The Dedham Holiday Inn has long been one of our least favorites places. Its lack of cleanliness and attention to detail has caused us to avoid it for years. Now we see that there is a new restaurant situated on the premises. We guess that the new restaurant has an entrance from the parking lot and entrance into the hotel is not necessary. Shall we take the gamble and hope it surpasses our impression of the hotel? We were lucky that we decided to give it a try since we were favorably impressed. The establishment has an upscale Chinese/Japanese look to it. Bamboo has been used productively throughout the rooms to separate the dining areas and give the appearance of intimacy in each. The subtle oranges and black hues make the somewhat dimly lit rooms seem warm and inviting. The food here was a positive surprise. All the dishes were presented with attractive garnishes and they were all at least "average." We will definitely venture back to this restaurant and sample some sushi and other dishes not included in our first visit.

RESTAURANT:	BAMBOO
	55 Ariadne Road, Dedham, MA (across from the Showcase Cinemas attached to the Holiday Inn)
DATE:	November 2005
MEAL:	Dinner
BREAD:
SALAD:	The usual Japanese salad with a better than usual tangy dressing with a hint of ginger.
APPETIZER:	Very ordinary but tasty Miso soup.
ENTREE:	Tempura Deluxe - "As good as it gets" - Tom. The presentation was much nicer than usual and the batter was a perfect degree of crispness and flavor. The dipping sauce was a bit different and a nice combination of flavors.
	Mermaid Shrimp - Excellent. Each individual spice could be tasted and they blended together beautifully.
	Sizzling Beef and Scallop - Very good. A bit ordinary, but served well.
DESSERT:
OTHER:	Parking in Holiday Inn lot
	Dress is casual
	Food presentation well above average
	Wait staff exceptionally helpful and solicitous
OVERALL:	A- Definitely an excellent blend of Japanese and Chinese cuisines. We will definitely return.