This is a typical Cantonese style fast food with sit down service. While I miss the classic Chinatown (Manhattan) joints dearly, this place comes close as far as menu choices, pricing, and it's in the heart of Main Street. (Steps from the LIRR and minutes from the 7 train). I have to say the highlight of my meal besides the great waiter service (I got the younger guy of the bunch) was the Crispy Pork. It was hung in the window on display just like they do in many Chinatown spots. The pork skin was crispy and not greasy. I think I lucked out on the section they served me as well. I normally would request the mid section but in haste, I just ordered and anticipated what would appear. Our pieces were cut from the ribs and had just the right amount of fat and lean on the meat. I ordered this as an appetizer portion (two rib servings as they say in Cantonese) as my kid loves this style of pork. Comes close between the BBQ roast pork or this...we opted for this as the offerings on the BBQ one was slim and almost sold out.
The waiter as mentioned, was quick to take my order, offered me comparable suggestions when I asked for things not typical of a take out place. He also gave a great recommendation on the string bean dish - which I ordered with a garlic sauce. He was always polite and brought me everything I asked for - bowls of rice, cans of iced tea, iced water, and extra napkins. I even ordered a fried egg for my son to put on his rice. He was more than accommodating.
The rest of the meal was ok ... nothing to rave about as it was just typical Cantonese style fare. And if you refer to my photos, you will see that I ordered a little more gourmet than there standard fast food choices. I'm sure the regular fast food would have been good as I was oogling the tables near me. But given the guests that were with me, they really wanted a classic Chinese fish dish and some seafood. So I ordered what the "staples" are in any "family style Cantonese" restaurant would serve. The classic steamed flounder with seafood soy sauce - whole fish plated with scallions and garnish of Chinese Parsley. And we ordered the twin lobsters, ginger scallion style. Safest bet if you want to test the kitchen's culinary skills. Never order the "canned or jarred sauce" styles...it's too easy to cheat as those give you flavors that are ready made/store bought, not skill based.
So the funny thing with the lobster dish...they served it chopped into pieces and plated with head and tails displayed (as it should be) but noticeably, the claws were different sizes. Ok, so I did say two lobsters but can I tell you, only three claws were similar sized. One was noticeably smaller. So either I got some dwarf type lobster claw or they swapped one for another in the kitchen. Not sure but didn't question it as again, I was with guests and only I noticed. Left it alone. Taste wise, it was on point, the ginger scallion combo is the best - where you get a nice sautéed look and light flavors but doesn't mask the freshness of the lobster itself. So they can get a passable review just for the pork dish and this lobster dish.
Where I deducted or not gave more stars was this ... the steamed flounder I mentioned earlier, plated beautifully on the long platter, head and tail on. But oddly, they de-skinned the fish on the top. So instead of me seeing it skin on ... as it should have been. I give them credit for keeping it all in tact but you must admit, it was strange to see it that way. The garnish and display was nice but what happened to the skin begs for other questions I didn't want answered at this point. LOL
So while I do miss "Dragon Town" (which was direct competition a block away), this could be my new go to place. It offers good Cantonese style fast food - various noodles, "to go" staples of assorted rice dishes, fried "donuts" or fried "stick" as some say (it's fried dough) and congee. I would definitely come back but stick to the menu as offered. If you want fancy family style seafood, go elsewhere for that quality but come here for the price. My guests enjoyed the dinner and that's what counts. read more