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papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 331
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 7:59 pm: |     |
B&H was the first chinese restaurant we tried when we moved in, and i wasn't impressed at all. Sauces indeed weren't gloppy or laden with grease, but i didn't find them packed with much flavor either. I'm the last one to claim that i'm an expert in fine chinese cuisine, but when you order sesame chicken, you pretty much know what you're going to get... except for B&H. I just figured people went there because it's in the village and it's convenient and decent enough to not look much further. I, too, prefer Hunan Wok (not that it's gourmet, but it's consistently pretty good), and i've never had any issues with their service. Although i mainly pick it up. |
Thenewguy
Citizen
Username: Thenewguy
Post Number: 47
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 8:04 pm: | |
First experience with Hunan Wok: blade end of a plastic knife embedded in a deep fried jumbo shrimp. What a non-tasty surprise!
B&H meal a half hour ago: overcooked, bland, and stale tasting roasted pork. But at least I am not doing dishes and the bean curd home style was not bad. |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 543
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 8:25 pm: | |
Try the China Gourmet on Eagle Rock Avenue off Prospect, in West Orange. It is absolutely elegant Chinese food, beautifully prepared, and the equal of any in New York. They probably won't deliver as far as Maplewood, but they are very child friendly, and even have an indoor fishpond for your kids' amusement. We've been going there regularly for years, and we love it. |
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 109
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 9:04 pm: | |
I've gone to Hunan Wok a fair number of times ... usually go with something fairly generic like Singapore Mai Fun or their fried chicken wings. And I love their fried wontons. I enjoy their food ... I think it's good for the money and I go pick it up, so I've never dealt with delivery. Parking has never been an issue and you don't have to deal with downtown traffic.
That being said I usually go to Hunan Spring in Springfield for more upscale fare, such as your General Tso's Chicken. Actually haven't tried that sort of thing at HW.
Anyone ever try Panda Kitchen a little further down Springfield? Used to go there but I like HW better. |
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 599
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 10:30 pm: | |
"Anyone ever try Panda Kitchen a little further down Springfield? Used to go there but I like HW better."
I like Panda much better than HW (although to be fair I only had HW once or twice). We've been getting take-out at Panda for many, many years. Decent food (good lo mein, good buddhist delight...our standards), great service and lovely owners who are very supportive of our community. |
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 333
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 10:15 am: | |
I like Panda too. In fact, i like both HW and Panda equally, which is pretty good considering we tried a half-dozen other places in SO, Maplewood, Millburn, and Springfield and didn't like any of them for one reason or another. I typically decide which one of the two to order from depending on where i am at the time and what i'm in the mood for (e.g., i like Panda's wonton soup better, but HW has pan fried noodles =-). |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 364
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 12:00 pm: | |
Had carry-out from Ginger Taste for the first time on Sat and really enjoyed it. Flavorful, and a different selection of dishes than the take-out places we've been using (Hunan Garden and Peking Palace). We'll order from there again.
Yummy scallops with mango and jicama. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 5852
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 1:51 pm: | |
Where is Ginger Taste?
We got three dishes from Panda and found them "cheap" and greasy. Not going back.
Try the "Shrimp in Spicy Tea Sauce" from Bill and Harry. Very good.
greenetree, good suggestion to refuse service. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 368
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 2:06 pm: | |
Tom, Ginger Taste is the former IHOP in Millburn, used to be Sampan, I think. I don't know if it's a new business or just a new name. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3060
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 2:07 pm: | |
what I like about B&H -- the chicken is non-mystery white meat, my son loves their Sesame Chicken and I like the chicken w/ garlic sauce (they put in the veggies I request). Hubby likes the shrimp dishes.
what I don't like -- no tasty appetizers. dumplings are icky. |
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 118
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 2:59 pm: | |
I have to admit I have an affinity for the storefront takeout Chinese food places we're talking about. If my wife is out and I don't feel like cooking for myself it's my first choice for an inexpensive substantial meal.
So maybe my opinion needs to be taken with a grain of MSG.
