Big Bowl

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	Reviewed by : Jonathan C. On: 2/23/2013 7:07:00 AM YOU GOTTA BE F**ING KIDDING ME! No matter what do not get the pho TOGO at this place. They put the noodles in your broth in a plastic container that makes your pho like ShT! If you are expecting authentic pho, you are far from it! I am still in disbelief that they would put the noodles in the broth to make it all sogggy! Not a Place for Pho!
	Reviewed by : Yvette C. On: 2/12/2013 2:29:00 AM Brought the hubby here for the first time ever and he loved it. I'm so glad because I come for the teriyaki salmon (it never fails me!) It keeps me coming back for more. Service was wonderful. Our little one even liked the menu. So glad we can add a new place into our restaurant rotation.
	Reviewed by : Lorraine N. On: 1/14/2013 10:14:00 AM I really enjoy big bowl and this location is just a little bit nicer and better in my opinion. I usually create my own dish with chicken and a ton of veggies....and then turn it over to the grill so they can do their magic. The Cosmos are good AND they are 10.00 a piece. ..I must have looked like a woman that doesn't get out much because I sucked the first one down and ordered another one and god love my server he said you do know how much those are don't you? I assured him I did and just bring me my vodka....My liquor tab is always more than my food...I like the darkness to this place and the food...because I get control of everything that ends up on my plate--no weird sprouts or items that look like grasshoppers or crickets....covered in terryiaki sauce....
	Reviewed by : Matthew W. On: 1/11/2013 8:21:00 AM Get the appetizer "Chicken Peanut egg rolls." Quite awesome in my opinion. This was better than my main meal.Ummm... I got food poisoning from this place. I was literally vomiting my guts out 6-8 hours later. I don't think I will be back. I won't give this place 1 star because the food was pretty good. Just contaminated.
	Reviewed by : Dan J. On: 1/10/2013 3:09:00 PM I left stuffed with a smile. Need I say more?
	Reviewed by : Kelly B. On: 1/9/2013 11:28:00 PM Big Bowl is a regular place for my family. It has house made ginger ale, great cocktails, and most importantly to me, they are huge on local and sustainability. They even have transitioned from plastic to cardboard straws.I also start my adventure with the Pho, which is a traditional vietnamese chicken noodle soup. They serve it in a bowl with fresh crunchy sprouts, a lime slice, jalapenos, fresh basil and cilantro, then you can add them all to the broth with the freshly cooked local chicken. It is really good.For entrees, I always get the seven flavor chicken. It is lemony and has roasted peanuts in the hoisin sauce.Another go-to is the stir fry bar. You can choose your pasta, rice etc, then your sauce and your meat. The veggie bar has locally grown and harvested options.The deserts also change with the seasons, so the ingredients are aways very fresh. I love the mango cheesecake (when it's in season of course).
	Reviewed by : Tiara B. On: 12/18/2012 3:12:00 PM I've only been to this location about 2 or 3 times, but I'm hooked! My last visit, I went with my godfather. I think I ordered orange chicken with jasmine rice and pot stickers. The waiter was extremely friendly and on-it, which was really quite great. The food was fantastic - the orange chicken had the perfect amount of chicken flavor in it, and the rice was as good as rice gets. I enjoyed the pot stickers and the sauces - they were all really good, but I think I'll stick to soy sauce. There was a drink I had, but I can't remember what it was called...it was like a ginger/orange soda or something like that. It was good, but a little spicy for my taste. If you get it, make sure to have a glass of water, too.The restaurant is almost always crowded, but it's nothing too distracting, although the noise level can get a bit annoying. I usually don't have a problem getting a seat, and the waiters are patient with you if you get frustrated.So, all together, I like it!
	Reviewed by : Tim S. On: 12/5/2012 1:50:00 PM I have gone to Big Bowl for years, including the Edina location. It makes me sad that this trip was not up to their standards from the past. Please note that I'm not rating service, because our server, Beth P., was outstanding and helps bring up the ratings in this review.Even though the noise level was so loud, I had trouble hearing and could barely carry on a conversation, I'm not really focused on that, because I know it can get loud in this location.Why I am disappointed was the main reason of going to Big Bowl: the food. For years, we've ordered the Summer Rolls. Slowly, we have witnessed the portion size decrease with this appetizer. But this time, the rice paper was so thin, the way the cut the pieces made everything fall apart. It was a mess to eat.Fine. I knew my Kung Pao Beef was coming. Well, what did they do with the portion size of this meal? I know Americans over eat, but in comparison to other dishes in the restaurant, mine looked like an appetizer. At least it didn't fall apart like the Summer Rolls, probably because the meat was way over cooked.My dinner companion ordered the Orange Chicken and complained that it was too sweet. They have a sweet tooth, for them to say that it must have been.. I tasted a bit and it was like dumping a pack of Splenda down your throat.Overall, I couldn't wait to pay and get out. I would have been more satisfied with going to Panda Express. With the plethora of restaurants in Edina, and with PF Chang's across the street, it may be a while until I come back. I should have stuck with my standard Stir Fry Bar/make your own. At least I know what I'm getting.Most people joke about being hungry hours after having Chinese. I left Big Bowl in Edina hungry.
	Reviewed by : Shawn S. On: 11/2/2012 2:57:00 AM They are popular for their noodle bowls and traditional dishes, but my favorite thing to do at Big Bowl is sit at the bar and have a bowl of Pho soup. Delicious and a good value.
