10/3/03 JohnHolly's Asian Bistro

If you’re idea of Chinese food is a bunch of celery and onions playing host to some chopped chicken, the whole swimming in a cornstarch thickened gravy, you’re in for a big surprise when you visit JohnHolly’s Asian Bistro. Then again, if you’re familiar with the other restaurants Chef John Ye has had his hand in—Little Ollie’s and Little Holly’s, then you know right away that his new venture is not going to be your stereotypical Chinese eatery.

Chef Ye has cooked around the world, and there is probably no one in the Denver area—Asian or otherwise--who has a better handle on food and cooking techniques. So, at JohnHolly’s you’ll find Chinese Steamed Red Snapper in a ginger sauce, Thai Duck in a hot chili sauce, Japanese style seared Albacore Tuna, all enhanced with the cooking techniques and ingredients of France, Italy, Spain, Germany and more. Don’t get me wrong. These are decidedly Asian dishes, but it’s the subtle incorporation of other influences that elevate this food to all new levels.

And, characteristic of his other ventures, the dining room at JohnHolly’s is boldly dramatic and ultra-modern. So, while you won’t find a single red lantern, there is no doubt you are in an Asian restaurant.

The fact is, JohnHolly’s Asian Bistro is so “outside the box” when it comes to Asian restaurants that it almost defies description. The only way you’ll ever fully “get it” is to check it out yourself, and see if you don’t agree.

By: Warren Byrne