Dine aboard the Chinese Bistro Express
By Tony Reverditto
Chinese Bistro is located just 10 minutes away from Sun City, just off Highway 74. Diners board a bright red and yellow train and it is such a unique experience. The interior of the railway car takes you to a former era with its ornate vintage lamps, very nice red and black leather lined booths create an ambiance that is unique and welcoming. This eatery definitely has an old school vibe and I fell in love with it right away, let’s just say it is right on track.
Mike Wu and Helen Wong are the amazing owners of Chinese Bistro and have been married for 22 years. They have 3 boys, the oldest being 21 and commute 6 to 7 days a week from Lancaster which shows their commitment and unmatched passion. Mike grew up in a family that was in the restaurant business which sparked his interest in the industry. He would go out to eat at all kinds of restaurants when growing up. 25 years ago, Mike started working with Panda Express providing him with more insights and from there expanding his resume with a stint with Sbarro Pizza. For the next 18 years, he worked in the import/export business with chili peppers. It was only after a friend of a friend told them about the train, which was already a Chinese restaurant, becoming available. Helen basically insisted that they take the plunge and go full steam ahead with their new endeavor. That happened in 2016 and they have been going strong ever since and have added some cozy touches.
On to the dining experience, my guest, John and I loved the curb appeal of the railroad train restaurant. It took me back to a train restaurant that I would frequent in Hollywood way back in the 80’s and here it was so brilliantly recreated in the IE. They do offer beer and wine, so, my guest ordered a nice quality chardonnay and I went for a Tsing Tao Beer and it was nice and cold, served in a chilled glass and was refreshing.
They have only have five appetizer selections, which all you really need. There was traditional Egg rolls, Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings and BBQ Pork. We opted for the Fried Shrimp, four, which were pounded, crispy, yet so tender. The dipping sauce was divine, the perfect blend of heat and sweet. We also had the Cream Cheese and Crab Won Tons and there were eight of them, almost a meal in itself. We didn’t order any, but there are 5 wonderful Soup choices, next time for sure.
There were so many tempting entrées available and it was difficult to narrow down. We ordered four and the first was one of my favorite dishes, Egg Foo Yung and theirs did not disappoint, House Special Egg Foo Yung with an egg and vegetable pancake topped with tender beef, chicken and shrimp amidst fresh broccoli, carrot, celery and mushrooms. It was a generous portion and absolutely delicious. In fact, I had some later that night and for lunch the next day.
Singapore Style Fried Rice Noodle is for those who love a little curry in their Chinese food. The sumptuous rice noodles came adorned with Shrimp and Chicken mixed with bean sprouts, green onion and a light touch of red bell peppers. House Special Chop Suey was so fresh and tasty and comes with your choice of meats or vegetarian style. The Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is quite a nice treat and the shrimp were succulent and snappy.
Some other great options include Chicken cooked Almond, Teriyaki, Sweet and Sour, Almond, Mushroom, Jalapeño, Orange or Kung Pao style. The Beef options include Mongolian, Black Pepper, Orange, Broccoli, Green Pepper and Kung Pao. The Peking Pork Chop sounds interesting and flavorful. Finally, the seafood opportunities; a House Special Lobster, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Shrimp cooked several of the ways mentioned above, as well as Seafood with Crispy Noodle, Salt & Pepper or Sweet & Sour Fish Filet. Don’t forget that good ole Chow Mein and Fried Rice Medleys are also available.
They offer family Style Dinners which offer 2, 5 or 7 entrées to share and take home the leftovers. Lunch Specials are offered from 11am to 3pm and range from $6.95 to $8.95.
If you haven’t already, I cannot encourage you enough to support this restaurant, which is literally a mom and pop operation coming from a place of love and the food is authentic soul Chinese food.
Chinese Bistro located at 28490 CA-74, Romoland, CA 92585
Open 11AM to 9PM & Sunday til 8PM ~ Phone: (951) 928-3837 ~ no website.