You may recognize the building on Holland-Sylvania Road, which once housed El Matador (prior to its most recent occupant, Blackwood Grill). Traces of the once popular Mexican restaurant are still visible in the architecture and sponge-painted walls, but everything else has changed. Instead, POP Grille, a flavorful, Asian-fusion restaurant sparkles.
The atmosphere is brightly lit, yet intimate and comfortable. Settle in at the bar, or sink back into a cozy booth along the front windows. There is also a back room, which comes with its own enormous screen for showing movies or slideshows. Tom Parent, Co-Owner and General Manager of POP Grille, suggested that it’s a perfect place to host a baby shower, luncheon, or to watch a big game.
Party on the Palate
POP Grille is actually an acronym, and it stands for “party on the palate.” Chef Ray Oka, previously from Sakura, has created a menu with a variety of options. Oka takes pride in his restaurant, which is clear through creative specials, bold ingredient choices and beautifully plated meals. Fresh and unique flavors are fused together on the menu, offering fun twists on Asian entrees. The menu offers customization, giving diners the ability to craft their own experience. More adventurous eaters will opt for wasabi coleslaw with smoked seafood, while someone with a more traditional palate might prefer filet mignon served with mashed potatoes.
Lunch offerings include creative combinations, but with smaller plates. Lighter fare includes platter combination, choices from a mix-and-match of grains, greens, proteins and sauces. Sandwiches and Asian-style tacos are better suited for hungrier patrons. Try a homemade egg roll, kimchee taco, or sliced, marinated pork sandwich.
Adventurous with food
For dinner, the atmosphere is elevated, with a menu boasting a variety of adventurous items. The appetizers are a great place to experience the chef’s creativity. Oka’s version of the Hawaiian favorite, a calamari and poki salad, with fresh tuna tossed in a citrus dressing, hints at the chef’s penchant for bright flavors. The Pagoda Smoked Salmon is a healthier version of an “onion ring tower,” instead served as a stacked tower of smoked salmon and pickled vegetables with a pesto sauce. Homemade egg rolls also appear on the dinner menu, including one stuffed with crab, asparagus, and cream cheese.
Entrees such as Grilled Chilean Sea Bass and Tower of Chicken, featuring pickled kale and POP’s signature tropical BBQ sauce, show off imaginative choices. Pork sliders, their much-loved lobster rolls and other sandwiches, including the bulgogi burger, which is steak cooked to your specifications topped with a generous slice of grilled pineapple. For those who prefer lighter fare, try the vegan salad, which includes lightly fried tofu, mango salsa and citrus dressing over crisp greens.
POP Grille features many barbecue and seafood items, including shrimp and fresh fish. The chef also tries to use local ingredients and use fruits instead of fats to create condiments wherever possible. Vegan and gluten-free options are prevalent. With a menu full of Asian-fusion options, POP Grille’s many choices ensure all diners will find something to enjoy.
11am-10pm, Monday-Thursday. 11am-10pm, with the bar open until Midnight, Friday-Saturday. 11am-8pm, Sunday. 3309 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd., 419-517-5310. partyonthepalate.com