On a damp late-winter evening recently, Maya and I went forth looking for a quiet place to have a late supper, one we didn’t feel like cooking ourselves. We meandered, sans reservations, into the city core, and found ourselves dropping in on the Golden Pagoda just an hour before closing. The location is one I know well, having spent many an hour there after the clubs closed back in the ‘80s—it was a Robin’s Donuts then! Interestingly, not all that much has changed in the general shape or size of the place. Not to worry, though—the odours of donuts and cigarettes (smokers could light up anywhere then) is long gone. The aromas that have taken their place held great promise as a friendly hostess led us to our table. The décor, while simple, was adequate, and the restaurant appeared clean and taken care of.
I ordered, then watched as Maya put our server through the usual grilling and ingredient-substitution requests. (It’s one of those things I put up with in my beloved, as if she doesn’t have a world to put up with from me!) Our server fetched another person to help answer some of her questions, but no one seemed the least put off. The service, in fact, was cheerful and competent throughout our meal, something I wish could be said for more places we have dined.
The Pagoda’s appetizers include Burmese samosas or spring rolls, and tempura onion or squash sticks. Maya had the Ingredient soup, in a size big enough to swim in. I had a salad—I forget which one—which contained chic peas among many other things. Maya’s soup was filling and delicious, practically a meal in itself. My salad also was good, but far too oily I thought—might be fairly high in calories.
For our main courses we had one noodle dish and one curry. Both were excellent, and in generous portions; Maya required carry-out (the rest of her meal, that is, not Maya). On some curry dishes, Golden Pagoda gives you a choice of heat level from 2 (mild) to 8 (very hot). I went with the middle-of-the-road 5, and it wasn’t bad at all.
One very small criticism: We sat furthest from the windows for warmth, next to the “pagoda”, and there was a bit of banging coming through the wall from the kitchen. Not loud enough to be really disturbing, but present nonetheless. They could do with a bit of soundproofing there.
I should mention the parking, which is a darkish lot but right at the side of the building, mere steps from the door, so you won’t have to walk. They are licensed, and also have a take-out menu. All in all, we were impressed with Golden Pagoda. It was a great place to have a good hot meal on a chilly night. I believe the restaurant is owned and operated by new Canadians—welcome! We are looking forward to our next visit.
Golden Pagoda Burmese/Asian Restaurant
#3, 411 Second Avenue North
306-668-9114
http://www.goldenpagoda.ca/
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