I love to try out restaurants so bought a Groupon for Zen Forrest.  I paid $5 for it, and would have $10 towards our meal.  I pulled up the website for this Asian restaurant, and knew that I would love it, but it wouldn't be Len's cup of tea.

I suggested to him that I take my girlfriend with me, so that we could stop in after walking on a Friday lunchtime.  Len insisted that there would be something he liked.  I telephoned Zen Forrest to check on their opening times.

This restaurant is only a couple of miles from home so I knew the location.  It is in a strip plaza with limited parking.  I parked up, and outside the restaurant were wooden tables, chairs, and umbrellas.  Living in Florida, we eat in the air-conditioning.

Opening the door the restaurant looked dark.  We waited a couple of minutes to be seated.  There was seating to both our right and left, and we were given a table to the left.  Some of the tables had a vase with pretty flowers in them, but ours didn't.

We were handed menus, and placed our drinks order.  When our server came back, I asked for a few more minutes, as this was our first time.

Len couldn't make up his mind, so I suggested the 'Healthy Stir Fry Chicken with a Spring Roll as one meal, and the  Banh Mi (French/Vietnamese sandwich).  This way he could try both, and either eat his, mine, or share both.

We had a fairly long wait for our server as he was doing side-work, and talking to another employee.  Upon his return I ordered for both of us.  I asked about the choice of sauce with the stir fry, as there were five to choose from.   Classic brown sauce, Lemon-grass sauce (gluten free), Tangy garlic sauce, Spicy Szechwan sauce, and Forrest Coconut Zing sauce (gluten free).  He suggested the Classic brown as Len seemed hesitant.  This was $7.25.  The Stir fry also comes in shrimp and tofu.  My Banh Mi sandwich was featured on "The Daytime Show".  It is a French bread filled with citrus roasted pork, garlic mayo, pate, cucumber, pickled carrots & daikon topped with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeño. (Tofu version available) @ $.5.95.

The Spring roll came out first, with a spicy mustard sauce, over lettuce.  I cut off the end to try it, and it was fresh, and flavorful.  Len dipped his in the mustard sauce, and didn't like the sauce.  He finished it plain.

We had another fairly long wait before our meals came out.  My sandwich looked really pretty on the white plate.  It was toasted, and I could see all the ingredients as it hadn't been pushed down.  The combination was great, and it tasted meaty, but fresh.

Len had half a plate of fried rice, and the other half had the brown sauce with baby corn on the cob, peppers, broccoli, carrot, and other ingredients.  Len ate the rice, chicken, and a few of the vegetables, but they were too dente for him.  I switched plates with him, and he told me he didn't want half of my sandwich.  

I asked our server for a box for my half a sandwich, which he came back with, and the check.  I told him how much I had enjoyed the food, and did say that when I come again, I will not be bringing my husband.

I have to say that the service was ultra slow, as the place was empty, and our server disappeared all the time.  However, I really did love the flavors, and combinations of the food.  The servers were dressed smartly.

This restaurant really does need brightening up.  The walls were green, with dark brown flooring.  The lighting was really low.  This is not what we expect in Florida at lunchtime.  However, it would probably make for a good romantic dinner at night.

They are only open for lunch on Tuesdays - Saturdays 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.  The menu ranges from $5.75 to $8.95.  The desserts on the lunch menu was Zen Forrest Dark Chocolate Mousse or Cheese cake @ $5.95.

They didn't have a 'take out' menu so I went on their website, for the prices, for dinner.  Soups are $4, starters range from $5.75 to $9. Main courses from $9.90 to $22.50.  Fish is market price.

Again from their website: Food is from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and China.  Chef Victor Wang has had 20 years of experience.  They have Vegan and Vegetain meals.

Opening times are:
Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 - 9:30, Friday & Saturday, 11:30 - 10:00, Sunday closed, Monday 4:30 - 9:30.

Zen Forrest is located at 4148 Rowan Road New Port Richey, Fl 34653.  Telephone 727-372-9545.

Recommended: Yes

Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Ask your server if you can find him
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening