"Gourmet" Chinese Food

[Boo Boo]

I was in Atlanta this past week for a couple of Braves games and some business.

Went with a group to a Marietta restaurant named House of Chan. It was unbelieveably good chinese.

They are a first class place (although small), serving a wide variety. I had the Mandrian beef and the lemon chicken. This isn't the lemon chicken you usually get from most places with the goey yellow stuff, but lightly fried chicken with a sauce tasting of a mixture of lemon and honey. Outstanding. The beef is very tender, with a sauce that is light, yet full of flavor. Every meal is served with hot tea and a dessert of light cake. Service is professional. Full wine and spirits list. Prices are more than the usual chinese place (~$15 for entrees), but well worth it. The place had a number of Zagat rating plaques on the wall (not sure if that means much).

I would call it gourmet chinese. A service worth considering here.

[jodyrah]

Try Cafe East.

[dragongrrl]

and Trey Yuen

[sore_bluto]

jodyrah, have you been to Cafe East lately? I went to Cafe East when it first opened up and I was underwhelmed. My experience gave me the impression that they were a PF Changs wannabe and PF Changs isn't that great. Anyway, about three months ago, I decided to give them another chance and went there at about 6PM (I'm not positive if it was Tuesday or Wednesday). The place was deserted. The lights were on and the door was open, but there were no people in the place. I mean no people. There wasn't anyone at the door, no customers, no wait staff, no one. When no one appeared to greet us, we turned around and left. That place either had a really bad night or it is on its last leg.

[Jesse]

I've been to Cafe East a few times in the last couple months and each trip was fantastic. SIGNIFICANTLY better than my last few meals at Trey Yuen and leagues above anything PF Chang's is doing.

I would give them another try Bluto, I think you'll be very happy with your meal.

[Admin]

Got a Cafe East flyer in the mail yesterday. It has their full menu with prices, and some coupons: "Free glass of Summer Field Wine" (probably "Summerfield"), 15% off any Chef Recommended Entree (that's the $12-and-up ones), Free homemade dessert, and Free glass of dessert wine or Champagne per person. Language on the coupons seems to indicate only one coupon can be used per party.

[EatinAintCheatin]

I've eaten at Cafe East 3 times, all while participating in meetings with a large group of people. We reserved the entire upstairs and were served buffet style. On all three occasions the food was horrible. I would say that it was worse than the typical food court Chinese at a mall.

I have NOT eaten downstairs and ordered from the menu so I can't speak to that; however, based on my experience with the buffet I would not recommend it.

[Admin]

My guess would be in a group/meeting setting, you were most likely eating from the business lunch entree/eggroll/choice of rice menu ($8.25 M-F 11a-3p).

[EatinAintCheatin]

My guess would be in a group/meeting setting, you were most likely eating from the business lunch entree/eggroll/choice of rice menu ($8.25 M-F 11a-3p).

yeah, the food was typical lunch entrees. But we were there in the evening, starting at 7pm and ending at 9pm.

[Low-N-Slow]

It's been a while, but last time there our group of four had apps all around, three entrees to share, and wine by the glass times about 8, I think. With tax and tip it was around $140, and we were all pleased in terms of food, service, and cost. I had some kind of half a duck; wife had something with beef, chicken and shrimp. Can't recall exactly the rest, but I don't remember the menu we ordered from having anything that sounded like "#5 with eggroll". I do remember thinking the apps were well-priced for what you got.

[praline]

I've done both upstairs for a function and downstairs for lunch. The upstairs experience is entirely different, not so good food. Downstairs is pretty good and consistent, but my preference for Chinese food lately has been Beijing. Can't do Royal China anymore :mad:

[dragongrrl]

I ate there one time. Totally unimpressed. The boyfriend and I agreed it would be our last visit.

I adore Trey Yuen. Would eat there several days a week if pos.

Big Wong brothers YUM.

[JudiB]

I've done both upstairs for a function and downstairs for lunch. The upstairs experience is entirely different, not so good food. Downstairs is pretty good and consistent, but my preference for Chinese food lately has been Beijing. Can't do Royal China anymore :mad:

Did you have a bad experience, praline?

Edited to say, I was underwhelmed with Cafe East.