chinese food showdown
When I first arrived in Greenpoint, I despaired at finding decent Chinese food. I was ordering from Grace on Franklin for the first month or two until it became completely inedible. Then, I found the Chinese Musician, which is of course everyone’s Chinese stalwart in Greenpoint - and one of the few places that is open until 11pm (and *delivers*).
Until recently.
First, the prices went up drastically. Every restaurant’s prices have gone up, but this was a marked increase.
Then, the quality started to suffer. This ended up not being such a big deal, because it made me eat Chinese (and takeout in general) less. But we regularly put restaurants on a banned list in our house - bad health inspection, bad service, bad quality or any combination of things (for example, Brooklyn Label is on permanent ban because of the service and the prices).
A few weeks ago, I was hungry and it was late so I gave in and went into the Musician. A basic order: sesame noodles, egg rolls, broccoli with garlic sauce. It was the broccoli that did me in. I like crispy vegetables but the broccoli was barely cooked. This is not something I’m going to check for (and I picked up my food, I didn’t have it delivered). That was it. Back on the banned list.
I was sick yesterday afternoon and craving won ton soup. I didn’t want to send the boyfriend into Manhattan, so I ordered from the newly remodeled Grace. now Shanghai Lee (thanks, commenters). A simple order - won ton soup, egg rolls, broccoli with garlic sauce. I’m not expecting Flushing-level quality, but this was at least tasty and edible. Maybe the remodel was more than just that fancy glass front? I’m cautiously optimistic.
Eileen said,
August 12, 2008 @ 9:18 am
Just a teeny correction: the newly remodeled Grace is now Shanghai Lee. I have no idea their relationship to the place on Manhattan Ave, but I agree the food is tasty. Though a bit pricey. I still miss Grace’s predecessor, Fortune Garden. Best $5 meal in town.
rowan said,
August 12, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Grace is actually Shanghai Lee’s. Their food is pretty good. My only nitpicks are: no crab rangoon and no half-size portions.
admin said,
August 12, 2008 @ 9:29 am
rowan,
Are you sure about no half-size portions? I got a small order of the broccoli and was pleased that they had it - Chinese Musician doesn’t offer small sizes of that, at least any more.
I also am sure I saw crab rangoon. but i am picky where i’d order that. and never delivery.
Adam Berkowitz said,
August 13, 2008 @ 6:53 am
No, it’s not just a new re-modeling. It’s a totally different owner. The previous owner moved to Fort Lee in Jersey. Seriously…
rowan said,
August 14, 2008 @ 9:39 am
You are correct that Grace had half-size portions and crab rangoon. The newly remodeled restaurant is called Shanghai Lee’s and does not offer these two things. I asked man behind the counter and was told, “one size only” and “we will not have crab rangoon on the menu anytime soon” respectively. Still, their food is better than the place on Manhattan Ave, almost opposite Yummy Taco.
chris said,
August 19, 2008 @ 11:19 am
red bowl on Bedford delivers to gpoint. They are pretty good.