Ballet Oriental Cuisine

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
This is as unpretentious as it gets, and the workers and students of Capitol Hill who eat here--or take it out--like it that way. But don't be fooled by the standard-issue Chinese restaurant decor. These Asian favorites are as lively and colorful as the fish in the aquarium by the entrance.

The Food
From the rosy sate to the olive-green curry, eye-pleasing plates fill the tables and their size demands that they be shared. Selections vary from Vietnamese pho to Japanese teriyaki to Chinese chow mein. The tofu sate is a standout with its lightly fried tofu cubes swimming in a thick coconut broth. Chicken curry ordered medium-spicy provides perfect heat. Pad thai offers surprisingly tender shrimp, although the noodles are on the pasty side. Choose the main ingredient (chicken, beef, shrimp) for most dishes; when three come together in one dish--that's called "ballet."