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| - So a few days ago noon rolled around and I found myself getting hungry. But I wanted something quick, cheap, and from someplace new. Chia Bistro came to mind so I tried to find their menu online to see if it was worth the drive there (not exactly around the corner from me), and of course for reviews! They have no info online, but I was able to find a small selection of positive reviews @ various sites. Needed gas anyway, so gathered up the children (dogs!) and headed out.
Walked in around 12:30 & the place was empty, save one lone construction guy having lunch. That kinda thing usually raises an eyebrow, especially at the height of 'lunch hour," and even more so on a Friday. Browsed the menu & decided on the Hunan Chicken lunch combo ($6.01 w/tax). While the lady that took my order wasn't exactly what I would deem "friendly" by any stretch, I did like that she didn't give me any lip when I asked for double rice instead of the obligatory egg roll, and to only have broccoli, carrots & water chestnuts, so that earned a star. There is a rather large waiting area at the entrance, with plenty of seating available. More restaurants should follow suit. The dining area was on the smallish side, with maybe 10 or 12 tables, so that keeps things a smidge intimate. Décor was pretty inviting, without the expected explosion of kitsch.
One review I read online said that portion sizes were humongous. Maybe this was an off day, but my portion was far from humongous. I was surprised at how LITTLE they gave me. VERY small amount of chicken & veggies, and two miniscule scoops of rice (more like glorified tablespoons). Lotus Express just down the way from my house gives twice that easily, if not more! But I wasn't starving, so I thought if was that yummy I would get over the portion size.
I probably won't be back unless someone else is treating. As we all know you can order the same dish at five different Chinese restaurants and it will completely different at each one. That's what sets them apart from their neighbors. But this had the strangest flavor to it. The chicken itself was cooked well, but the Hunan sauce had THE STRANGEST flavor. I'm not sure how to describe it really. Kind of a "cooking-class-gone-wrong" flavor. **insert inside-out face here**
And that rice. They call it fried rice. Not exactly. I've never seen rice such a dubious shade of brown or unusual texture. And that oily taste. Ick.
Been there, tried that. I can cross Chia Bistro off my bucket list....and my list in general . :)
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