GRDine

I find Chinese restaurants to be a very odd phenomenon.   Almost every Chinese restaurant I’ve ever been to in my life has consisted of the same menu, the same prices and the same décor.  If I wasn’t mistaken, they are all owned by a shell company in China that decided to “Americanize” a menu and take about 25% of share from quick serve restaurants.

Since starting GRDine I’ve eaten at 4 Chinese restaurants, but I have noticed there is never really anything special to say about any of them.  I love Chinese food, but it is all the same.  It would be a lie for me to tell you that XO on Monroe Center has better food or service than First Wok.  It’s all about proximity when it comes to this cuisine type.

I do have an interesting tip that many people probably have not tried.  Because most Chinese restaurants are westernized, the food is created for the American palate.  There are a handful of Chinese restaurants where you can request that the meal comes out Chinese style.  Some of the dishes are not going to have a Chinese counterpart, but your server can work with you.  Live on the edge and give it a try and let me know how it goes.

Here are some of the local Chinese restaurants I have tried:

First Wok – Old 28^th Street, Cascade

XO Asian Thai & Chinese Cuisine – Monroe Center

Shang Hai Ichiban Asian and Japanese Steakhouse – Broadmoor (The Japanese side is worth trying out.  I will review this at some point)

Great China Inn – Lake Michigan Dr.

What are your thoughts on Chinese dining in Grand Rapids? –JD