	Reviewed by : Cindy D. On: 10/26/2012 8:00:00 PM Oh I love Big Bowl!! I absolutely love their pad thai. I don't know what ingredient they use but I just love it! I like to put their hot sauce with my pad thai. I also love their season sangria. Last time I was here I had Cinnamon Honey Crisp Sangria and it was amazing! I usually come here for happy hour because they are cheap! They usually have $3 to $5 ranges of appetizers for happy hour. The staffs here are nice and friendly. Parking is free but it is always packed so come early.
	Reviewed by : Dale Y. On: 9/30/2012 5:24:00 PM Conveniently located in the Galleria shops next to Southdale Mall, Big Bowl is a regular spot in my rotation for work week lunches. The restaurant is always very busy but it's got a great feel and cleanly. I usually hop on the phone and make a reservation online via OpenTable and I've always been able to get a table.Big Bowl is a mixture of different Asian cuisines, predominantly Thai and Chinese. The overall flavor profile of the food is pretty close to what you'd expect, probably on the better side of authentic compared to most Minnesota eateries I've been to. They do offer a gluten free menu as well.While I do see some similarities between Big Bowl and P.F. Chang's I'd say that Big Bowl hits the mark closer to what these Asian cuisines should be. Often times I feel P.F. Chang's is too heavy on certain Asian flavors like soy sauce whereas at Big Bowl it seems like there's more effort to incorporate other elements in the dishes.
	Reviewed by : Blake A. On: 9/18/2012 9:34:00 AM I was extremely impressed by Big Bowl. This was my first visit and I was told by my cousin who is a regular patron that I needed to try the Kung Pao Beef with extra sauce and extra beef. The meat was tender, the sauce was excellent, and the green beans were super fresh. I also had the potstickers which were good, but the Kung Pao Beef is what is really driving this 5 star review.Also, the attentiveness of the bar tender, Travis, was a nice change-up from other restaurants I frequent. My glass never sat empty for more than a few moments before another drink was waiting for me.Another nice change-up from other restaurants was seeing a hands-on manager, Pam, and not your typical deadwood manager that tries to avoid contact with customers and when they do greet customers it is with fake pleasantries. Thanks, Pam, for legitimately making sure we were satisfied with our meal.On a side note, I was surprised to hear the people next to us complaining to Travis about their food, yet I was perplexed to see the complaining patrons both ravenously finish their plates. I suspect the guy was trying to get a free dessert.Great job Big Bowl! I will definitely be back. Big Bowl is to PF Changs as Ruth's Chris is to Golden Shower Corral. No comparison whatsoever!
	Reviewed by : MistiLynn L. On: 9/3/2012 9:16:00 PM I traveled to Minnesota regularly and always made a point of dining here, only wish I could take them back home to Cali with me. I have tried nearly every item on the menu and while I decided on my 'regular' order I'd recommend anything there. The food is fresh and is cooked to enhance the natural flavors so it comes across well without being overspiced.My personal favorites: chicken potstickers (should call this my personal addiction).Teriyaki salmon with green beans and rice (easy substitute for brown rice).Drink was the mango martini but, sadly, this went away. Nearly broke my heart and never did find a drink I enjoyed quite as much.Service is great and they do promote green business practices.
	Reviewed by : Lisa N. On: 8/18/2012 6:57:00 AM 2.5 starsBig Bowl reminds me of P.F. Chang's, a very Americanized Chinese restaurant. It was crowded for a Friday afternoon. Our server was friendly and attentive. However, the food was below average in my opinion.CHICKEN POTSTICKERS: comes with 5; they were good, but nothing too specialBEEF LETTUCE WRAPS: our favorite part of the meal; refreshing and it comes with a lot of beefMONGOLIAN BEEF: chewy and dry; it was not tender as advertised on the menuPANANG CURRY CHICKEN: nothing compared to other Thai restaurants nearby... it was average at bestOverall, it's a nice and big place and offers good cocktails (try the WATERMELON SANGRIA), but I would not come back!
	Reviewed by : Risa Y. On: 7/24/2012 3:42:00 PM This review is for the Minnetonka and Edina location only (had a horrendous experience in Roseville). When in these suburbs, and craving asian flair, Big Bowl always hits the spot for me. Yes, I've been to both a few times. No MSG. Not too salty, just right. I am sodium sensitive. They use eco friendly products, local ingredients, as well as the use of natural and organic products. The food is consistently good food and service is always wonderful. Everything is fresh and wonderful, I've tried a variety of their dishes, and they are all good. I always get the Hibiscus iced tea, which has no sugar, still tasty and is so refreshing..and they always keep refilling the glass! The moch icecream I understand is made there - love the strawberry and greentea mochi, which is not too sweet, and just perfect to dip in their two dipping sauces they provide chocolate and caramel. Nice atmosphere, clean, quiet, friendly service.
	Reviewed by : Jennifer R. On: 6/30/2012 7:54:00 PM Big Bowl is generally a pretty cool place if you know what to order. If you don't... the experience can be a little disappointing and more than a little budget-straining.I had a cruddy day yesterday and wanted some alcohol. I chose Big Bowl's Triple Berry Sangria... yawn. It wasn't great. Sickly sweet and a little blah; it was as though they just gave me a glass of white wine with sugar and some crushed berries mixed in. After that I switched to the house-made ginger ale, which was pretty dang delicious--but it was $3.50 a glass, and no free refills! We didn't find that out until the bill came at the end of the meal. Yikes!I've been here before and had the hibiscus iced tea, which is wonderful, and you do get free refills. I think I'll stick to that from here on out.I had the Panang Chicken Curry, which is the new version of the old Clay Pot Curry. I know it's the same recipe... but I miss the clay pot. Is that lame? Probably. But it just wasn't the same as it used to be.We finished with the Banana Cashew Eggroll... dang. I'd get that every day if I thought my metabolism could take it. YUM.The atmosphere was cool, and our server was friendly and attentive, but I think we'll go elsewhere on our next night out. Our experience just wasn't worth the $59 price tag for two people, before tip.
