[Quick, pre-review heads-up: their paper menu (as of 8/08/24) says that they are closed on…read moreTuesdays.]
Tried out China Garden today and got the cashew chicken lunch special, which included two scoops of what I think was their fried rice alongside the actual entree. It was a little light on the cashews, but considering how expensive it is to go out to eat these days, a smattering of those pricey nuts is acceptable when the meal is kept under 8 bucks. Additionally, l also ordered the egg rolls for an appetizer, of which it says there are two per order, but I got three. Maybe because they weren't actually egg rolls, but spring rolls. And maybe it was because they weren't full-sized spring rolls, but rather mini versions of spring rolls. That was okay, because they were still light, crispy, and flaky and came with two generous cups of that sweet, orange dipping sauce (duck sauce? sweet and sour? I don't know precisely).
Now, what follows next...I don't want it to come off as bashing, because that's not my intent. This place is great for what it does: cranks out cheap, delicious Chinese food, and I'll be back in the future, no doubt. However, if you're looking for ambiance, exotic or otherwise, keep shopping. Other than the almost-bare walls, it's got 6 small tables in the dining space, with room for double that, although there doesn't seem to be a need since there were only two diners when I came in at 12:45. However, they DO have the big aquarium that seems to come standard with a lot of Chinese food places, stocked with plenty of lively fish. And it doesn't even need it, really; I came for cheap, good, and fast, and they delivered on all points. One final thing is that they sell drinks by the individual can. Not really a point against; a lot of places do that.
But lemme tell you about what sets them ABOVE other places. It's a couple small things, but it shows they're thinking ahead; thinking about their customers' experience. I got my food to go, and when my order came out (barely 5 minutes later) everything was neatly packed up in a plastic bag. When I finally got to my eating location, opened up that bag and discovered a cutlery set, napkin, soy sauce packet, and fortune cookie all contained within it's own bag. I wanted to go back and kiss that nice lady on the mouth for her efficiency. It's beautiful; I don't have to hunt under anything or go back to get something they forgot--everything you need (unless you're a sodium-aholic and need that second packet of soy sauce) is right there. McDonald's sure as *&%$ isn't doing that for you, as I can attest to from earlier this week. You'd be lucky if they fold your bag closed so your fries stay hot! But China Garden's guest satisfaction isn't done there, my friend. Placed thoughtfully under my styrofoam container was a piece of corrugate--lightweight, yet STURDY--that made sure my entree's container wasn't bent or crushed as I carried it in that plastic bag! It's a small thing, yes, but the considerate FORETHOUGHT in this small addition is greatly appreciated, and I'm sure there are others out there who have had leaks and spills from similar take-out experiences.