Mizo Soup (Shrimp, octopus and crabmeat in soybean broth ($5.50).

Delicious, and a great way to start any meal.

Lemongrass’s Yum Yum Salad is just that. Yummy. Crabmeat, cucumber, spicy mayo and masago make for a light and tasty start.

On one visit we decided to share a meal out of four popular appetizers. Our table looked like a Japanese buffet, enhanced with a variety of flavorful sauces, and for me a Japanese beer.

Sashimi Appetizers ($10.50) consist of a large plate of raw tuna, salmon, and yellowfish with interesting garnishes.

Gyoza ($6.95) is pan fried shrimp dumplings with a sweet sauce. (I don’t know if it is kosher, but we mixed our sauces).

The plate of Vegetable Tempura ($5.95) was enough for a meal, with a huge variety of crispy mixed veggies with ginger.

Calamari Tempura completed the feast ($9.50). The crispy, tender squid had a ginger sauce that added to its enjoyment. Sauce. Onion, string beans, mushrooms, broccoli, and four delicious patties of sweet potato made for a special treat.   

Now we’re ready to sample the plentiful array of classic and special rolls on the extensive menu. They even offer some that are gluten free.

Lemongrass Asian Bistro is located at 1138 Post Rd., Warwick. Closed Monday. Tel: 941-7288.