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WEST CHESTER — It doesn't happen often but occasionally all of the elements that are necessary for a great restaurant come together and diners find themselves unable to resist. Rice Rocket Asian Grill in West Chester is an example of such a place offering a fusion of delicious Asian delights in a contemporary and friendly atmosphere.

"I wanted to try something different and healthy so I created the Build Your Own Bowl, in which most of the food is grilled and served layered" said owner and chef Raul Orosa.

While the decor is pleasant the food is what will keep diners coming back to Rice Rocket which isn't surprising considering Orosa's extensive culinary background. Over the past 19 years he has worked with culinary greats around the country including a stint as the Sous Chef under Wolfgang Puck. After deciding to open his own restaurants Orosa moved to Dallas and opened four Japanese fine dining establishments. He then moved to West Chester after a marketing company told him it was the best place in America to open a new eatery with an unusual theme.

"My restaurants in Dallas specialize in fine dining where Rice Rocket is more like fast food but I wanted it to be unlike other Asian restaurants," Orosa said.

The term "fast food," however, doesn't do Rice Rocket justice. Chef Orosa spends five to six hours each morning preparing his menu and displays all of his food at the counter so customers can see everything he has to offer.

"I want people to know that we are clean here and there is nothing served that they can't see," he said.

The restaurant is spotless and as diners go through the line they can choose their favorite Asian foods to build their own bowl. Choices for the bottom layer include pan seared noodles or seasoned rice. The meat selections feature Japanese ribeye steak that is marinated in yakisoba sauce with sesame oil and garlic. The newest customer favorite is Thai style chicken that has a citrus marinade, and the pulled pork is covered in a mushroom soy sauce with sushi vinegar and a sweet tomato glaze. The meat menu is rounded out with Japanese grilled fish that is baked with soy aioli gratin and served over rice.

"I wanted to offer Japanese, Chinese and Thai foods so customers could taste a variety of Asian influences," Orosa said.

Contributing Writer

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By Teri Horsley

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Contributing Writer

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how to go:

WHAT: Rice Rocket Asian Grill

WHERE: 9220 Allen Road, West Chester (at the corner of Union Centre next to Tazza Mia)

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mon - Fri. Closed Weekends.

COST: The steak bowl is $5.99, chicken is $4.99, pork is $5.49 and fish is $5.99 Sides are $1.75 and drinks are .99 cents.

MORE INFO: ( 513) 874 -RICE (7423)

CRITICS CHOICE: Japanese oven baked fish fillet (bowl) with soy aioli gratin over rice, and Thai Citrus Chicken (bowl) over teriyaki glazed grilled vegetables.