I recently visited Top Mongolian Bar-B-Q for lunch and I appreciated the different offerings on the buffet and how they played with the more traditional ingredients. A plate of fruit was a nice ending to the meal. Patrick Evans-Hylton/freelance

CHESAPEAKE — I remember the first time I dined at a Mongolian barbecue. It was the early 90s, and the location was in the perimeter around Military Circle Mall.

There was quite a crowd, and the heady smell of the grilling food was intoxicating. It was a big departure from traditional buffets, as raw ingredients were gathered in a bowl and cooked in front of you on a large, circular grill while you watched. I became an instant fan.

There are lots of legends about how the Mongolian barbecue was first created, with some credit going to none other than Genghis Khan himself. All I know is that it’s immediate, tasty gratification.

Open for lunch and dinner, Top Mongolian Bar-B-Q puts out quite a spread.

Tucked in a small shopping center and not immediately visible from the road, this eatery, which has been serving up dishes for a dozen years, is at The Shoppes at Plantation Woods.

Inside, a simple dining room in earth tones is accented with scattered artwork. Trinkets are sold at the counter — and in the center is a large wrap-around assortment of ingredients with the grill in the middle.

There’s the lineup of usual veggie suspects: noodles, shredded cabbage and shredded carrots, mushrooms, onions, scallions, tomatoes and the like. And many of the meats are familiar, too: beef, chicken and pork among them.

But there were some surprises. There’s fresh calamari, faux crabmeat, fresh shrimp and grilled tofu cubes. And pineapple chunks were offered, too. Most of these were items I’ve not seen at Mongolian barbecues before.

After ordering, an option of soup — I chose hot and sour over egg drop, a bowl of white rice, and a basket of small bread loaves studded with sesames — quickly was brought over. I enjoyed the soup and headed to the buffet.

I loaded my bowl up with vegetables and added tofu, some seafood, and pineapple before heading to an offering of around a dozen liquids that you ladle on, like hot pepper in oil, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

In short order, the ingredients were tossed on the sizzling hot grill, and the cook moved them around in a circular motion before transferring the piping-hot dish onto a plate. While it was being cooked, I visited another area of the counter and selected a platter mixed with fresh and canned fruit like cantaloupe, honeydew, Mandarin orange segments, and peaches.

My dish was very good. I appreciated the different offerings and how they played with the more traditional ingredients. The tofu and seafood was a hit, and I like the caramelized sweetness the pineapple offered. Everything was cooked until fork-tender, and the sauces married it all together.

THE DRINK: SHO CHIKU BAI SAKE

Sake is a definite treat when dining at Asian restaurants. The alcoholic drink is made from polished, fermented rice. And though it is often called rice wine, it is, in actuality, brewed more akin to beer.

This ancient beverage can be served cold or hot. At Top Mongolian it comes hot, with the earthenware carafe nestled in a large teapot of warm water, keeping it at a perfect temperature from start to finish. A delicate, handleless tea cup comes for pouring and enjoying.

Sake, a brewed, fermented alcoholic beverage is a definite treat when dining at Asian restaurants. Offered was Sho Chiku Bai, a delicate, sweet drink. Patrick Evans-Hylton/freelance

The brand served at Top Mongolian is Sho Chiku Bai, a delicate, sweet sake. The drink is clean and crisp and a wonderful pairing with the saucy plate of Mongolian barbecue. Look for mineral and toasted nut notes.

Top Mongolian is at 1320 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. Call 757-312-0053 or find them on Facebook.

Here’s something to wag your tail about: Yappy Hour Sundays at The Garage Brewery continues on June 5 and June 12. The mezzanine, patio and taproom are all dog friendly, and feature free treats, water bowls and blankets for your best friend.

The event runs from noon until 3 p.m. Sundays and offers $1 off full pours on beer. A food truck of the day will be on hand.

The Garage Brewery is at 1011 N. Eden Way, Chesapeake. Call 757-389-5353 or visit www.Garage-Brewery.com.

Ladies Night Out at Soulivia Art + Soul Restaurant next takes place on June 9 and June 16. The weekly event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Deals at this upscale, southern-style food and live music eatery include $4 bubbles, $6 select wines and $8 mimosas.

Soulivia’s is at 141 Hillcrest Parkway, Chesapeake. Call 757-908-2355 or visit www.SouliviasArtAndSoul.com.

Patrick Evans-Hylton, PatrickEvansHylton@gmail.com