Just wing it

Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.

Today’s restaurant was closed for vacation the first time we attempted to review it. Because we received so many letters recommending this restaurant, we decided to give it another try.  Nancy, aka “Debbie Downer”, said we should call first to avoid spending half a day scouring the countryside for another restaurant if this one was closed again. Me with my “devil may care” attitude said, “let’s just wing it.” So off we went to Heng Wing Restaurant in Palatine.

When we arrived, the parking lot was jam packed, and we were lucky enough to get the last available spot. The restaurant is huge for the amount of parking that they have, but there was a sign on the door indicating more parking was available around the corner.

You think of “take out” when you think of Chinese restaurants, but not here, although they do offer it. The inside was decorated very tastefully, and they had an abundance of booths and tables to satisfy every size party.

While we were seated and looking over their vast menu, our waiter brought over a pot of steaming hot tea. That was a nice touch, since we haven’t been to a Chinese restaurant lately that gave you complimentary tea.

The fun thing about Chinese restaurants is trying all the different appetizers. You know what they say about Chinese food, “an hour after eating it, you’re hungry again.” So Jim and I went crazy and ordered the Shrimp Toast (8 pieces) for $7.50, Egg Rolls (2) for $4.00, and Fried Won Tons (10 pieces) for $4. Our waiter was getting writers cramp by now and I sheepishly said, “this is our big meal for the day and we’re going for the gusto!” This was probably too much information and he nodded his head and ran away.

If you like shrimp, this shrimp toast is for you. It had a healthy layer of shrimp that you could actually taste. The egg rolls were large and very tasty, and shouldn’t be overlooked. The large plate of won tons was a special treat since plain won tons are on very few menus these days. We really enjoyed all of these tasty treats, however, that did not stop us from ordering our entrees. We are trained professionals you know…

They offer an assortment of “lunch specials” that are served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for $7.50. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Jim went with the #1 Combo, which was Pork Egg Foo Young, Pork Fried Rice, and Chicken Sub Gum Chop Suey. What arrived was a plate overflowing with food that Jim only put a dent into. All of his choices proved to be delicious.

Nancy is picky when it comes to Chinese food. She didn’t see anything on the lunch specials that struck her fancy, so she went with the regular menu and ordered Orange Beef ($7.75). This was batter-fried beef pieces tossed in a spicy sweet sauce with broccoli and orange slices. She was disappointed in her meal. For her taste the beef should have been cooked a little more and the breading should have been crispy. The only orange slice she got was placed on top of her meal, not cooked with her meal. Just to make sure we’re not going to go hungry, we ordered Pan Fried Noodles ($3.50) as a treat.

All in all, this is a great Chinese restaurant with a lot of old school recipes that were served piping hot. Their lunch specials, which has a variety to please everyone except Nancy, was a fantastic deal. And, for your information, this is a handicap accessible restaurant.

The cost for this belt busting review was (drum roll please…) $37.41. Jim has two lunches for next week from it and we have appetizers for our Sunday afternoon snack time.

Jim’s take:  I love Chinese food. The lunch specials that offer all my old time favorites makes me want to go back for more.

Nancy’s take: They should invest in larger plates, because they’re packed from rim to rim with food. I have to go back to try the Shrimp in a Nest entree that piqued my interest.

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo?  Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com

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