Fusion Bowl

Fusion Bowl is a fusion of Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine that is sure to satisfy just about any palate and wallet. The Asian restaurant opened September 3 in Lexington as the latest extension of a four-restaurant chain, without a chain like atmosphere. Red Bowl, another of the “Bowl” restaurants, satisfies hungry Northeast Columbia diners in the Village at Sandhill . Most of the four restaurants operate under different restaurant names, an aspect that reflects the variety Fusion Bowl has become known for.

Alex Xu, an operating partner at Red Bowl is from Shanghai and says he knows Asian cuisine. He Works as the General Manager because he loves giving people great food. “This is my passion.” And it’s easy to be passionate about a menu that mixes tradition and customization. Xu says one of the best things about the menu is that whether customers are choosing from a variety of sauces for a dish, or simply choosing from the varied menu, the Red Bowl and Fusion Bowl menus offer a multitude of choices.

This customizability is what Fusion Bowl says makes the restaurant’s stir fry dishes so popular. Vegetarian Tofu and General Tso’s Chicken are other favorites. Fusion Bowl frequenter and Lexington native Laura Hyatt visits the restaurant several times each week, and says she can’t get enough of the Sesame Chicken. “I’m addicted to it,” says Hyatt. Fusion Bowl also offers an extensive sushi bar with number one grade sushi for better quality.

Fusion Bowl partners also went to great lengths in the creation of the restaurant itself. Extensive stonework, a granite bar, tile walls, bamboo flooring and a huge waterfall that greets you as you enter the restaurant are just a few features that set the decor apart. But many of the dishes still average less than other area competitor. The fusion of varied cuisine, classy decor, fair portions and reasonable prices often come as a pleasant surprise to visitors. “When they come in, they’re really quite amazed,” says Mangum.

Equally amazing are the restaurant’s lunch and drink specials. Lunch specials usually range from $5.95 to $6.50. Drink specials vary daily and range from two to five dollars. And, of course, Sake is on the menu.

Fusion Bowl is more than a great place to eat, it’s also a great place to entertain and be entertained. An enclosed room at the back is an ideal place for social gatherings. It has a 50-inch TV and can seat up to 40 guests. In addition there are four TVs at the bar which make it a prime spot for game watching. Fusion Bowl owners hope to expand their success to the downtown Columbia and Harbison areas in the near future.