Heaven Or Hell

After attending a panel discussion on Saturday, I decided to eat at Nirvana at College and Bathurst (after vaguely recalling a recommendation for it from years ago). The demographics is similar to Sneaky Dee's across the street: young 20-somethings. True to its name, the large space, primarily in brown and grape, is adorned with Asian decor including several large paintings of buddhist statues. I wonder if in other countries there are Christian-themed restaurants with crosses and Christ figures. Though they have sandwiches, wraps, and brunch items, they also offer Asian entrees including curry and pad thai. Against my better judgment, I order the vermicelli ($7.95).

What a mistake. Compare my dish with the ones here. Apparently, the Nirvana kitchen/chef doesn't understand flavour. Boiled noodles is a neutral (i.e., bland) base. You need to bring in the green, crunch, and freshness of mint, perilla, cucumbers, etc., the mouth-feel of grilled marinated meat, and yes, the strong flavour of fish sauce (though diluted). Instead I get unassuming lettuce, bland grilled chicken, and barely there fish sauce (perhaps they use homeopathic dilution). Instead of crunchy spring rolls, I find soggy Chinese egg rolls.

Skip the Asian dishes here. Given abundant choices in the area, skip Nirvana altogether. Life might be suffering, but why bring it on yourself.