What makes a good Chinese restaurant?

I suppose this could be a heated debate for some, but we wanted to share our thoughts on what makes a good Chinese restaurant.

Most Chinese restaurants fall into 4 categories...

 

1. Americanized Chinese: This type of Chinese restaurant is most recognizable by entrées like General Tso's chicken,Sweet and Sour chicken and Chop Suey. Usually the spice level at Americanized Chinese Restaurants is little to none.

 

Wok in the Park Chinatown Sesame chicken.

2. Cantonese: This type of Chinese restaurant is most recognizable by entrées like Curry chicken, Dim Sum and Shark Fin soup. The spice level in most Cantonese Restaurants has some spice, but not overpowering.

 

Wok in the Park Rainbow Trout.

3. Szechuan: This type of Chinese restaurant is most recognizable by entrées like Kung Pao chicken, Ma Po tofu and Eggplant in Garlic sauce. Usually Szechuan Restaurants have a LOT of spice.

 

Wok in the Park Sassy Basil.

4. Shanghai: This type of Chinese restaurant is most recognizable by entrées like Soup dumplings, Drunken chicken andUdon Noodle Soup. Most Shanghai Style restaurants do not use too much spice.

 

Wok in the Park "char siu bau", made-from-scratch, fresh steamed bbq pork, or vegan bbq tofu steamed buns, with ginger-soy & spicy korean ssamjang sauces.

Wok in the Park is inspired by all of these styles of Chinese food but what sets us apart is:

1. No MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). We are very transparent about this and openly advertise it on our menu.
2. Fresh Food. All of our entrees are fresh and made to order. Because everything is fresh, we can easily accommodate Gluten free, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
3. Weekly Unique Specials. Not just discounted menu items, but Wok in the Park is proud to offer creative and inspired cuisine from our own Chef Jacob.
4. Craft Beer. Wok in the Park offers a well rounded list of traditional and local Craft Beer, Wine and Sake.
5. Entertainment. We love music and Art. Whether it be live Jazz on Saturday nights, Creative murals from Kaz Kuroki, or the owners singing Happy Birthday in 5 part harmony (or 6 part harmony, depending on who is working).

Let us know what you think makes a good Chinese restaurant!

Please contact Colton Ray at Google+ for Wok in the Park blog information, updates and stories.