Organic cuisine at Green Zone

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]ucked in a small, busy San Gabriel plaza with many other Asian restaurants, Green Zone at 534 E. Valley Blvd. surprises diners with its modern ambiance and fresh food.
Dishes at Green Zone are prepared fresh without anything pre-cooked or frozen. The restaurant also functions as an organic market.

Upon walking in, I noticed the organic vegetables and fruits that lined the walkway. Guests waiting for their seats can purchase groceries at this little market while waiting or on their way out.
Amongst the noodle, dumpling and rice dishes, I ordered the Steamed Homemade Chive Gyoza, Chicken Curry and a Passion Fruit Iced Tea.

I looked around and immediately felt comforted by the earthy tones of brown and green. Soft lamps gave a relaxed feeling, while stronger lights illuminated the tables.

My Passion Fruit Ice Tea surprised me with its perfect balance. A cool, tangy flavor hit my tongue and a sweet aftertaste ensued. The hint of tea added a slightly bitter taste, which balanced out the entire drink.
The Chive Gyoza came within a few minutes later on a tasteful woven plate, accompanied by a minced ginger ponzu vinaigrette and a homemade soya sauce. I tried the soya sauce first, which tasted of garlic, green onions and soy sauce. The first bite into the dumpling was delicious, and the combination of the shrimp, pork and chive enveloped my mouth, along with the sauce. The dumplings were filled generously and each ingredient had a distinct flavor. The ginger ponzu vinaigrette offered a citrus and sweet taste. I vastly preferred the soya sauce.

My Chicken Curry arrived along with a serving of steamed rice. It contained eggplants, peppers, cucumbers, squashes and carrots. The chicken tasted pleasantly soft and flavorful, without being the slightest bit dry. The squash was soft and crunchy carrots provided texture as I chewed. The entrée satisfied my appetite but did not leave me with the overwhelming feeling after eating a heavy dish.

Green Zone captures guests with its calming setting, friendly service and flavorful, fresh food, but the restaurant is slightly understaffed during its busier hours. I paid $17 for my lunch, and I found the portion to be more than enough. I would encourage going early to beat traffic to avoid the wait. Green Zone’s tasty cuisine and welcoming environment definitely make it worth revisiting.

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