I've been here about 3-4 times now and had mixed results. I have to say, none of my return visits were anywhere near as good as the first, even though I ordered the same dishes. I think it's probably a question of how hungry you are, what you order, and whether or not the cook is in a good mood. <br> But I was so pleased by my first meal here (fried tofu with peanut sauce - light and golden crisp on the outside, steaming hot and creamy inside with a slightly spicy peanut sauce that was not too heavy, on a bed of delicious greens that has never reappeared on subsequent visits, when ordering the same dish) that I will let it continue to ride on its first impression. The long lines out front on the weekends will tell you that there are plenty of others who agree with me, although there are certainly strong opinions on both sides. <br> One thing nobody disagrees about is that this place is famous for horrific service. You will not get anyt ... more

I've been here about 3-4 times now and had mixed results. I have to say, none of my return visits were anywhere near as good as the first, even though I ordered the same dishes. I think it's probably a question of how hungry you are, what you order, and whether or not the cook is in a good mood. <br> But I was so pleased by my first meal here (fried tofu with peanut sauce - light and golden crisp on the outside, steaming hot and creamy inside with a slightly spicy peanut sauce that was not too heavy, on a bed of delicious greens that has never reappeared on subsequent visits, when ordering the same dish) that I will let it continue to ride on its first impression. The long lines out front on the weekends will tell you that there are plenty of others who agree with me, although there are certainly strong opinions on both sides. <br> One thing nobody disagrees about is that this place is famous for horrific service. You will not get anything to drink unless you order and pay for it, and sometimes not even then. If you want to bring your leftovers home (and you almost certainly will have leftovers - portions are large and generous and each dish is enough food for 2 people, so if you make the common American mistake of thinking that each person should order one dish all to themselves, you will end up with twice as much food as you need), you will probably have to get up and get your own to-go box and bag. At least they're conveniently placed near the door. <br> Some of my friends have said that they were not even allowed to order what they wanted from the menu and their server insisted on ordering for them. If you are lucky enough to get the owner/chef/head waiter Peter Fang as your waiter, however, he is very friendly and concerned that you are enjoying your meal. Be sure to ask him what the daily specials are - they won't be on the menu. The food is unlike other Chinese restaurants - along with traditional dishes they have many that are Mr. Fang's own personal creations. While not all wonderful, a lot of them are very good and all are less heavy and greasy than most Chinese food. Try to arrive early to avoid long waits for a table. (Note: it's quite possible to order several different dishes and find that they all arrive covered in the exact same sauce. It might be better to ask Mr. Fang or your hostile waiter to make sure you don't make this mistake!) <br> Recommended: garlic eggplant, mu shu dishes, fried tofu with peanut sauce, prawn & green onion pancakes <br> Avoid: chicken dishes less