Shimas

The food at Shimas, an Asian restaurant at Westin Río Mar Beach Resort, is delicious. The ambiance is beautiful. The service is perfect.

But first things first. I loved the menu. Each selection is described not only by its ingredients, but by its country of origin as well. Never before had I given a thought to the origins of Oriental Dumplings (Hong Kong) or Beef Rendang (Malaysia.) If knowledge is power, I felt empowered as I studied Shimas' menu.

The sushi menu, under the direction of Chef Shogo of Osaka is available at the Sushi Bar or at your table, but we began our meal with "A Taste of the Far East" ($24 for 2), a combination of appetizers from Japan. Lobster Spring Roll, Dumplings, and Caramelized Chicken Wings were among the variety of sweet and sour, hot and cold tastes on the beautifully presented plate. We sipped wine as we lingered over the appetizers, and admired the room: a tiny and perfect Bonsai tree was the centerpiece of our peach and green linen covered table, on the second level of the spacious restaurant.

I chose "Szechuan from the Sea" (China, $32) as my main plate. Scallops, jumbo prawns and calamari were stir-fried in a ginger and garlic sauce with red and green peppers and Macademia nuts.

The flavor combinations were delicious!

My husband had the Pan Fried Sea Bass with Crispy Rock Shrimp Noodle Cake and a Panko Crusted Crab Claw (Singapore, $32). Also delicious.

At a later interview, I asked executive sous chef Richard Attenberry why the portions at Shimas were so large. He explained that while most restaurant meals have four courses (appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert) most Oriental meals have only two, an appetizer and main plate. He wanted to be sure his guests were satisfied.

"We try to create dishes that are simple and

straightforward, but fun and interesting," he said. "Many of our dishes are Asian fusion. The Sea Bass, for instance, I season with a Japanese seven-pepper spice called Tagarashi and then I use a Singapore Noodle made into a cake. The crab claw is a Chinese idea."

Shimas' desserts are also exotic. Try the Coconut Crème Caramel with Passion Fruit and Coconut Sesame Snap (Phillippines, $6), or Terrine of Green Tea Ice Cream, Mango and Coconut Sorbets with a Sashimi of Exotic Fruits (Japan, $7).

Shimas
Westin Río Mar Resort
Río Grande (787) 888-6000

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