	Reviewed by : Nazgul W. On: 6/17/2012 8:47:00 PM First off: the name of this place is just stupid. Before arriving I thought it was a fast-food joint, but no, it's a quasi-swanky restaurant where things are a bit overpriced.Our waiter went into a long schpiel about how you can pick your own veggies from their large produce area and have them cook that into your dish. That way you can choose your veggies and the quantity of them; I thought that was pretty cool. We didn't have time for that, though, since we were headed to a movie.My girlfriend got the green curry tofu and it was pretty tasty, the bite I had. I got a peanut chicken dish that was supposed to be hot, but wasn't . It wasn't even hot when I put a bunch of chili sauce on it. The taste of the dish was OK; they give you a lot of food, but it wasn't very memorable; kinda washed out and watered down Thai. The chicken had little flavor.For $12-15 for an entree, I would expect more flavor but I guess this is OK for a mall-chain Thai/Chinese joint that would like you to believe it's a swank upscale joint with a lot of class. Just don't expect too much from it.
	Reviewed by : Mark R. On: 6/15/2012 10:38:00 PM My wife really likes this place. Me, I go to keep her happy. The food is generally good. Service is generally good. However, there is a consistency issue. Sometimes great, sometimes not so good. A plus is the gluten free menu and different homemade(?) drinks. I do dig the Mojito. The minus is that the place is a bit pricy, the already stated consistency challenge, and some really drafty and cold seating spots in the winter. Yes, I will go again. A happy wife is a... good thing.
	Reviewed by : John H. On: 6/12/2012 2:07:00 AM Aweful. I left hungry, after a few bites I just threw the rest in the trash.
	Reviewed by : Phil A. On: 5/19/2012 1:45:00 PM Sep. 2012, re-revised review.I had a hiatus due to some sinew in the beef. I am scathing to those who deserve it and #1 at compliments when the dining experience is perfect. We all went back today and the verdict is...I prefer the Kung Pao Beef (w/extra beef, extra sauce) here over a Murray's steak or overrated Ruth's Chris Steak.My cousin, who hobnobs w/LEYE corporate pals, and I both got the Kung Pao Beef w/modifiers and it was awesome. The steak was perfect. The sauce was perfect. We were HAPPY our food arrived after a couple other folks who arrived at the bar after us because of the quality. In fact, the couple who arrived after us at the bar complained about their food and ate the whole damn plate. Me and my cousin were so happy with our superb food we were ready to splash Thai chili oil in these complaining people's eyes they were complaining so much. Pam came by and Travis and they saw my review, and when my and my cadre of pals get it perfect we are cheerleaders. MAN THIS WAS DELICIOUS. Lemme look at my cousin Blake's review...he enjoyed today.When properly prepared without sinew.
	Reviewed by : Dana T. On: 3/11/2012 2:34:00 AM I don't seem to visit this place nearly as much as I would like! Service is always great! I like the overall atmosphere and it is always clean. I love the fact that this restaurant has a "go green" approach. I mean what other restaurant serves you a water or drink with a decomposable straw? Ha.I was in the mood for something spicy during this particular visit... So I opted for the Thai hot pepper shrimp with basil and peanuts! Boy, did I get what I asked for! It had heat indeed, in fact with the first bite me eyes watered! Ha... But, it was absolutely delicious and I even had leftovers the next day! With the food at Big Bowl you know exactly what to expect, I like that about this place. Great Asian food. Oh and on a side note, the hibiscus iced tea is great! I order that every time I go.I will definitely be making a trip back here again. I love the Galleria shopping center and the fact that this restaurant is located directly inside, makes it so convenient.
	Reviewed by : S W. On: 3/10/2012 10:01:00 PM OK, this is embarrassing.I know that I should want to eat cat food rather than eat here in the name of all that is good and holy. BUT.I'm gonna admit it.I love the pad thai here.That's pretty much it in a nutshell.Why for the love of Jeebus is this categorized "Chinese?"
	Reviewed by : Annie G. On: 1/10/2012 8:10:00 AM I spend most of my year in Los Angeles these days, and there's loads of good asian food over there. Since I was home for the holidays, and I sort of craved some SE Asian noms, my best friend and I made a return visit to Big Bowl. I came here once when I was in elementary school or something and most markedly unimpressed. Granted, I hated Asian food at the time. Now that I have two summers in China and half a year in Australia (tons of SE Asian cuisine to be found there) under my belt, I find Asian food way more tempting.I got a claypot panang thai chicken curry. I love the richness of coconut based curries, and this one did not disappoint. In fact, it was a little spicy, too! Super bonus. Sometimes coconut curries come on too strong, and you get sick of the taste before you're halfway done with your food. I'm happy to report that this was not the case during my visit. My friend got a yellow thai chicken curry, and it was kind of sour. I don't know if proper thai curry is ever that sour; I've never experienced it in any case. Anyway, I liked my food, and you may as well. :) The portion size was great, and I ended up with a box of leftovers.Also, as an extra bonus, you can check in on foursquare and get free potstickers :) I don't know if the special will stick around, but it's there at present!

