664877 Thu Nov 05 06:50:06 -0800 2009 21 11 South 0 5157693 So according to good friends of mine who visited this mysterious place on the recommendation of a Chinese friend of hers, there is a "god awful looking Chinese restaurant" (right across from the Arts Center and Amante/Visart etc.) which has both an American and a Chinese menu. They ordered from the Chinese menu and they "HIGHLY recommend the whole fish with bean chile sauce!! Absolutely outstanding." The Chinese menu is still all in Chinese, but they are supposedly getting it translated. My friends say the guy was very nice and described things. Has anyone been to this place? Thu Nov 05 06:50:06 -0800 2009 26542 suse 1 5157722 Yes I know this place (if it is Gourmet Kingdom). Never eaten there. I think if you don't have any food restrictions ordering off a menu without the English could be an adventure. It's not a secret place though the menu maybe. The question is do all the Chinese menu items do really well or was it just that one dish. Thanks for letting us know. It is rather dumpy looking. Thu Nov 05 06:56:48 -0800 2009 5157693 1084217 burgeoningfoodie 2 5158215 I'm going to guess that it's more than just the fish based on the Chinese woman who recommended this place to my friends. She is super hyper picky when it comes to Chinese food. Thu Nov 05 09:48:48 -0800 2009 5157722 26542 suse 2 5158216 It really is dumpy looking, and (even worse) dumpy smelling. But I did notice a sign on the front the other day that said "under new management." My husband claims this sign has been there for at least 2 years though, so who knows. I'm fascinated that it may actually have something worth eating. Anyone else out there have more info? Thu Nov 05 09:49:42 -0800 2009 5157722 56762 LulusMom 3 5158633 Being in Carrboro I wish I did but I go by it on my way from work and so if I start to see more traffic (foot or otherwise), I'll let this board know. If someone else, has more info on the Chinese menu or cares to take a photo let us know. Thu Nov 05 11:44:55 -0800 2009 5158216 1084217 burgeoningfoodie 1 5158732 This is-- or at least it was-- a buffet joint. I walked in there once soon after it opened, took a look at the inside and the food, and walked out. It did not look nearly as appetizing-- as buffets go-- as 35 in Chapel Hill. I'm deeply skeptical that a buffet joint can turn out good, authentic Chinese food. If otherwise give it a try and report back a good experience then I'm there. Thu Nov 05 12:13:01 -0800 2009 5157693 21285 bbqme 2 5158967 I could be wrong about this being the place, but it fits the OP description sketchy looking (my words) and across from ArtsCentre/Amanti's. Thu Nov 05 13:29:18 -0800 2009 5158732 1084217 burgeoningfoodie 2 5158985 I don't know anything about this specific restaurant, but don't prejudge based on the buffet. I wouldn't go near the buffet at Fortune Palace in Raleigh, but their traditional menu is pretty good. WIth any luck, this place will be the same. Thu Nov 05 13:34:18 -0800 2009 5158732 25244 rockycat 2 5160426 Again, for me the smell of the place (old oil) is off-putting. I'd love to hear a first hand review. Fri Nov 06 06:08:55 -0800 2009 5158732 56762 LulusMom 1 5162972 This is such a funny little thread. It's like we're all scared to be the first to go! It's Homecoming weekend, so I'm not going anywhere near Chapel Hill, but I may just have to volunteer to go sometime soon. Sat Nov 07 06:05:48 -0800 2009 5157693 26542 suse 2 5163158 That is really funny. Maybe we should all chip in for your meal ... Sat Nov 07 08:10:25 -0800 2009 5162972 56762 LulusMom 3 5164692 Maybe we should all do a meet up, but some posters (not speaking for myself necessarily) may feel safer with some anonymity. Sun Nov 08 05:34:35 -0800 2009 5163158 1084217 burgeoningfoodie 4 5165116 That would actually be a good excuse to meet up. I'm sure we would be a motley crew. That way we could have the proper Chinese food experience and order lots of different things. I rarely get excited about eating a whole fish by myself. I don't worry about anonymity. Not sure how to go about setting it up. Could we shoot for post-Thanksgiving sometime? First week of December perhaps? Sun Nov 08 10:22:21 -0800 2009 5164692 26542 suse 5 5166637 I'll have to double check my schedule. Mon Nov 09 06:27:29 -0800 2009 5165116 1084217 burgeoningfoodie 5 5166671 Not the least bit scared of anonymity, but somewhat scared of the food, having walked by it. I get your whole fish thing, I feel the same. Sort of insane sched. in Dec. but January? Mon Nov 09 06:41:54 -0800 2009 5165116 56762 LulusMom 5 5172341 This area could use a meet-up. The reports from San Francisco and Tampa Bay hounds always sounds like they had a great time! My work schedule varies, but with a few weeks notice I may be able to swing it. Wed Nov 11 06:40:29 -0800 2009 5165116 111267 meatn3 5 5172435 I think I can do first December or first week Jan as it stands right now. Wed Nov 11 07:22:35 -0800 2009 5165116 1084217 burgeoningfoodie 6 5173737 hey I'd love to meet up too. I pass by this place a lot, coming from Carrburitos - it is dead empty.... Wed Nov 11 14:20:09 -0800 2009 5172435 18627 Rory 7 5173748 Hey, welcome back Rory, long time. I read today (in Chapel Hill Magazine) that they offer 100 different dishes. That sort of scares me. How many dishes can one place do well? Wed Nov 11 14:23:38 -0800 2009 5173737 56762 LulusMom 8 5174662 hey LulusM; I missed you all too. I'm busy, baking, want to reapply for a farmers market stall here. So my test kitchen is working away. do you we to meet at Miel Bon Bon for coffee and dessert ?, Butternut Squash is having a bigger menu, I'm game to go or give a suggestion. Wed Nov 11 20:46:03 -0800 2009 5173748 18627 Rory 9 5174922 I'm semi-crazy for the next few weeks, but after that would love to. Good to have you back, and good luck with the test kitchen. Thu Nov 12 02:27:48 -0800 2009 5174662 56762 LulusMom 10 5176660 thanks LM; baking day today but I have a very flexible schedule. so I'm looking forward to it.. Thu Nov 12 13:44:27 -0800 2009 5174922 18627 Rory