<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

With black tablecloths and sleek decor, Papaya creates an environment that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.

Of course, the Lunch Bunch had to start with shrimp dumplings, steamed and served with sweet teriyaki sauce. We all adored these warm, bite-sized appetizers and Kim declared them a must-have.

[caption id="attachment_13513" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC_0094.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-13513" alt="Avocado and Shrimp Salad." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC_0094-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> Avocado and Shrimp Salad.[/caption]

Guest Lunch Buncher and newlywed Nancy Saylor Hall ordered the Avocado and Shrimp Salad made with organic avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onions and grilled prawns over mixed greens. She wanted her ginger dressing on the side, and enjoyed each bite of this healthy and beautifully presented lunch dish.

Buck and Kim were both enticed by the daily specials. At the recommendation of our server Tyler, Buck tried the Cashew Chicken with sauteed carrots, peppers, green beans and broccoli, and he really liked it. Kim also was pleased with her Salmon Special — a perfectly cooked fillet atop greens and ginger dressing.

Elizabeth and I are big sushi fans so we decided to share two rolls. The Beaufort Roll has crab, cucumber and avocados topped with a variety of fish, eel and masago. The Crispy Tuna is rolled in tempura, giving the outside a light crunch that compliments the cream cheese, crab and tuna in the middle.

For dessert we tried the Sweet Rice Mango with coconut sauce and toasted sesame seeds, and it was yummy. But the star was the Fried Bananas with whipped cream and chocolate and

[caption id="attachment_13514" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC_0090.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-13514" alt="Cashew Chicken special" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC_0090-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Cashew Chicken special[/caption]

raspberry drizzle.

Deal savvy diners can take advantage of the Early Bird Menu from 4:45 to 6 p.m. The restaurant also has a great special taking place right now with half priced sushi and martinis on Thursday and Saturday nights.

Papaya Thai and Sushi Bar is at 1001 Boundary Street, Suite D, Newcastle Square in Uptown Beaufort, and is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 9 p.m. Call 843-379-9099.

[caption id="attachment_13515" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC_0103.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-13515" alt="Fried banana dessert" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DSC_0103-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> Fried banana dessert[/caption]