Transporting the mythical Tibetan “Lost Horizon” of peace and tranquility known as Shangri-La to a filling station in northeast Cobb County is a fantastic joke worthy of Monty Python. But funny as it seems, Shangrila Bistro on Canton Road is quite a happy, if unlikely, Asian dining destination.
The look: The sound of slamming car doors and the smell of gasoline fills the air at the busy strip center anchored by a Phillips 66 Mini Mart. Inside the tiny dining room, though, the mood gets mellow with meditative music, cheerful yellow walls decorated with multicolored prayer cloths and scrolls, and a ceiling aglow with ornate mirrored-fabric lanterns.
The scene: With just a few tables, the main business is about locals grabbing takeaway. But on a recent evening, there were several parties who'd traveled to Shangrila to confirm rumors that the chef was cooking Tibetan-style dishes. The personable Chinese owners were eager to suggest specials and steer diners through the varied flavors of the menu.
The menu: There's no yak or butter tea, but recent highlights included spicy beef with cilantro and green onions and some unusual shrimp and chive dumplings encased in a lacy batter. The mix of Chinese and Tibetan dishes ranges from kung pao chicken to dry stir-fried lamb. Lunch specials, including (no kidding) a Tibetan ham and cheese sandwich, come with fried rice and soup or an egg roll.
The drinks: Not exactly a bistro, Shangrila doesn't serve beer or wine. There's an Evian bottle on each table advertising that it's available in the cooler, along with Pellegrino and the usual soft drinks. Or you can order a soothing pot of tea.
The extras: Shangrila offers free delivery in the area with a $12 minimum order. There's a table with assorted Chinese and Tibetan items for sale, including singing bowls, tea pots and lanterns. And, of course, you can fill 'er up at the pumps before the ride back home.
Dining out
Shangrila Bistro
Address, phone: 3545 Canton Road, Marietta, 678-388-7878
Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Lunch specials, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.
Menu: Appetizers, salads and soups, $1.95-$8.95; entrees, $6.95-$29.95; lunch specials, $4.95-$8.95.
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