Feng Asian Bistro, Hartford

Feng Asian Bistro is definitely the place to be. The overall impression is stunning and the swirl of the crowd is exciting. The mix-match possibilities of a menu with sushi and sashimi, rolls, hand rolls, platters, main dishes and sides boggle the mind. Just reading the sushi bar menu makes your mouth water: "Foxy Lady" with calamari, papaya, avocado and salmon; "Italian Stallion," with shrimp tempura, cucumber, asparagus, spicy yellowtail and aoko and momiji sauce; and Feng's signature roll "Number 93," with deep-fried soft shell crab, Parmesan cheese, jalapeno, black caviar and flakes of real gold. With its sophisticated, upscale atmosphere, Feng seems more like the type of restaurant you would expect to find in New York or Boston. It is a refreshing change of pace for diners in the market for something a little more out of the ordinary.