I like HW and Panda both. |
parkah
Citizen
Username: Parkah
Post Number: 107
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 2:27 pm: | |
bill p.... i totally agree.
most any chinese place with pictures of the food above the counter is okay by me. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 147
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 4:38 pm: | |
OK that must be the issue I'm having here. I could NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER eat at those tiny cheapy white chinese storefronts in Brooklyn or Queens (or any borough for that matter) with the bullet proof plastic windows. You know the one that prides itself on it's $3 quarts of pork friend rice. So if you like that style of Chinese I at least know I should ignore your Chinese food recommendations.
I'm sorry but I'm looking for a bit of integrity to my food. All the area Pandas and Hunan Wok they all have this cheap greasy flavor. I want fresh ingredients that are carefully prepared. I'm sorry. I just haven't found a Chinese place that is 1/4 as good as an AVERAGE chinese restaurant in the city. By my old W. Village apt. in the city, I had three inexpensive chinese places in a 2 block radius where the food was amazing (Hunan Pan, Baby Buddah, and Sung Chu Mei).
Now I pay the same amount of money (and sometimes more) for Chinese in NJ and I am lucky if I can even stomach a Chinese meal. So complain about B&H (like I do too) but most of the time the food is at least edible. |
Dave
Citizen
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5614
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 4:49 pm: | |
The Hunan Wok in South Orange (Village Plaza) is the best I've found in the two towns for quick tasty take-out. I may head there tonight. The Peking (Great Wall?) place in West Orange is good, too. Nice photo of the Great Wall to stare at while you wait. Good squid dish, when they have it.
The most authentic take-out is at Kam Man on Rt. 10 in East Hanover, but many laowai's don't like the authentic food (not enough sugar and deep frying is my guess). Their baozi is heavenly and the zha jiang noodles incredible. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 382
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 5:11 pm: | |
random thoughts about cheap Chinese and golfers
Village Plaza = Hunan Garden (it's right outside my window as I type)
West Orange by CVS = Peking Palace, I think
W. SO Ave = Great Wall
I don't know where Hunan Wok is, probably too far south.......
Dave, I'm so glad you weren't hurt by the golf ball!! What are these people thinking? What if Bob K had been hit on the head or face instead of the back when he was biking?? Sheesh! |
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 129
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 8:13 am: | |
Alley Gater,
Have you tried Hunan Spring in Springfield? About a 10 minute drive. I find their food to be quite good.
And it's a regular restaurant, not the picture menu place. I appreciate both styles of Chinese cuisine, for the record. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 152
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 10:40 am: | |
No, I meant to ask you, how do I get there? |
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 134
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 10:58 am: | |
Just head down Springfield Avenue past the entrances to 24 and 78, keep going until you reach Morris Avenue (there's a CVS and a bank on your right) and turn right. At the second light it's on your right ... just turn right at that light into the parking lot.
I hope you like it ... I lived in the city for a while too and I know that's the Western Hemisphere's mecca of Chinese cuisine. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 5890
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 1:01 pm: | |
AlleyGater, I haven't been to Baby Buddha, but I've been to Mama Buddha on Hudson St many times. Now I understand what your standards are. Once you've eaten there, it's hard to go anywhere else.
Do you eat shrimp? (I know you avoid certain types of animal.) If so, I highly recommend Bill and Harry's Shrimp in Spicy Tea Sauce. Still, the veggies won't be as good as Baby Buddha. |
canismajor
Citizen
Username: Canismajor
Post Number: 319
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 8:45 pm: | |
Try Mr. Chu's on Route 10 West in East Hanover. It's amazing, on par with Cathay 22. It's about a half mile down the road from the Kam Man market.
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AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 155
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 1:25 pm: | |
Tom, I meant to type Mama Buddah. Baby Buddah is also good, and I presume owned by the same people, located just a few blocks away on Washington St, and I think 12th street (Bank St. maybe).
