iZen

Been there 4 times and will continue going back. I order the Bibimbap and enjoy "half" of myorder, then I take the rest home for a nice warmed-up left-over meal. I love the Mocha Cake, too.

I can't speak for the sushi here, because I came for the unique ice cream treat that my friend raved about.

Walking in, iZen looked pretty trendy: a college-esque restaurant with Target decor. We were also the only customers during lunch time.

My friend and I had the ice cream...except it isn't what I'd normally call ice cream. It was more like a rounded ball of shaved ice. It was tasteless aside from a hint of citrus or vanilla. You can choose different kinds of fruit to add to the "ice cream." The fruit provides the flavor, which is why the "ice cream" is neutral. I had mixed berries, my friend had peach. My berries were all frozen. I imagine it would taste much better if they were fresh.

This review could have earned three stars if the price was right. Fresh fruit or frozen fruit, this small helping of "ice cream" was not worth $4.00.

THE STORY:

It was late. I was hungry. This place was open. Should have gone with the gyro joint.

I ordered the beef bibimbap. My friend ordered a beef bento box. While we waited amongst what might win "most awkward seating arrangement of the year," another friend Yelped this place, and then the negativity began. I should have listened.

While we waited, we fraternized with the flies in dining area. They didn't have much to say. The restaurant (I use the term loosely) is undergoing a renovation, but nothing seems like it's on track to make sense any time soon.

And then we heard the first beep, the kind of beep that can only come from a microwave. I shuddered, and the three of us just groaned, as if we were about to see someone on rollerblades slip and fall. Nothing we could do about it at this point.

The second and third beeps just made me angry. We took our food to go. Good thing the cook didn't have to see the looks on our faces.

THE FOOD:
The beef bibimbap cost a little under $8, and there were no complaints quantity-wise. It looked microwaved, which makes sense, because it was. So mission accomplished on that one. Even the sunny side up egg looked microwaved! The vegetables were clumped together and hard to mix, especially the spinach, which looked like it was just thawed.

The miso soup was not bad. A little lacking in flavor, but nothing too terrible.

THE VERDICT:

I don't plan on going back. Not for a while anyway. And not until they at least silence the beep on the microwave. Ignorance is bliss.