Sunday, March 1, 2009

A Chinese Feast at Empire Hunan

While I'm brown-bagging lunch every day and dining out for dinner less often like many to save money, I do still support eating out occasionally. For one, restaurant portions are so huge, eating out at a reasonably priced, local establishment can garner two or three meals if you include leftovers. I also don't want to deprive foodservice workers of an income. I wore the waitress uniform many years myself, and have the utmost respect for waiters...and just about anyone who has to deal with the general public.

One of my favorite places for a Chinese meal is Empire Hunan in Fair Lawn. Prices are very modest, and the atmosphere and presentation have never been a disappointment.

Here's a recap of my last visit there. A cup of miso soup, $1.80. They also serve complimentary Asian slaw.


Steamed vegetable dumplings ($4.50 for six) and vegetable roll ($1.60)

Bean curd with vegetables and brown rice, $8.95. Enough for at least two portions.

Lychee fruit...my favorite way to a meal here. $3.95


Visit them at 38-16 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ or 444 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ.

2 comments:

AJ said...

im so tired of indian food and expensive sushi for lunch...any other suggestions for midtown?

Catherine said...

Home on 8th (391 8th Ave, btwn 29th & 30th St) for vegetarian-vegan Chinese. http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails?restaurantid=16487
Vegetarian Lunch Specials are $8.50: served With Spring Rolls, White Rice (Brown Rice $0.50 Extra) & Miso Seaweed Soup Or Soda.

Ginger House (330 7th Ave, btwn 28th & 29th St). http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails?restaurantid=4084

Otherwise I brown bag it. If you have a Trader Joe's by you, you can find vegan veggie fried rice, dumplings and more for an Asian feast, and they have a Pad Thai in their frozen section for only $2.29.