I have tried almost every Shrimp dish at B&H except the Spicy Tea sauce. I'm going to get that one next. I find the shrimp are totally acceptable at B&H but as you pointed out the veggies are sorta the down side. It isn't even that they are low quality but rather there is a lack of em. Also sometimes their variety is extremely limited. I have been getting in the habit of asking them to throw in some snow peas to just about anything I order. They have never balked about it, and haven't charged me extra yet either. So you can see why B&H is top on my list of Chinese restaurants right now.
Thanks for the other Chinese restaurant suggestions guys. I'm going to try them out soon. |
parkah
Citizen
Username: Parkah
Post Number: 108
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 2:09 pm: | |
hahah... alleygater... you would never ever ever eat at those "tiny cheapy white chinese storefront" yet you're willing to eat at bill and scary's??? i guess it being located in the maplewood village has got you fooled.
chef ho in the village right off of broadway is my preferred *upscale* chinese fare (fresh veges, no grease, great flavor).
if you're into greasy (look away alleygater) chinese food, off the wall in hoboken can't be beat. |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5635
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 3:12 pm: | |
Sometimes it's easier to cook "homestyle" Chinese food.
"Lotus box" : slices of sweet lotus root stuffed with ground pork, ginger, scallions and a drop of shaoxing wine; lightly battered & fried.
Sichuan tofu, four-season beans and lotus boxes (to the right was a sweet & sour fish (tilapia))
 |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2713
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 5:12 pm: | |
Regarding ever reaching even a sense of consistency - let alone unanimity, regarding the quality of Asian food in this vicinity:
-s.
BTW: FWIW, B&H & Mr. Chu's get most of my business, and I still miss Chan's Palace. |
spw784
Supporter
Username: Spw784
Post Number: 672
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 6:39 pm: | |
Wasn't sure if I should create a new thread, but for those B & H fans who possibly work outside of M/SO... The Livingston location delivers - through RoadRunnerdelivers.net
http://www.roadrunnerdelivers.net/menus/restaurant.cfm?restaurantID=45&CatID=13
RoadRunner hopes to expand to M/SO in the next year or so...
but if you work/live in Livingston, WO, East Hanover, Millburn, Short Hills, Whippany, Roseland, Parsippany... you can get delivery! |
mantram
Citizen
Username: Mantram
Post Number: 113
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 10:00 pm: | |
We ordered the Sesame Beef (extra spicy) from Bill and Harry's and it was TO DIE FOR! Their food is fresh and 97% of the time delicious. I just don't understand the criticisms of some folks for B&H. Rather than just name calling, perhaps you'd like to make specific comments on what was wrong with the food. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 157
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 11:49 am: | |
I'm impressed with your skills Dave. Do you do delivery? |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 386
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 12:05 pm: | |
Dave - or recipes? esp. for the green beans? |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 213
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 11:29 pm: | |
On BillP's suggestion, we tried Hunan Spring in Springfield. My first reaction was a bit of irritation with the higher prices. My wife was AMAZED that her Sesame Chicken didn't have a single vegetable in it (it usually comes with at LEAST broccoli everywhere else). I wasn't in LOVE with the Chow Fun, but admittedly it wasn't bad either. Our scallion pancake was a bit small but at least had a nice dipping sauce.
Most importantly though the food didn't have that weird flavor (I call it the Apothecary Flavor) that every North NJ Chinese restaurant's food has. I know you guys are going to think I'm CRAZY, and my wife does too. But there is SOME ingredient or something that North NJ chinese places have but I've NEVER tasted in NYC. I don't often get any dishes from Bill and Harry's that has the taste, and fortunately it wasn't present at Hunan Spring either. So I'm sure I'll go back to try a few more dishes. |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6061
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 9:27 am: | |
The smell is probably fermented soy bean paste, which is used in many dishes, but especially those with 'black beans' in their title. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 214
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 9:38 am: | |
It's not a smell it's a taste. I thought maybe it was white pepper, but now I'm not so sure. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 6500
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 12:23 pm: | |
For decent and cheap (is that an oxymoron) Chinese take-out, try Great Wall on South Orange Ave in South Orange. |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 676
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 1:07 pm: | |
AlleyGater: to me the sensation is like Clorox, the bleach--- I've never tasted it but can recognize its smell, and it's somehow translated into the taste of the food at a lot of NJ Chinese take-outs. |
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 220
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 1:20 pm: | |
AlleyGater,
Well, I'm glad my recommendation didn't turn into a fiasco ... I'm always reluctant to recommend something I like because I know there's no accounting for taste, especially my own. Funny ... with the lack of veggies they're probably responding to frequent American preferences for Chinese food: more meat less veggies. The General Tso's is pretty much the same. You could probably ask them to make it with some broccoli.
