Dinner @ Shin's Fusion

We recently received an email from a reader asking us to review Shin's Fusion restaurant.  At her request, we visited today and have an in-depth review to post; however, she also included her own review. So, we'll share our thoughts first,  and post her review in the "Comments" section.

Located in the former Satang Thai Cuisine storefront, the first impression when you walk into Shin's Fusion is how small and sparse the place is.  However, I have been to many Asian restaurants in many different cities, and I can say that it is nothing shocking compared to the majority I have visited.  Additionally, Shin's is in the same shopping center as Dietsch's East and, despite the deliciousness that resides within, that Dietsch's is kind of run down inside as well.  The point I am trying to make is, don't judge this book by its cover-or else you will definitely miss out.

Arriving for an early dinner, we were greeted immediately upon walking in and were asked to seat ourselves.  There are only about 6 or 7 tables, but the tables themselves are much nicer than what you normally see in a restaurant; they are more along the lines of the type of dinner table you would put in your own dining room at home.  Like most Asian-themed restaurants, there were the fun placemats at each seat that feature the Chinese Zodiac.  Sure, paper placemats are not exactly fine-dining accoutrements, but who doesn't want to know whether or not they are compatible with their dinner mates?  People who aren't much fun, that's who.

The waitress (although I suspect she may have also been an owner) came right over with glasses of water and menus.  We were fine with water, so we asked for a moment to decide what we would like to order.  While the menus weren't exactly beautiful (a sheet of paper in a laminated folder), an interesting little picture book was left at the table that contained photos of everything on the menu.  I thought this was pretty thoughtful, as it let us see exactly what we could expect-something that usually fills me with apprehension when visiting a new restaurant.

As soon as we set our menus down, the server was back to take our order.  I chose the Ginger Chicken, which is on the "Lunch Special & Dinner Special" list.  All 21 of the items on this list include rice and soup, so I chose Egg Drop Soup.  My companion ordered the Almond Boneless Chicken with Hot & Sour Soup, and we decided to share a Spring Roll.

The server refilled my water without my having to ask-definitely a mark of good service- and our soups arrived directly after.  I choose Egg Drop Soup at almost every Asian restaurant that carries it, and I have to say that I can't remember a time when I had any better.  Typically, it contains corn, green onions, and an egg (hence the name), in a tangy, salty broth.  Most restaurants just make the broth and drop in the veggies and an egg, leaving the soup a bit bland and watery.  In contrast, this soup was slightly creamy in texture, and there was a distinct taste of sweet corn and green onion in the broth. Additionally, it was loaded with egg.  I'll stop gushing over the soup now, lest I be tempted to head back and grab another cup.  I'll just reiterate that it was good.   My companion's Hot and Sour Soup contained tofu, pork, and a wide array of veggies in a slightly sweet, tasty broth.  She wasn't a big fan of the tofu, so I ended up finishing it for her.

In the meantime, the server had again refilled my water (yes, I am a very thirsty person), and not long after our soup was gone she brought out our main course.  Our spring roll, she informed us, would be just another moment, but we weren't too concerned.  When I politely asked for chopsticks, she went into the kitchen and returned with a very attractive set of metal sticks.  Again, this was impressive-they take no longer to wash than a fork or a spoon, yet almost every single Asian restaurant only carries disposable, wood chopsticks.

My Ginger Chicken was a fairly generous portion, as was the white rice on the side.  Containing broccoli, green onions, and loaded with chicken, it was well-coated with an aromatic ginger sauce that smelled amazing.  However, the smell was only the beginning; the pieces of chicken were obviously fresh, as they were as tender as any I've had in an Asian dish in Findlay.  Likewise, the broccoli was cooked to perfection-not too soft, not too firm, it was obvious that it was never frozen.  The taste of the ginger was evident throughout, but especially noticeable in the green onion.  The overall taste was smoky, yet refined, and I could taste each element separately and as a whole.  The rice, it is worth mentioning, was cooked just right as well-slightly sticky but not overdone-perfect for chopsticks.

My companion orders Almond Boneless Chicken at every Asian restaurant we visit.  As such, I have been able to try it as well, and here it was far different from the standard fare.  The dish was loaded with vegetables, and it was easily apparent from the tender chicken and crunchy coating that it had been freshly breaded before tossing with the rest.  The sauce was rich, yet it didn't overpower the other ingredients like it does at most places.

Not long after we started in on the entrees, our Spring Roll arrived.  Just by looking at it we could tell that it had been freshly rolled and fried, which is a rarity.  On the side was a small dish of a delicious dipping sauce.  The roll itself was tasty, as we could pick out the various flavors like bean sprouts, pork, and cabbage.  The sauce was just as good, having a hint of a citrus and sweetness that was mildly exotic.

Being a decent size serving, we had some leftovers to take home.  When I asked for boxes, the server brought them quickly but smilingly insisted on putting our food in the containers herself.  She then brought out our check and fortune cookies, and immediately took my credit card to be processed.  As we were getting ready to leave, she asked us whether this was our first time, and how we had heard of the restaurant, before wishing us a great night.

In all, I would have to say that this meal was yet another pleasant surprise- which we have been experiencing a lot of lately.  I have mentioned in the past that there are several factors that influence your opinion of a dining experience: atmosphere, quality and speed of service, quality of food, and price are the biggest points.  The only thing that Shin's lacks is a fancy, polished dining area.  As far as the rest goes, the meal was flawless.

It also bears noting that everything is extremely affordable- the spring rolls are only $1.09, and the specials are $4.00 at lunch (before 3pm) and $6.00 at dinner for a healthy portion.  I suggest Shin's Fusion to anyone who hasn't already made this a regular dining destination.

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Shin's Fusion is located at 1209 Tiffin Ave. (next to Dietsch's East and across from Tim Horton's), and can be reached for carry-out at 419-424-0068.  They are open Mon.-Sat. from 11am-9pm and Sundays from 12pm-9pm.