So, I did not expect "Chinese fine dining" type of decor when I walked into Lotus Pond.. the plaza was unassuming to begin with! Then I was pleasantly surprised. Restaurant was clean, carpeted with comfy chairs and tables (all with covers). The place was not very busy on a rainy Sunday noon and we were greeted and seated right away.
It is really difficult for me not to compare Lotus Pond (okay maybe not Pond so much as they actually covered that word on their storefront lol) with Buddhist Vegetarian just a block away. I found the service much more attentive especially from a lady with glasses that seems to be the owner. So it's a very enjoyable dining environment.
Onto the food: it is still good but the mock meat (chicken specifically) failed to trick me this time, unlike Buddhist Vegetarian. I could taste the tofu in the meat. It was still delicious though.
They have a takeout counter by the entrance as well.