Photo Courtesy of Betsy Ramirez ‘19
Lotus Garden? Lotus Garden. What first comes to mind is a beautiful paradise: bright pink flowers floating on the surface of a pond, and a thin layer of fog settling on top. While we may not find that idyllic oasis in central New York, there is a lovely restaurant named Lotus Garden just a 15- to 20-minute drive from the Hill. This weekend, I visited this locally owned, family-run restaurant located on 1011 King St, Utica, NY. Trust me, it is a close second to paradise.
Don’t drive? Don’t worry! The Jitney service to Utica operates every other Saturday from 1:30–5:30 PM. Check online for more details.
From the outside, the Lotus Garden looks like a quaint cottage, adorned with vibrant flowers and complete with tables for outdoor dining. As soon as I walked in, the hostess, Sam, greeted me with a friendly smile and walked me over to the cozy dining room. The space was dimly lit, decorated with a piano, and even had a portrait of the family on the wall. Sam guided us through the dinner menu and made some suggestions. There were many options, including sushi, Korean bulgogi, and Thai noodles. Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something exciting.
I started the meal with an order of Peking ravioli (or dumplings) and egg soda. I would honestly go back solely for those two items — they were absolutely delicious. The dumplings were filled with tender beef and wrapped with soft, fresh dough. The egg soda did not disappoint either. It was my first time tasting it. Sam, who was making them to order, insisted I try it. I’m glad I did, because it was exquisite. It tasted like a denser and more flavorful cream soda that was perfectly sweet.
For the main course, I was excited to try the traditional Cambodian dishes on the menu. I decided on the fish amok, which is a thick soup cooked with fish meat, vegetables, eggs, and coconut milk and served with white rice. The preparation of the soup in banana leaves is a culinary tradition in Cambodia. Needless to say, I fell in love at first spoonful. It was savory and fiery, and the combination of fresh fish and the spicy coconut flavor was unexpected and delicious. The soup packed a punch, but the white rice balanced the spice and helped the flavors meld together smoothly. It was a two-and-a-half chili pepper dish and I love spicy food, so I was in culinary heaven.
The food was magnificent and tasted like a lovingly-prepared, home-cooked meal. The downside is that the service was a bit slow. You can’t rush art, though, and it was definitely worth the wait. The dinner menu is also on the expensive side, but the portions are quite large. They provided take out boxes, and I was able to have seconds at home! If you’re on a budget or want a more affordable meal, Lotus’s lunch menu offers deals on sushi and noodles.
Lotus Garden surpassed my expectations and gave me a much-needed break from Commons’ grilled chicken and vegetables. The space was welcoming, and the staff was very pleasant. I loved that it was family-owned and that you felt like you were eating a meal at home. The food is packed with flavor, and you will not leave hungry. I give this restaurant four and a half stars. Lotus Garden is a gem, and if you visit, you’ll surely enjoy it!
Rating: 4.5/5
