Brentwood Press - Index

Brentwood Press - OakleyPress_07.04.08 - Index

12B | THEPRESS.NET FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT JULY 4, 2008
A vision for Asia fusion
A new dynasty of fl avor has established
itself in Antioch, and its fusion of
the cuisines of China, Japan, Vietnam and
Thailand – with a California sensibility
– suggests that this dynasty could last for
a long time.
Qin’s Asian Bistro and Bar recently
celebrated its grand opening with a noonto-midnight
party and the unveiling of a
new dining patio. Boasting a 10-foot tall
waterfall and life-sized terra cotta warriors
representing the powerful Qin (pronounced
Chin) dynasty from which it
draws its inspiration, a blue-glass bar area
where DJ sounds can be heard late night
on weekends, and private dining spaces
with rich tapestry cushions and striking art
accents that can accommodate groups of
10 to 60 guests, Qin’s offers a dining ambiance
unlike any in East County.
Winner of the American Culinary
Gold Award of Excellence and an 18-year
veteran of the Bay Area cooking scene,
consulting chef Chris Pastena has helped
to create Qin’s enticing Pacifi c Rim specialties,
taking traditional dishes and presenting
them in new and creative combinations
– Whisky Lobster Bisque, and Black
Mushroom and Chicken Wraps with
Asian plum balsamic sauce, for starters.
Among the main dishes Pastena has
created are Sriracha Chili Soaked Chicken
Wings with white miso dipping sauce and
a range of creative Maki Rolls, including
the Spanish Castle with almond maguro
tempura and pimento aioli.
Qin’s also features Roasted Crab for
Two served over garlic noodles; Thai Lemongrass
Prawns with coconut rice; Ribeye
Steak with wasabi mashed potatoes; Wok
Fried Chicken with braised bok choy; and
a fl avorful Teriyaki Fusion Burger with
garlic-lime fries.
Those with a sweet tooth will love
Qin’s crispy Cinnamon and Sugar Cheesecake
and a luscious Mango Pie equally
delightful. Dim Sum specials are served
Saturday and Sunday until 3:30 p.m.
Prices range from $6 to $12 for appetizers,
soups and salads; $6 to $9 for
maki rolls; $12 to $25 for entrees; and $5
to $7 for desserts. The wine list, crafted by
Adam Jed, a certifi ed sommelier and Full
Plate Restaurant consultant, offers 100
bottles from around the world and 20 by
the glass, including a selection of popular
sakes and champagnes.
Qin’s Asian Bistro and Bar, located at
5007 Lone Tree Way, serves from 11 a.m.
to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays
and to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The late-night DJ in the lounge on Friday
and Saturday starts at 10 p.m. Qin’s
also features takeout, catering platters
and private or semi-private parties and
receptions for 15 to 250 guests. Reservations
are accepted online at the restaurant’s Web
site or through Open Table. For more
information, call 925-754-8888 visit www.
qinsasianbistro.com.