Lotus Garden

I imagine Lotus Garden was built in the 70's and not much has changed since.  The cracker/roll basket idea, some of the menu items, the amber water glasses and probably even those metal dishes that the food comes in.  I( mean, when you print your menus stating that you're going to serve dinner rolls and never change the menu, you're locked into the dinner roll!)

... but the food is really good.  I'd say it's a step or two up from your run-of-the-mill strip mall Chinese joint.

We started with LOTS of appetizers.  Egg rolls, fried wonton, ribs, rumaki (a delicious 70's creation!) and potstickers.  The fried wonton was fresh and crispy.  The ribs were flavorful and charred, the rumaki was YUMMY and, well, the egg rolls are probably the best I've ever had.  It's not your standard frozen egg roll where they are all the same size and shape.  I'd say these are house made.

At the server's recommendation, I had the Szchewan Triple.  What I noticed right off the bat was that the chicken looked and tasted like chicken!  The beef looked and tasted like beef!  Let's face it, chicken and beef at most places is spongy and questionable.  The veggies were fresh and the sauce was delicious.

Our table also had the Sweet & Sour Chicken, which I loved because it was served with the veggies - like pickles, cauliflower and carrot.  I LOVE THIS!  We also had a Curry Shrimp. which had a deep curry flavor and was way better than any other Chinese curry I've had.  Lastly, we had a Lotus Fried Rice.  The report that the pork in the fried rice was top notch.  

The fried rice they serve is very dark and soy heavy.  It's okay, but I'd probably go for steamed rice next time.  

We had to ask for drink refills, which is always kind of irritating.  The meals stated that they were served with hot tea or coffee, but none was offered.

I'll be back!  Probably gonna order two egg rolls, too!

Delicious food!  Portions are large enough to share and to have seconds or thirds.  Wait staff was excellent. We have patronized this restaurant for over 50 years and love it every time!

My family has always dragged me here.  I have never had a good meal here.  Edible, yes but not good.  It is a cool old building, but I'm not impressed. The only thing I've ever enjoyed is the pot-stickers. Everyone else seems to like it, but I'm reviewing it, not them.