Reviewed by : Jonathan C. On: 2/23/2013 7:07:00 AM

Reviewed by : Yvette C. On: 2/12/2013 2:29:00 AM

Reviewed by : Lorraine N. On: 1/14/2013 10:14:00 AM

Reviewed by : Matthew W. On: 1/11/2013 8:21:00 AM

Reviewed by : Dan J. On: 1/10/2013 3:09:00 PM

Reviewed by : Kelly B. On: 1/9/2013 11:28:00 PM

Reviewed by : Tiara B. On: 12/18/2012 3:12:00 PM

Reviewed by : Tim S. On: 12/5/2012 1:50:00 PM

Reviewed by : Shawn S. On: 11/2/2012 2:57:00 AM

Reviewed by : Cindy D. On: 10/26/2012 8:00:00 PM

Reviewed by : Dale Y. On: 9/30/2012 5:24:00 PM

Reviewed by : Blake A. On: 9/18/2012 9:34:00 AM

Reviewed by : MistiLynn L. On: 9/3/2012 9:16:00 PM

Reviewed by : Lisa N. On: 8/18/2012 6:57:00 AM

Reviewed by : Risa Y. On: 7/24/2012 3:42:00 PM

Reviewed by : Jennifer R. On: 6/30/2012 7:54:00 PM

Reviewed by : Nazgul W. On: 6/17/2012 8:47:00 PM

Reviewed by : Mark R. On: 6/15/2012 10:38:00 PM

Reviewed by : John H. On: 6/12/2012 2:07:00 AM

Reviewed by : Phil A. On: 5/19/2012 1:45:00 PM

Reviewed by : Dana T. On: 3/11/2012 2:34:00 AM

Reviewed by : S W. On: 3/10/2012 10:01:00 PM

Reviewed by : Annie G. On: 1/10/2012 8:10:00 AM