It's all the generalizations that go with being fast-food-American Chinese. Hole-in-the-wall, greasy spoon, divey, etc. A decent and affordable option when needing food but per reviews and my order the other day, I am without doubt that quality changes daily. Solid 3.5 stars.
Look at their fried rice for instance. Some say it is fresh and tasty. Others have said it is dry and old. I've mentioned in other FF-American Chinese reviews, when ordering rice its good to tell the counter-person that you'd like the rice "fresh". Which indicates to them, they must add some quantity of water to the wok when reheating rice. Reheating rice?? In most cases fried rice is made in advance. Even up to a few days in advance (as gross as that sounds). With the time it sits stagnant in a rice cooker, all the while it continues to dry out. This rice is reserved for and always served with lunch or dinner specials. It's why they're able to throw the food at you in a manner of minutes. In some rare cases fried rice may be created fresh in-person. This only happens when you make a strict point and request it made in your presence or you've ordered some sort of special fried rice. I.e Shrimp, Happy family (all proteins - beef, chicken, egg, pork, shrimp), etc
With lunch specials, if you like your rice to have a fresher appearance you must request it so. In many cases, to keep your business, they will oblige. Not always the case which is why they are regarded as "greasy spoon" type restaurants. Note: If you have already taken this home and feel that the rice is "too dry".
Do this: Empty the fried rice into a steamer and steam it. Use only a small quantity of water. If you don't have a steamer, no worries. Empty the fried rice into a frying pan. Top with a few tablespoons of water and heat it at Medium. Once most of the water has evaporated you are done. If you like to reheat your entree, this is a good time to add that to your rice. Reduce the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. If you don't mind co-mingling flavors, give the pan a stir once or twice so that it all cooks evenly.
I tried them out the other day for the first time grabbing a sizable order for sharing. Ordered two lunch specials with egg roll and chicken fried rice. (There's an option of white, chicken or pork) Also got an order of the fried potstickers and crab rangoon. After placing the order I noticed they had a newer menu with tantalizing photos. On the front cover was a tasty looking chicken dish. So.. the glutton I am, I ordered that as well. The counter-person quoted a 20 minute wait if I really wanted that chicken. I did. So, I waited.
How was it?
The rice was dry as fuck. I hated it. At the time of my order it was the only one placed. They had just fulfilled some take-out orders and hit a dry spell. There were two employees working. You'd think they could have listened to my humble plea to make the rice more fresh and between them taken the time to prepare accordingly. The entree portions were alright. Beef pepper steak and Kung Pao chicken. The pepper steak was overloaded in green peppers and onions. The Kung Pao had the tiniest shrimps you've ever seen but tasted quite nice. Subtle sweetness with a spicy kick. I had requested both entrees be prepared extra spicy. They obliged with the Pao, the pepper steak neglected any spice. (If you like shrimp, I'd check to see if they offer Jumbo. Pay the $1 or $2 more)
I opted not to finish my lunch until it was cooked properly. So, the method I described above is what I administered before we sat down for lunch. I used a frying pan and refreshed the rice and reheated the entree. Everyone was pleased. One comment (from my lunch group) was that we should keep these guys as an lunch option, so long as Jacob is present to reheat the food.
Appetizers. Reviews were correct about the Crab Rangoons. These fried pockets are chocked full of sweetened cream cheese with a paltry bit of imitation crab. The fried potstickers were a hit as well. Fresh (for the most part) with a meaty stuffing.
Last but not least. The 20 minute, Sweet & spicy chicken wing. The sauce was goooey. Gelatinous. I realize this isn't an attractive word but that is a perfect adjective to describe how the sauce was ladled out of the container. I'm sure the sauce was made with Hoisin because of how salty & sweet it tasted. Much like "Chinese spareribs" which is another staple of FF-American-Chinese food. Although it took 20 minutes to prepare, it's hard to tell why they needed the time. In no way could this go up against the hot and spicy wings offered at Great Seas on Lawrence Ave. These are frozen chicken wings that have been fried and plunged into the thickest, viscous sauce known to man. When biting at the wings, the meat tore away like chicken wire tearing at our gums. Much like the appetizer "Tiger cry".
If only they could maintain quality. And, why was the helper clipping fingernails in the kitchen in between frying & cooking. Yuck. read more