Chinoise Café: A little of this, a little of that, a lot of flavor

Sometimes you just can't decide.

Thai? Sushi? Chinese?

That's what's great about Chinoise Café in Upper Queen Anne. You can find a little bit of everything in one spot.

The menu: A wide variety, mixing different Asian-inspired dishes. Old staples such as Pad Thai and General Tso's chicken can be found next to creative sushi rolls.

What to write home about: We tried the Grilled Beef Green Papaya and Mango Summer Roll as an appetizer, and were pleasantly surprised. The mix of fresh fruit and herbs kept the flank steak light and flavorful.

What to skip: Although I enjoyed everything I ate, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for. If you're not a fan of cilantro, be careful, they can go a little overboard. And if you don't like spicy food, ask them to go light on the spicy sauce on the sushi rolls. The sauce is full of flavor, but has a strong kick.

The setting: Chinoise has a relaxed atmosphere. You have a choice of sitting at a table or you can belly-up to the sushi bar. The open kitchen setting can provide entertainment as you watch your food prepared.

Summing up: What stands out is how fresh the food was. The vegetables in the Emerald Chicken and Vegetable had a good crunch to them. And the sushi rolls had an interesting mix of fish with fruits and vegetables. And the price is well worth it. Between two people, we had two entrees, two sushi rolls, an appetizer, soup and a lot of leftovers for less than $50.