So, we tried Orchid Garden for lunch today and it was pretty good. Not fantastic, but good enough to definitely try again. The new owners did a nice job of fit-out in the space (bats have been replaced by big branches of fake bamboo, nice light fixtures, subdued colors, etc.) The place was empty and we had great service. There were two guys at the bar, which has two flat screens, and we saw that it appears to be fully stocked with all kinds of liquors. We had our choice of regular booths with standard menu, or what looked like 4-person hibachi tables to the left when you come in. I wasn't at all sure how that would work -- it looks like there's a little grill centered on the table, but nowhere for a chef to stand and cook; perhaps they give you meat and veggies which you grill yourself in the center of the table? If so, neat! Anyway, they have several basic Chinese standards, some sushi, some Japanese lunch entrees, even some Korean and Vietnamese stuff. You had a diverse selection to choose from, to say the least. We weren't adventuresome today -- I had the sesame chicken lunch special and my husband had Szechuan beef. Both were good, his more than mine (FYI the chicken was all dark meat, even though I'm 99% sure the menu said it would be all-WHITE; but I didn't complain because I like the dark meat too). The sauces on both were tasty. I had wonton soup which was nothing out-of-the-ordinary. Our spring rolls were the thin crunchy type, not the big doughy ones (which gag me, but he likes them big and doughy). Fried rice was pretty standard. Good hot tea.

I think our bill was $18. before the tip which wasn't bad. I forgot to mention that our portions were huuuuuuge! Added bonus; not only did they give us fortune cookies with the bill but also free bottle openers emblazoned with their name and phone number.

Anyone else tried Orchid Garden? If so, what did you get? Was it yummy?

Haven't tried it yet, but Hubby and I have been talking about it.

I've been to Korean restaurants that had the sort of grill you're talking about... they use it for Bulgogi (a Korean beef bbq). They pretty much just lay the meat on there and then let you pick it off as desired. Not sure if that's the purpose of these grills, though.

Thanks for the review! Maybe I'll check it out this week.

You know, they did have a "Korean BBQ" heading on that menu, and I also remember seeing the word "bulgogi" but I assumed it was something they prepared back in the kitchen. You're probably on to something there, peacefrog. Thanks for the info. I hope they still have the bottle openers when you go!

For some reason, this is cracking me up...

Thanks for the review, Clever!

I must admit that I tittered to myself when I originally typed that. But he really does! You know what I mean, those big rolls with thick wrappers. (icky.)

We ate there Sat. evening, they were busy but we got a seat right away.

I'm a little leery of trying new things at a place like this because there are some things I just can't eat. So I had the General Tso's Chicken and I must say it was probably the best I've ever had.

The wife had Cilantro Chicken and did not like it she picked the chicken out and ate that, not that it was cooked wrong she just didn't like the taste.

I can't remember what the other couple we went with had but they liked it.

So I would not have a problem with going back.

General Tso's is my favorite, but it wasn't a selection for a combo lunch special the other day. I'm so glad to hear that you liked it! One question: was it white meat or dark?

Cilantro chicken, that's one I haven't seen before, hmm...I like small amounts of cilantro, only if it's not overwhelming the other flavors. I probably wouldn't care for it either.

White meat, and I think that was the problem the cilantro in that that was all she could taste.

Well now Iknow I have to go over. I like it made with white meat and very few places do that.

Ate there today. The service was great. The waitress checked on us enough, but not too much. Also played it safe and had lo mein. It was good. Grandma said the iced tea was too sweet, but I guess most people like it that way.

Like previous posters, I only get adventurous with asian food with trust-worthy asian restaurants. For me, that would be Asian Garden in Mburg right by Blockbuster. I've never had a bad experience there, except for the patrons being obnoxious to the wait staff.

Hubby and I stopped by for dinner. We decided to stick with traditional Chinese food (easier to compare apples to apples). He went with General Tso's chicken (dark meat, according to him) and I had the Shrimp/Scallops in garlic sauce.

We both agreed the quality and taste of our meals was above every other Chinese restaurant in town, but not as good as R.C. Ching.

Personally, I loved the fried rice, which was very light.

I also loved the spring rolls, except mine weren't cooked the entire way through. Still cold in the center.

The owner (manager) was conducting business (loudly) with a guy selling chicken wings in the middle of the restaurant by the bar. Personally, when you're talking prices of chicken wings, I think it's better to take that stuff in the back room away from the customers. I now know how much Orchid Gardens pays for its chicken wings.

We asked about the BBQ tables... which are, indeed, for Korean BBQ. We'll definitely be going back to try that out (they have a seafood version).

Overall, not the BEST Chinese I've ever eaten, but definitely worth two more trips--one to try the BBQ, and another to try of the more exotic dishes.

We tried Orchid Garden for dinner last night and again it was very tasty. I was surprised and pleased to see that maybe 1/3 of the tables were filled (it's a pretty spacious place). This time our service was slooooow, but it did appear that they probably aren't staffed up for that sort of crowd yet. Waitress was nice, though, so we didn't penalize her for the fact that she had too many tables. I guess word's getting around!

My husband got General Tso's and I tried some -- very good, white meat, not quite spicy enough though. Vegetable rolls also very good (same as spring rolls only without shrimp) and were definitely hot enough, even in the middle. We also had some sushi this time -- he ordered a California Roll which he said was up to par with Kobe. I had a combo vegetable sushi platter which was tasty, a ton of food, and almost too pretty to eat. The presentation of my sushi was quite a nice surprise -- I wasn't expecting that at all. Oh, and I had a mixed drink, the Orchid Canteloupe, which was wonderful -- pear and watermelon liqueurs with OJ.

Next time, Korean BBQ! Anyone tried that yet? Peacefrog???

Hubby and I were there last night too! We ordered the spring rolls. They were ok. Didn't get any shrimp in mine though. Just had the shredded cabbage. I was a little disappointed. We've had spring rolls at other Thai restaurants that weren't fried. They had some big shrimp in them and wrapped in the thin rice paper...some veggies in there too. I can't seem to find them locally.

Then hubby just got the California roll and a beer. He wasn't too hungry. Wouldn't share though! The rolls were a little bigger than the ones we get at Sakuras. I had a dish that was served in half a hollowed pineapple. The rice dish had the fresh pineapple, chicken, beef and some small shrimps with peas. Again, it was just ok. I like the sticky rice best, but this was the light rice. Hubby didn't care for it as it was too bland. I did enjoy it but won't ever order it again.

I do want to try the grill. That looks real good. I've had the beef bulgogi at Kobe's for lunch often, so it's a favorite. Never had it cooked at the table though. Kinda pricey though. So we won't go often.

Wife and I stopped in for lunch last weekend. We were the only people in the place. Service was Great. We both ordered the lunch Bulgogi. It was a large size lunch order for $7-$8. Came with soup, salad, and Bulgoki (side of rice). Very good. We are looking forward to going and getting the Bulgogi dinner because it comes with sides and cooked in front of you.

Has anyone had this yet?????

Never even heard of it.