While looking up the address for Yau's I happened to come across the review by Grace G. I can't speak for her experience there, but it is completely different from mine. In fact, I felt compelled to create an account to set things straight.
Grace does have a few things right, though. First, Yau's does serve authentic Thai/Chinese food as she originally stated. It has a ton more flavor than your local Chicago Chinese place is going to, especially in the suburbs, as the food is made fresh and the sauces aren't just three different bases with different seasonings thrown in to make it multi-purpose. Second, Yau's is a family place, family run and family friendly.
That being said, I felt the rest of the points in Grace's review were way off base. Starting from the top of her laundry list of problems:
1.) Yau's is a fine place to go for an intimate and cozy dinner. If you are looking for candlelight and soft music you will find them here. If your requirements also include a five mile child-free zone, then this is not the place for you. The small seating area (they also have some tables set up outside) and the beautifully decorated interior create a nice ambiance; one that is not pretentious, just elegant. And don't make the mistake of assuming there will be screaming children, the owner's or otherwise. As I frequently eat at Yau's, I've seen the grand-kids there on occasion and they have always been well behaved. On the other hand, as a family run business, and a family friendly one, would you really expect that the grand-kids would be shoved into the back room if you show up right at closing time? You can take well behaved and older children here, have a wonderful dinner in an "adult" restaurant and not be given dirty looks.
2.) Having never been to China I cannot tell you which Yet-ca main recipe is more "authentic". If you want the same version of a dish you find somewhere else then go there. Otherwise, ask someone at Yau's about the difference. They'll be happy to explain as well as tell you how the dish should be eaten. (Example: if you find cabbage on the side of your plate, it is not garnish. Mix it in and enjoy.)
3.) The main complaint here seems to be "bland" and "not spicy". As someone who enjoys EXTREMELY hot foods, I must say that the Midwest is not exactly a haven for heat-seeking gastronomes. If the average person walking in the door can't eat the food because of the heat, they won't come back. Hence, the requirement that you must specify how hot you want the dish when you order comes into play. The key here is to impress upon the staff how hot you want the food and that you are serious about it. And as at any good restaurant, they would rather add heat slowly at Yau's so that you don't leave thinking you can't eat their food. I always start out by ordering the food extra, extra, extra hot and then add on that they cannot possibly make it so hot that I will return it. Even at Yau's which I must say made it hotter than most places I've eaten at after this stipulation, I asked for additional peppers to be brought so that I could flavor the dish to my liking. Three bowls of Thai chili's later they had the idea. The next time I went in, I was recognized, and while I may still have to add some of the peppers myself, each time I eat there whatever I order reaches my table a little hotter. And who can really complain about having to add your own peppers when the Thai chili's are fresh from the owner's garden?!?
4.) Yau's is not the type of place to stretch out their dishes by cheating you on any of the ingredients. Their prices are equivalent to any other moderately priced Chinese restaurant. You get enough food for at least two meals, and their ambiance sets them apart, as does the warm towel to wash up after dinner.
So, if you are a snob who wants everything just so without bothering to ask for it, don't come to Yau's. If you want some of the best Chinese and Thai food in the area, though, give them a try. read more