My wife likes the chicken with snow peas and water chestnuts. For basics I think their fried rice is good, I like the General Tso's and I often get just plain old beef or chicken and broccoli. Meat is always tender and tasty and the broccoli isn't overdone.
I know it aint the cheapest place in town. Heck, it's not even in town. But they're consistent, and good, IMHO. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 225
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 11:53 am: | |
Innis: I am SO glad that someone else has even a vague idea what I am talking about. Sometimes I think my wife is only humoring me. I could almost believe bleach but it isn't as potent a flavor as bleach (it's sorta more musky like you would imagine rotting medicine might taste like -- which is why I call it the Apothecary flavor). Also since I am a vegetarian, I have MANY meals with out fish in them and even the veggie dishes can have the odd taste. Fish can often be "cleaned" up with bleach at grocery stores. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3313
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 12:36 pm: | |
Hubby and I went to a vegetarian place in the village over the weekend and really enjoyed it -- soy chicken was a hit (though our five year old wasn't too thrilled with soy milk and announced "that stuff stinks" as soon as our food arrived) ... anyway -- AlleyGater - are there any good vegetarian restaurants in this area? |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 228
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 4:27 pm: | |
Not that I can think of. Keep in mind that I eat fish, dairy and eggs so I can usually find something to eat at just about anywhere. My favorite places to eat local are, Sakana, Heart and Soul (currently not serving food at the restaurant but I love the catfish), Caribbean Cuisine (love the roti), Penang (not so local but STILL one of my absolute favorites). |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3323
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 4:39 pm: | |
I must go try the Roti -- I am on an indian kick -- well, I have never gone full force indian but had a yummy Naan bread stuffed with curried vegetable last week and some good curried crab cakes and Love Hale and Hearty's curried shrimp (or chicken) chowders. I'm on a health kick so I've never had Heart and Soul -- I'm a bit insane about eating low fat. Someone posted about Caribean Cuisine's Roti and it sounds right up my alley. Now I am hungry.
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Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 407
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 5:45 pm: | |
Oh, yeah, alg, you have GOT to try the Roti - deelish!
What veggie place did you go to in the village (I assume NYC village)? Was it Gobo by chance? I'm not a vegetarian but I LOVE that place so much that I never miss the meat. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.
Closest think near us that I can think of is Park & Orchard, which I believe is in Paramus, but NOT near the mall. It's not completely veg, but they do have a lot of interesting veg dishes. |
Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 235
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 6:34 pm: | |
Alleygator and Innisowen...I reckon that the weird flavor you are describing is probably MSG (monosodium glutamate) which is often liberally used in Chinese cooking. It's used as a flavor enhancer.
Unfortunately it's not very good for you...it can make you jittery and is thought to be a cause of speeding up hair loss...not good if one is 'follically challenged' LOL!
When we lived in Singapore we would only eat at the hawker stalls which had signs up stating "No MSG". |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6150
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 11:34 pm: | |
MSG has no taste. It simply serves to bind salt and sugar molecules in proportional ratios.
Park & Orchard is in East Rutherford - great vegetarian dishes and an unbelievable wine list. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 231
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - 2:08 pm: | |
Hmmmm, that is an interesting theory about MSG though. Because I don't taste the offending taste at Bill and Harry's, Ginger Taste, Taste of Asia, Hunan Spring and all of the places I eat at in the City (none of which I THINK) use MSG. So even if it doesn't have a taste per se, I'm willing to test the theory by asking for No MSG at EVERY place I eat at in NJ.
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