Approaching the worn- but still controversially-bright- blue awning on the face of Wing Lee's tiny run down corner lot, one can't help but expect classic greasy Chinese takeout. The aesthetic experience doesn't end there. Upon entering, a diner's first impression will inevitably include the small room's centrepiece- a tired bug zapper, on its last legs after fighting a years-long war with so many beasts still adorning its grill. Any competing screams for attention will come from the large, gaudy Deal or No Deal electronic gambling game on another wall, which waiting diners will mindlessly stare at.
The woman who took our order was neither pleasant nor unpleasant, I'm not sure we ever made eye contact. The prices were reasonable. The food's preparation time was not impressive, but acceptable.
Unpacking the food I was immediately disappointed. I received an onion-lovers serving for my 'no onion' Kung Po chicken chow mein. I'm uncertain I've ever seen more onions in any Chinese food, ever. I covered almost half a plate with the ones I removed. Furthering my disappointment, my Kung Po chicken appeared to be a regular skinless chicken breast in watery brown sauce somewhat resembling the Kung Po taste I know. All this aside my meal was admittedly a little tasty, and I was impressed with the amount of spring rolls received in our appetizer order (and the free shrimp chips/crisps.)
What I must rave about is the Szechuan chicken my friend ordered. It was delicious, and unlike any Szechuan dish I've eaten, (if I was a little more confident in my knowledge of Chinese food I would say it's categorically *not* Szechuan style.) It was not a brown sauce, but rather a dry chili seasoning, very similar to the seasoning on orders by the name of 'chili calamari' in various Asian restaurants I've been to in North America. I would think that we were given the wrong order but it was a dish my local friend orders regularly.
There were no fortune cookies in our bag.
For cheap Chinese takeout: two and a quarter stars. read more