So the first thing I'm going to say is, I didn't even know this place existed. I was driving down Old Jacksonville Highway on my way to Fresh and trying to be a little bit more smart than usual, didn't want to go shopping on an empty stomach. I have enough things in my kitchen that I'm never going to eat as it is.
That said, I saw the crude lunch special sign again and this time decided it was worth making a right turn to find out what was there. I got to park right in front and hopped out of my truck just as someone was coming out of Liang's. The first thing that met me was an incredible smell coming from inside. Honestly, I wasn't expecting it to be a Chinese place and thought the sign was more gonna be a taco stand, but the smell made me happy it wasn't. I also dug the Chinese Lions out front. When I got in I saw one of those drink robots up front and I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of those things, but whatever.
I got sat down to my table and saw they had a bar in the back. I asked if it was full stock but apparently they just have beer and wine. No worries, I didn't need to go grocery shopping with a buzz. As I walked by other people's tables, I saw orange chicken, some shrimp dish, and the exact thing I was going to be ordering:
Mongolian beef.
Now, here is the thing. Mongolian beef seems to be on just about every strip mall Chinese restaurant I have ever been to, and in all honesty, I've ignored it as most places end up giving you a plate of sautéed onions with a couple of pieces of meat that "might" be beef. But as I walked by this cute old couple who were obviously sharing their plate, I was a bit wide eyed at how much actual beef there was. I think the wife may have shot me a look, but hey t meh, it is what it is.
So I sat down and decided I was gonna start with the bobo platter which I rightfully assumed was a mix of different appetizers. However, before I could order, I was brought a plate of fried wontons and sweet and sour sauce. I told my server I didn't order it but they told me it was something they give for everyone. I'm sorry. I've never been given anything free from any Chinese restaurant, much less the Asian equivalent of chips and salsa. Not only that, but there is something different about the sauce, not sure what it was, but I liked it.
My appetizer had two different kinds of rolls, egg and spring, battered chicken, crab Rangoons two chicken sticks, and fried gyoza. I asked for Chinese hot mustard and chili paste and despite being busy, I had it in just a couple of minutes. They also give you some of that sweet and sour sauce and dumpling sauce that I enjoyed enough to pour all over my rice.
The chicken is why I'm not giving this place 5 stars. It was so overly fried, that I almost didn't finish it.
Now, before I could finish this thing that was definitely more fit for two hungry people, out came my dish. An interwoven basket of onions with at least as much beef in it as well. It smelled good, and was obviously just made to order rather than sitting around like a Chinese buffet. I liked it. I didn't immediately love it and was honest with my server about the fact that it wasn't as spicy as I'm used to. He suggested me pouring in my chili oil and he was right, it was so much better. He told me next time I could also order sautéed mushrooms and vegetables in it and I was like "how about if you can get me some of those mushrooms right now?"
Before I could get back from the restroom, they were there on the table and I added them in to my beef. SERIOUSLY??? HOW IS THIS NOT ON THE MENU??? It was sooo much better. The combination of the chili oil, the mushrooms, and the Mongolian beef itself was like a whole new experience. Next time I'll try adding some zucchini to it as well.
I'll be back and try to give the chicken another chance. But honestly, this place is worth becoming a regular part of my weekly shopping. read more