Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:07:44 -0500
From: Janet Keefer
Subject: Moon Asian Bistro–A New Place to Meet and Eat
My husband and I had lunch today (1/18) at the Moon Asian Bistro, which is located just north of Fearrington Village at 111 Knox Way, Suite 100, between the Chatham Ridge continuing care facility and the North Chatham Pediatrics and Internal Medicine clinic just off 15-501. The restaurant is holding its grand opening now, and it promises to be an excellent addition to North Chatham County. It features Asian fusion cuisine, with a menu of curries and classic dishes from Japan, Thailand and China (Mandarine, Hunan and Szechuan), as well as an extensive Sushi bar. We had the “lunch special,” which includes white or brown rice (except for noodle dishes) and a soup or salad.
We both had Hot-and-Sour Soup, which was both when it arrived quickly at our table, and a deliciously perfect choice for such a cold, windy day. We shared an order of Spring Rolls, and they were cooked to perfection: delicately crisp on the outside, hot and tasty on the inside. He had the Shrimp with Basil, and the shrimp were actual, identifiable, plump, tender shrimp. I chose the Pad Thai with chicken. I have enjoyed pad Thai all over the world, including Thailand, and this was world class pad Thai. The chicken was tender not rubbery as is sometimes the case. The blend of noodles, green onions, mushrooms and sauce was flavorful and delicate. All the dishes arrived at our table quickly fresh and hot. The decor is tasteful Asian modern, dark floors and woodwork, a mixture of crystal chandeliers and Chinese lanterns, and, oddly it seemed, a giant flat-screen TV. Unfortunately, the surfaces throughout the restaurant are hard and sure to bounce sound all over the place when the place is crowded, so it’s sure to be noisy. There is an impressive-looking bar, although its liquor license has not yet been issued. (Apparently North Carolina law requires that a restaurant be open for several weeks before it can be trusted to serve both both food and adult beverages.) Prices are reasonable, and the restaurant offers an extensive take-out menu. The Asian Moon Bistro fills a niche that has been empty far too long: between fast food/sandwich shop and pricey-but-tasty upscale.
Janet Keefer