I stoped in to Chef Choy for lunch today. Their is plenty of parking and the restaurant is close to the I 680 on/off ramp. This place on the outside is nothing to write home about, but once inside, the tables have white linen covers (classy), are neatly set with plenty of space between your table and the next one. Custmers are quickly shown to their seats after they arrive. \r
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A board in the lobby near the cashier lists the daily specials. I selected the Honey Walnut Shrimp special. This meal comes with soup, won ton, egg roll and choice of fried or steamed rice. I had the fried rice and only water and the house hot-tea to drink. \r
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The soup, although a small portion, was very hearty and satisfying. The meal was served not more than seven/eight minutes after we placed our order. The waiter demonstrated thoughtfulness and talent in the way that he arranged items that he would place on the table. The food also was arranged on the plate with artistic flair. My entree was complemented with colorful side items. Although this meal might be a disapointment to a starving person who was just plucked from a deserted island, the portions, much to my satisfaction, were plenty for the average appetite, a pleasing mix of different textures and flavor. \r
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Each food item was freshly prepared. The won ton and egg roll were both crispy, not soggy like I have experienced in other establishments. The rice was fluffy moist and light, not sticky dry or over fried. \r
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The Honey Walnut Shrimp WAS TO DIE FOR!!! OMG, I savored every deliscious bite. YUM! The walnuts were crunchy and tasty, not old with that rancid oil taste that would indicate they had been lurking around the kitchen for several weeks. The sauce was a sweet and delicate compliment to the tender shrimp. The shrimp were not over-cooked! Many places serve little rubbery sqwiggles or crunchy dried out urchins that only resemble a real shrimp, not so here! You will not be dissapointed. \r
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Other customers in the restaurant were focused on having a good time rather than on the service, 'where's my waiter,' and all of that. People were laughing and having fun while the help fit into the picture in a seamless way that only complimented the dining experience. I was with a friend and we had discussed several topics without a single annoying interruption. The waiter did check back and came again to refill our waters, but didn't insist on distrubing our conversation. Very professional and curteous service is practiced by the food service staff at Chef Choy's Chinese Restaurant. \r
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My lunch special was AFFORDABLE - just $7.99! Where else can you beat that price for full service and food you won't regret having eaten? The check for both of us was less than I would have paid for myself at another restaurant of similar quality. \r
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If you want to really impress someone with a fancy building and over-pried food, go somewhere else, but if it's good food and expeienced service, this place is a must do!\r
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Happy Hunting...
Pros: Fast, Friendly, Professional Service
Cons: Had to ask for my plate to be removed
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