535887 Sun Jul 06 08:41:55 -0700 2008 2 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 3842289 We stumbled upon this place last weekend when we were running errands in San Mateo and decided to try it last night for dinner. It's in the old Happy Pescado location, a place I never managed to try. Little China Kitchen claims its menu is more Asian fusion than Chinese, though the Web site says it's authentic Chinese. The place has a nice elegance to it (small chandeliers over each table). There's a somewhat interesting wine list (for a Chinese restaurant) and they had jazz playing in the background. Service was friendly and attentive, and they made sure to give us fresh plates between courses. There are no chopsticks on the tables. We started with Wor Won Ton, which was okay. The wonton wrappers had this specific "doughy" taste I have encountered at some Chinese restaurants that I don't care for, but the broth and pieces of chicken, prawns, and spinach were pleasing enough. Next was Spicy Calimari, a very generous amount of what looked like onion rings garnished with jalapeno peppers, which appeared quite appetizing. But upon tasting, the batter was too greasy and heavy, the squid overcooked and tough, though they were still addictive enough to keep us munching. :-) We fared much better with our two entree plates -- Chicken with Eggplant had a subtle pineapple-y taste, and Shanghai Baby Bok Choy was sauteed in a delicate sauce that tasted slightly of butter. A pretty bamboo container with a lid kept our order of steamed rice hot and fresh, and there is also the choice of brown rice. This is certainly not a place like Everyday Beijing, Shanghai East or Little Shanghai, but it also is somewhat different from Tina's Gourmet, which I haven't been to in years, but I think is still in business. The proprietors seem to be trying hard and I'm inclined to give them another chance and try more dishes. They have been in business three and a half months so maybe they need a little more time. I think it would be a good bet for takeout and several customers throughout our meal were coming in to pick up their orders, though the dining room was largely empty, though the Fourth of July holiday weekend can be slow for restaurants and several were closed in the area last night. Little China Kitchen 215 E 3rd Ave (near B Street) San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 348-3890 http://www.littlechinakitchen.com Sun Jul 06 08:41:57 -0700 2008 10722 Wendy_san 1 3843765 Seems like they are going for healthier Chinese food. From the website ... "Our chefs create lightly sauced dishes that allow natural flavors to emerge and stimulate the senses. To keep our dishes healthy, we use low sodium cooking techniques. We use only fresh vegetables. For a healthier meal many of the stir-fried dishes can be prepared without oil. Instead we cook in chicken broth with a light sauce or steam with sauce on the side. We use rice that is a complex carbohydrate which is low in calories and helps to boost your metabolism. Dishes are prepared and cooked with Non-Transfat Oil and we never use MSG." They also deliver. Seems they use reusable cloth bags for take-out and delivery. You can sign up for their birthday club with special offers on that day. Sun Jul 06 20:19:55 -0700 2008 3842289 10264 rworange 1 4499484 Here is their menu Thu Mar 12 16:45:54 -0700 2009 3842289 264732 Foodnut8