Haven made interesting use of the space that was once Blue Velvet (a favorite hangout of mine), putting a small Asian-fusion restaurant on the main level and the bar, karaoke and private gaming on the upper level.
The menu was full of delicious-sounding items that I had a hard time choosing, and I loved everything I ate.
The small bites section had a large breadth of items, ranging from cajun fries ($6.99) and fried breaded pickle chips ($8.99) to takoyaki ($9.99) and fried chicken gyoza ($7.99). I am a sucker for fried soft shell crab ($9.99 for two), and they were wonderfully deep-fried with tempura batter and sprinkled with cajun seasoning for a little heat. They also came with a tasty sweet chili sauce.
I also liked seeing the selection of skewers on the menu, though I didn’t try any (but I will next time). Choices include lamb ($3.49), sausage ($3.49) and squid ($3.49).
Good thing I had a big appetite for my meals, because the entrees are big. The braised beef shank noodles in red chili broth ($17.99) came with a massive amount of excellent, springy house-made noodles. The beef shank was thinly sliced and went well with the chili and sesame flavor of the broth, plus it was topped with peanuts, pickled mustard greens and marinated lava eggs, making for a hearty dish.
Next, I tried the braised beef curry ($21.99), which was tender (you also get the bone) and exuded the rich red curry sauce that it sat in. I really enjoyed the combination of beef, onion and zucchini, all of which sat atop a heaping pile of rice.
One “problem” that I have is that I loved the savory soy eggplant with minced pork ($16.99) so much that it will be hard for me not to order it on every subsequent visit. The garlic sauce is savory with the soy sauce standing out, and it meshed well with the super tender eggplant, a ton of sausage and just enough green onion to add some bite.
For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll find a unique array of desserts, including ice jelly ($5.99 to $8.99) and macaron ice cream ($7.99).
Haven is open every day for lunch and dinner.
