Fong Chong has a long history
Written: Feb 10 '00 (Updated Aug 09 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Very fast service - especially Dim Sum lunch
Cons: Dim sum can be inconsistent at Fong Chong (chefs come/go)
The Bottom Line: If you have never tried Dim Sum, you owe it to yourself to try it.
|
|
|
| tennis_player's Full Review: Fong Chong Restaurant & Grocery |
Fong Chong has an interesting history. I know, because my parents owned it for a period back in the late 1940s! Back in those days, it was just a Chinese grocery store with a small deli section with Roast Duck, BBQ Pork, Roast Pig side and, sometimes, Roast Squab.
Today, Fong Chong is a grocery store on the left side and a sit-down restaurant on the right side. They serve Dim Sum in the mornings from about 11 AM 'til early afternoon. On the evenings, they have a fairly extensive menu. It is a cafe atmosphere and very informal. There is no bar or full bar service, but beer and wine are available.
If you have never had Dim Sum, you should try it. It is typically only found in larger metro areas. It is a food classification within the Chinese cuisine. It is only served from early morning until early afternoon. It came to be due to a temper tantrum by an Emperor or Empress upon waking in a foul mood and wanting something different for breakfast. The Royal Chef was threatened with beheading if he produced the same old things, again. As it is said, "necessity is the mother of invention." He created a whole new style of foods. In olden days, it was available only to the wealthy.
It is always served in small quantities and can have as many as 200 various dishes. Think of dim sum as a meal made up of many different appetizers. This is similar to the Spanish Tappas Dinners. It is best to go with a number of friends. That way, you can sample more different varieties. Ordering is super simple. They come around with hand-push carts and you simply point to what you want. Each item is priced by the plate. It is interesting and a unique way to dine.
The food is decent but not exceptional. The Chow Mein and Chow Fun is pretty good and the Dim Sum is inconsistent. It depends who they have working in the kitchen that particular day. Getting and keeping good Chinese cooks in today's market is really tough. The prices are moderate and represents a good value.
The food is even better across the street at House of Louie. It has a full bar and several dinning rooms, one large banquet room that can be partitioned off for private parties. The service is better, here, than Fong Chong. The Dim Sum seems to be more consistent. The menu and competence of the kitchen is greater than across the street.
The House of Louie is owned by the same family that owns Fong Chong, Bob and Lonnie Louie. Bob Louie is now in his 90's and still works everyday. He's looking a little more frail but he still works hard as he always did. I worked for him when he was one of 5 principals in another restaurant, New Cathay, 82nd & Division way back in the 50's. I started out busing tables and, later, did hosting, waiting tables, short order cooking, janitorial and cashiering over a period of almost 10 years.
Think of Fong Chong as the smaller cafe style place and House of Louie as a more serious restaurant. Yet, the prices at House of Louie are about the same as Fong Chong, making it the better value. House of Louis is also open fairly late - 10 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends.
Jim
UPDATE:
I just received news that House of Louie (noted above) has been sold. I have not information what the new owners/operators now offer for their menu. This may mean that Dim Sum is no longer offered.
Jim
8/8/02
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
tennis_player
|
 in Electronics |
 - Top 500 |
|
Member: James Quon
Location: Northern California
Reviews written: 349
Trusted by: 253 members
About Me:
A retired Professional from 40 years in technical Sales & Marketing.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.