we got a groupon for pagoda and decided to try it on a thursday night. there was a guy playing the piano and singing at the bar area which was separate from the dinning area. You can easily hear him though so it was a pleasant sound and not overbearing.
the ambiance of the restaurant was nice and good for fine dinning. not too fine thought that you feel uncomfortable and have to dress up.
the staff was very nice and courteous and obviously chinese. we ordered the honey walnut prawns which we always order at every chinese restaurant to determine the quality of food. First off, the food came fast and all together :) i like that... i hate the pretentiousness of things coming in one after the other. so about the prawns, they were fresh and had a slight crispiness about the batter... soooo good... the walnuts were cut in smaller pieces and very crunchy and tasty. yummy. best honey walnyt prawns that we have every tasted.
next one that we ordered were prawns and scallop with brocolli. the brocollis were so fresh and tasty. i would normally not finish the brocolli when i order these kinds of food but for the first time, every piece was as eventful as the first one... the scallops and prawns was so fresh and nicely cooked. not chewy at all.
for desert we had the mango ginger creme brulee... oh la la yummy!!! melt in your mouth.
we are for sure coming back to this restaurant. every month if possible. it is sad there is not many people who frequent eating at places like these that look pricey because they are at the hotel... but they are definitely one you dont want to miss, esp if your in downtown san jose.
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