We should all know this but often people reflect back to us how we treat them. I was reluctant to go in here because of the reviews with people complaining about the staff. However, I have to wonder if maybe with a bit more effort at being kind and polite most people would find that the staff most of the time will be kind in return.
I have traveled a lot for work and I tend to switch to cultural habits from the people from each area. A little bow when saying thank you, a little humility, and kindness go very far. When the Mom handed me a menu I looked her in the eyes and took it with both hands showing respect. She caught it and appreciated it.
I tend to treat people well, engage with them, listen, and show genuine interest and that often makes all the difference.
Yes, this is a family business. Yes, a young girl was working the front counter and she was very good at it. I asked a few questions while I was waiting and let her know this was our first time. Because we had a large order I could not carry it all by myself. She offered to help carry it out and I thanked her as anyone should.
I noticed her mom was paying attention standing just behind the wall and when she could see that I was treating her daughter well she came out and offered to help and thank me for coming in. I asked for some extra napkins and mentioned we had just moved in. She quickly got me napkins, tossed in extra fortune cookies, and offered free drinks too!
I thanked her again and asked if I could take a picture of the flames, her daughter repeated it in their native language, and instead of saying know she asked the cook to stand back and let me take a picture (I did not ask why I wanted it). I told her I'm a photographer (which I am). And then I encouraged the cook to come back into the picture.
Ok, that was a lot, so how about the food?
We had the egg drop wonton soup. Typical soup, very good wontons.
We ordered the Pu Pu Platter to get a sample of a few things. She gave us two orders!
My wife liked the shrimp and fried crab (I'm not a fan of most fried foods). But I liked the wing, the beef stick and the spare rib. All worth getting again.
We would not order the crab Rangoon again, it was overcooked and hard inside.
The fried rice was moist and tasty but could use a pinch more salt.
Some have complained the vegetable pieces were too big and not soft, I think that's a matter of taste. I like my vegetable firm, not mushy. They were correctly cooked for us and you could still taste the vegetables for what they are.
We had chicken egg foo young and I had better but this was still very good. We would order it again too.
Last, I tend to not like sweet and sour dishes but my wife does. She ordered a sweet battered beef in a dark sweet sauce. It was not my favorite, but tasted similar to other places. She liked it.
Will we be back? Yes. Recognize that the family that owns the restaurant is authentic and they may have a bit different cultural habits. Treat them nice, be polite and respectful, and in return, they will be kind and generous with you. read more