664141 Mon Nov 02 11:44:42 -0800 2009 9 18 Manhattan 0 5149572 We are kind of tired of Wu Liang on Lex and Evergreen (38th, I think? Btwn Madison and Park). How is Phoenix Garden? We are looking for something tasty and relatively quick, although not quite Wu Liang quick, where they basically present you with a bill along with the entrees, which are almost invariably served while we are still eating our soup. If not Phoenix Garden, any other suggestions for somewhere nearby? We would like to stay in the upper 30s to mid 40s, 5th to 1st. Thanks so much! Mon Nov 02 11:44:42 -0800 2009 127218 Olive123 1 5149804 Are you only looking for Chinese restaurants? I would say Phoenix Garden is OK, not great. But it's probably the best Cantonese in the area. On 39th between 5th and 6th is Szechuan Gourmet. Many posts on this board if you search. Mon Nov 02 12:50:25 -0800 2009 5149572 10763 Miss Needle 2 5156396 Miss Needle, what is the food at Phoenix Garden like? Do they have anything that's worth ordering? I have heard good things about their food but not their service... still haven't been there yet. Wed Nov 04 15:25:24 -0800 2009 5149804 107490 bearmi 3 5156582 I haven't been there enough to order enough to find anything that I really liked. Overall, I thought it was fine but really lacked wok hay (breath of the work). And about the dishes that weren't cooked in the wok I found kind of flavorless (and I understand that Cantonese cuisine is on the blander side). Some things I have ordered in the past: snow pea leaves, jellyfish, winter melon soup, lobster with ginger and scallions, young chow fried rice. The food is fine for what it is, but the options in Chinatown are much better. Even though I live closer to Phoenix Garden, it's very difficult for me to justify eating there when I can take the Q train two stops to Chinatown. But if one is intent on staying in the area, it's not a bad option. Wed Nov 04 16:24:25 -0800 2009 5156396 10763 Miss Needle 4 5156747 I see. Thanks for the comment. I guess I will check it out when I get to it but I won't go out of my way to make a special visit! Wed Nov 04 17:41:22 -0800 2009 5156582 107490 bearmi 1 5149953 Chinese specifically, just because it is one option that folks generally will accept as a lunch option. Szechuan Gourmet might work. I'll see if people are willing to walk that extra half block :) Mon Nov 02 13:24:41 -0800 2009 5149572 127218 Olive123 2 5149980 Oh, you can send them links about the wonderful food there to convince people to walk that extra half a block. ; ) I didn't realize you would be going for lunch. I will say that it can get pretty crowded there. I would try going earlier (like around 12) as opposed to 1 for minimum wait times. They've got some good lunch specials going on. The place specializes in Szechuan food so I'd concentrate on those items, though I have had good sauteed spinach with garlic and beef chow fun there as well. Mon Nov 02 13:29:44 -0800 2009 5149953 10763 Miss Needle 3 5155222 We got there closer to 20 after 12 and had a bit of a wait (a little less than 30 minutes, I think) but the food was fantastic! That was the best garlic sauce I have ever had, by far. Everyone was pleased with their choices. Thanks so much for the suggestion! Wed Nov 04 09:45:26 -0800 2009 5149980 127218 Olive123 4 5156200 You're welcome. I'm glad that you guys enjoyed it. Wow! A half an hour wait around 12:20! I've only eaten at the restaurant during dinner time. During lunch, I've always done take-out. Some of my favorites there on the lunch menu are: Mabo tofu pork belly with chili and leeks braised fish filets with chili miso sea scallops with peanuts shredded beef with green chili If you want to order off the lunch menu, I love their cumin lamb. Wed Nov 04 14:21:38 -0800 2009 5155222 10763 Miss Needle 1 5185767 Phoenix Garden is pretty bland. Glad you found something better. Mon Nov 16 10:37:13 -0800 2009 5149572 547189 chowbie