I’ve been to Asia Asia<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0two times previously (for drinks only) and thus have never made it past the always packed lounge. \u00a0I’ve always been impressed with the decor, and have longingly looked at the menu, but it was only late last week I finally made a reservation. (Honestly, one of the biggest turn offs is getting to Pier 7… I cannot stand Marina traffic and really, for those of you dwelling on this side of town, I have no idea what you do on the weekends).<\/p>\n From le website:<\/p>\n The lavish Asia Asia Restaurant & Lounge takes its inspiration from the ancient Spice Route travelled by traders of old, and has been exquisitely furnished to reflect this famous journey from Asia Minor through to the Far East.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n PR and Marketing companies, give me a shout, yes? \u00a0I can do better.<\/p>\n If you’ve not been to Pier 7, it’s a building with a series of seven floors (get it, Pier 7?), each with their own restaurant. \u00a0Asia Asia takes its theme over the top, as you are greeted with Foo Dogs and clay soldiers as soon as the doors open (not to mention a strangely chiming bell system in the ceiling). \u00a0In our case, we were also greeted by no less than 10 (?) hostesses\/wait staff all of whom wanted to guide and direct us. \u00a0This theme of over the top service was further made when the moment upon sitting down, we were immediately asked if we wanted water or a drink.<\/p>\n No, thank you. \u00a0Please, can I have 30 seconds to get settled? \u00a0It had been a long week, and on Thursday at 7:30PM we just needed a moment to ourselves.<\/p>\n Moving on…<\/p>\n So, I am all for ambiance and mood lights, however, when patrons have to use the lights on their camera phone to read a menu… I think it’s a sign you have the lighting too low in your venue. \u00a0The low lighting is also the excuse I’m going to use for my less than average photos in this review. \u00a0Sorry gang, I was out with friends and didn’t want to be ‘that guy’ staging photos and trying to light the whole scene. \u00a0I hope you’ll excuse me! \u00a0(And I promise the pictures in my next review will make up for below).<\/p>\n The ala carte menu, as you would expect, skews in the direction of Toko<\/a>, Katana<\/a> and Ramusake<\/a> — that is, if you’re in the mood for sushi, robata or dim sum, there is something for you. \u00a0Four of our party couldn’t be bothered to make or commit to a difficult decision and went for the tasting menu option (I wouldn’t call it a ‘value’ at AED399, but you certainly get your money’s worth). \u00a0The other two members of our party ordered directly off the menu (noodles and a roll) and were not disappointed with their choices (we might have had extra food from the tasting menu to share).<\/p>\n With five courses (!) I think the balance was wonderful and with only minor suggestions, I believe it is one of the better menus in the city. \u00a0In fact, this was my default setting for each plate that was brought to us:<\/p>\n