Over the weekend, I was in the mood for some scrumptious food, a daily occurrence. However, I didn’t have any good food at home, and none of my usual places sounded appealing. That is when I stumbled upon Strang Hall.
Located in the Edison District about 20 minutes from Blue Valley Northwest, Strang Hall is in a lively part of town, serving food for anyone and everyone, no matter your age or your tastebuds, (though parking was a little difficult).
Immediately when walking in, you notice the variety of seating options. From booths, high-table stools, outside seating in a grassy area and classic tables, providing its customers with comfortable seating while still being a perfect place for dressing a little nice and taking pictures. The decor was rustic and natural in a modern way, fitting the theme of the restaurant.
Strang Hall is unique, not because of the design, but because it is home to six restaurants and a bar under one roof: anousone, fénix, norcini, solstice, tora zushi and strang cafe, as well as the strang bar. These six restaurants serve food from all over the world, from seafood and salads, to burgers and pizza, to Mexican and Southeast Asian dishes.
The first stop I made was at the first restaurant in the door, strang cafe. After asking for the best they have to offer, I received a small iced white chocolate raspberry macchiato and a warm brownie.
The macchiato was possibly the best coffee I have ever tasted. As someone who enjoys the bitterness of coffee, but also appreciates cutting it with some sweetness, this drink is perfect. The pretty gradient of pink, white and brown was perfect for a great photo, and though I was sad to see the gradient fade after mixing, I couldn’t be happier with the taste. The sweetness and richness of the raspberry and white chocolate hit first, perfectly complemented by the bitterness of the coffee, adding depth and diluting the sweetness. The three flavors work perfectly together, and the ratio of each aspect is balanced wonderfully. I immediately chugged the whole thing.
The brownie from strang cafe was given to me in a paper bag and was about the size of a slice of cake. It included chocolate chips inside—something I always welcome as a chocolate lover. After taking a bite, I noticed how lightweight and spongy the brownie was, making it not only look like a cake but taste similar to one. Although I enjoyed the brownie-cake hybrid, I was expecting something denser as a classic brownie would provide. Out of the three items I tasted, it was my least favorite, however, it was still delicious.
After considering what I was in the mood for, I stopped by the Southeast Asian cuisine restaurant anousone and purchased the stir fry dish, with noodles and curry chicken. I ordered it to-go, for fear I would not be able to finish it all, and I am glad I did that. They provided me with a healthy serving, and I am relieved to say they did not skimp on the vegetables and protein included. The stir fry sauce was sweet, warm and comforting, with the wide noodles and chicken melting in your mouth while the peppers, onions, gai lan and napa cabbage maintained their shape and provided the best crunch. Not only was the dish amazing, but it was flexible, allowing me to choose my protein and between noodles or rice.
When I arrived at the restaurant it was about 3 p.m., there were no lines, yet there were still many people in there despite it being an awkward time to dine. I noticed people of all ages, including kids playing in the lawn right outside the restaurant. While sitting, I noticed multiple pitchers of water and glasses at tables where customers could serve and refill their water, something thoughtful and smart. My final total for the three items was $28.96, which is a little pricier than fast food, but tastes a lot better and was a change I needed.
If stir-fry and coffee doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, maybe the pizza at norcini, the Gaijin sweet and spicy noodles at tora zushi or the tacos at fénix will be. There are a multitude of different options and cuisines to choose from that anyone who eats food will enjoy.
Overall, Strang Hall was a great experience. The coffee was sublime, the stir-fry superb and the brownie was splendid. It is the perfect place to take your friends if no one can decide on what to eat and is a perfect place to gather and enjoy each other’s company while eating some yummy food.
