In Howell Plaza, you will find this Chinese restaurant waiting for customers. Upon realizing that…read morethey did not open on Tuesdays, I decided to return at another time.
Brand: 5/5
Howell Kitchen is a Chinese restaurant located in Howell Plaza in Howell Township, and specifically serves Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines, which I appreciate. I really like the logo of Howell Kitchen with the leaping fish. The outdoor sign itself gets to the point with its name and Chinese characters. Inside, the grand wall art invites you with its realistic detail, and the wooden tiles give the establishment an authentic feel.
Website: 5/5
It has a pretty good design, with a first impression that easily captures any curious passersby, a gallery of the menu items, and an option to scroll down smoothly. I do like the section that shows quotes from famous cooks. Most of the items on the menu have their own images.
Wait Time: 5/5
I experienced no delays or issues while waiting for my order. I finished half of a page of fiction writing when my order arrived.
Ambiance: 5/5
The establishment had no music, and it really did not need it. The machines in the kitchen gave off a strange, soothing cadence, making me think they already had music. I especially liked my booth, since it felt as though I sat within an establishment within an establishment, with the decorative wall art, the comfortable seats, and the large table. Despite the small space, the interior uses as much space as it allows with that booth being an example. As for the menu selection, you have a large array of options of Chinese cuisine.
Food: 5/5
I ordered the Shrimp Egg Foo Young with sides of white rice and sauce. Every part of the meal had a well-prepared steam. The Shrimp Egg Foo Young had good texture along with the vegetables, even if it became difficult to cut with a plastic fork. While I could barely taste the shrimp, I could definitely taste the eggs and the vegetables. On their own they have an overall, unassuming taste, but dipped in the sauce and it has a pizza-like taste. I tried to use the sauce on the white rice as well, along with the complementary soy sauce, which definitely made the rice more savory and softer.
Service: 5/5
I had no issues with the staff, whether it came to my order or the overall service.
Cost: 5/5
Howell Kitchen manages to maintain a steady brand when it pertains to their food. Americans typically don't know about the distinct cultural identities throughout China, so I appreciate Howell Kitchen for specifying that they serve Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. They look especially exquisite on their website menu, almost enticing anyone to place an order immediately. The wait time it took to prepare the Shrimp Egg Foo Young definitely matched the quality of the dish, since clearly the staff care deeply about the food they make and the establishment. The ambiance immersed me into the dining experience, and it did not try my patience while waiting for the order.
Based on my first experience, I will say that it matched the standard appearance of a Chinese restaurant, with a tiny space and a view of the cooking process. However, what stood out was getting to sit nearby the painting, as though I became immersed into the landscape. The ambiance finds its way into the website as well. In order to enhance the Chinese cuisine within the website, my personal suggestion is to add quotes about Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine from throughout Chinese history.
When I take into account the Shrimp Egg Foo Young, the rice, the sauce, the experience, and the effort to travel to Howell Plaza, I will definitely say that the price was worth it, and I got to introduce myself to a new dish.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
I enjoyed my experience in Howell Kitchen and I have hope that it will continue to represent Howell Plaza. I would consider it my first choice the next time I arrive at the plaza.
Recommend To...
Anyone nearby the plaza looking for Chinese food.
