Lucky Mi Noodle House is located inside the Seminole Casino in Immokalee, and was opened with the casino's remodeling which was completed in February 2012.
Sitting at the counter directly in front of the wok station and nearest the head chef was quite an experience. More on this in a bit.
As we were led to our seats, the host had with him what I could only surmise was a tea box. My surmise led to surprise when when he opened it and allowed me to select from the fine array of cheap chopsticks with which to feed my hungry maw. All the chop sticks were exactly the same, and I thought it was a bit unnecessary, but I selected what I thought looked like the best chopsticks of the bunch, or just the ones on top.
Service was very attentive, and liquid refreshments were delivered quickly. They even included a personal pot of hot green tea on the house. A nice touch! I ordered a large hot sake as well. I'm not entirely sure how large this thing was in ounces, but it was quite generous!
The head chef leaned over the counter, asked if we'd ordered food and what it was. Addressing him by title, I told him what it was, and he assured me that it would be right up. I told him that the order was only placed minutes ago, so I wasn't really concerned about how long it was taking. I saw that he was absolutely on top of everything that happened in that restaurant, not just the kitchen.
The young sous chef looked like he had only graduated high school a handful of years ago, and even that assessment might be a bit generous. He was mentoring a less experienced wok cook with a watchful eye and helpful guidance, all the while the head chef watched over both of them. This was perhaps the best run kitchen I've ever seen. A culinary ballet that was effing impressive. Everyone was happy and jokes were exchanged, all the while strict order was kept.
Food arrived VERY quickly. I was able to sample the General Tso's chicken, which was by far, the best I've ever had. Tender bits o' chicken in a sauce that I would have been happy to lick off the plate.
My Pad Thai was a very good Americanized version. The various tastes were a bit muted for my liking, but still, VERY good. The portions of both dishes were quite large, and the prices weren't bad either.
All the sizes of the entrees leaving the kitchen looked very large and delicious. There should be no concern about portion size here!
The chef made his way around the dining room checking on the patron's satisfaction. I wasn't under the impression that it was some sort of managerial obligation, as much as it was for his own personal quality control. Again - effing impressive.
I shall return. Of this, I have no doubt. They also appeared to do take away orders. read more