First Chinese Express: Big Taste, Small Cost

My initial experience with exotic food was when my parents took me to China Land restaurant. It was on Midway Drive near Rosecrans Avenue, close to the Naval Training Center. I was a precocious four-year-old who was strictly a meat-and-potatoes kind of boy. No vegetables, period…except for the occasional overcooked canned corn or peas. But do not mix them!

At China Land I was served breaded deep-fried jumbo shrimp with sweet and sour sauce. It was love at first bite–my discovery of flavor. There was also savory fried rice, and something called egg-drop soup. I was hooked. You always remember your first addiction.

, along the mile of meals on Broadway, serves the same traditional American-style Chinese food. The classic favorites are here, including all of the above and more. They have an extensive menu with 93 appetizer and a la carte food choices, plus six soups. This is the place for paper-wrapped chicken or beef broccoli.

My dining partner and I arrived in time to catch the lunch special, which is served until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. At $4.99, this might rank as one of the top five meal deals in the Grove. Here is what you get: one egg roll, fried or steamed rice, and one item from the a la carte chicken, beef, pork, or vegetable selections. For only $1 more, you can have shrimp.

I picked the familiar lemon chicken with steamed rice, while my cohort went for spicy kung pao beef with fried rice. While we waited, I looked around the tidy little place and noticed some nice touches. There were fresh-cut flowers on all the tables, and the food is actually served on china.

Our meals arrived quickly, and looked good on the plate. Normally, I find the ubiquitous egg roll to be rather bland. Not in this case–it was fresh, not greasy, and full of crisp cabbage. My large serving of lemon chicken was by the book, with a sauce that had a nice balance of flavors. The steamed rice could have been hotter, but I took time to snap a few photos before digging in.

We both enjoyed the spicy kung pao beef with carrots, green peppers, onions, and chiles in a rich brown sauce. The simple fried rice was also good, without an overabundance of soy sauce used in its preparation.

This restaurant offers satisfying food at a great value. You have to love a tasty meal for two at the bargain price of $9.98.

First Chinese Express is located at 7125 Broadway, near Massachusetts Avenue. Party trays are available, and credit cards are accepted. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; closed on Sunday. The restaurant doesn't have a website, but you can call them at 619-698-5512 for take out orders.