Rickshaw Paddy mixes Asia, Emerald Isle by Kareen Faulkner, Outpost contributor Rickshaw Paddy sends mixed signals, but the food is clearly original. Photo by Sean Horejs Rickshaw Paddy is a recent addition to the Reno restaurant scene. Billed as an "Asian bistro," the menu boasts a colorful combination of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian and Korean influences. It includes 12 appetizers, six soups, four salads, six desserts and more than 35 entrees, basically something for almost any appetite. Entree choices include vegetable, seafood, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, duck and fish. The atmosphere is pleasant. Muted green tones with mirrors and plants creates a cozy, relaxed feel. Irish music (the"Paddy" part of the restaurant) plays in the background and adds a festive, yet playfully confusing touch.  My friends and I ordered three appetizers to start, and they arrived before we had selected our dinners. Our waitress was attentive, prompt and she cleared the dishes hastily and considerately.  The Indonesian spicy eggplant appetizer was the highlight of my Rickshaw Paddy experience. A mix of garlic, red chili, lemon and soy is served with triangles of flat bread and eaten like a dip. The Chinese potstickers were crisp with a smooth, flavorful sauce. Filled with curried chicken stuffing, the Thai spring rolls had an unusual taste too difficult to describe.  The dinner, served family-style, was once again prompt and the presentation colorful and appetizing. We chose the roasted five-spice chicken salad, delicious with a light soy-ginger dressing. The Pad Thai was dry and tasteless. The Rickshaw crispy chicken (a Paddy favorite) was spicy and enjoyable, but eating it was a chore because it's prepared on the bone. The Thai spicy scampi didn't disappoint though, it was beautifully presented and cooked perfectly. It was far and away my favorite dinner dish.  The Rickshaw Paddy logo carries with it an intriguing story. For dessert we ordered chocolate grand Mandarin and Rickshaw Paddy bread pudding. The grand Mandarin is a dark chocolate cake with Grand Marnier liquor mixed in, giving it a subtle orange flavor. The bread pudding was dry, and no one liked the fruit on top.  The prices are as varied as the menu selections. Appetizers range from $3.25 to $9.95 with an average price of $5.50. Entrees are anywhere from $6.50 to $12.95 with many options in the $7 to $8 range.  My favorite part of the meal was the appetizers. I would go back again just for the spicy eggplant dish and a cocktail. Reservations needed for large groups or parties.  Rickshaw Paddy 4944 S. Virginia St, Reno 828-2335 HOURS: Lunch: 11:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m. - Monday through Saturday - closed Sunday / Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Monday through Saturday- closed Sunday PRICES: PRICES: Appetizers $3.25-$9.95, Entrees $6.50-$12.95 PAYMENT POLICIES: checks will be accepted with a guarantee card, Visa, Mastercard, American Express.    Posted March 8, 1999 Copyright 1999 Nevada Outpost   Top