When Asian buffets first came out, they were a wondrous feast. But with so many now, the trick seems to be finding one of quality. That’s why I prefer a full-service, nonbuffet Oriental restaurant, such as Imperial Garden.
THE MENU
The menu isn’t too different from most other Chinese eateries. You’ll find the expected range of appetizers, soups, beef, poultry, pork, duck, vegetable and seafood offerings, plus luncheon and chefs specials.
The order (for two): Hot-and-sour soup ($1.95), General Tso’s chicken ($9.25), Mandarin shrimp ($9.25).
Forget the chopsticks. Give me my yardsticks: Hot-and-sour soup and General TSO’s chicken. I have these two dishes at every Chinese restaurant I visit. And having a father born and raised in China, I go plenty.
I’m constantly searching for the best of those two dishes. So far, I have to go to New York to get my favorite, so it would be nice to find it at home. I didn’t on this trip, but I will give Imperial Garden’s General’s chicken a positive nod. It was above average, with a nice kick to the mixture and chicken that wasn’t overbreaded. Both major pluses.
The soup, on the other hand, was too sweet for me. I’ve never had hot-and-sour soup with a sweet edge. My dad loved it, but when I go back, I’ll be ordering an egg roll.
IF YOU GO* Where: Imperial Garden, 2288 Gunbarrel Road.* Phone: 499-9333.* Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.* Price range: $1.75 (wonton, egg drop soup)-$17.95 (Imperial Seafood Lover’s Plate); $6.50-$7.50 (luncheon specials, includes rice, egg roll and soup choice).* Alcohol: Wine and beer.
Presentation plays a major role at Imperial Garden. For example, the Mandarin shrimp is served in a crispy tortilla shell. The shrimp are quite large and are combined with fresh broccoli, baby corn, carrots and bamboo shoots tossed in a luscious brown sauce.
Serving sizes are not huge but plentiful.
Something different: Cashew nut vegetarian chicken; Hong Kong Duck; Pineapple Chicken.
THE SERVICE
Our server was a little too eager to get our order but eventually left us to ourselves for a few extra minutes to make our decisions. Once done, he was professional and courteous and brought our soups and entrees in timely fashion.
THE SPACE
Imperial Garden has a pleasant atmosphere with touches of Oriental art throughout. Booths lined with aqua fabric offer soothing color, letting you leave the rush of nearby Hamilton Place behind. Tables line the center of the restaurant.
THE VERDICT
Excellent on most counts. It’s nice to have a full-service Chinese restaurant in the heart of Hamilton Place. A nice surprise.