Gourmet House of Hong Kong has a lot going for it- friendly staff, unpretentious atmosphere, central Phoenix location, a thick menu... However, my first visit there was kind of disappointing. Admittedly, I had high expectations walking in, after reading this place had been voted "best Chinese" in Phoenix at some point. I have been to many wonderful authentic Chinese restaurants in the Chinatowns of Boston and New York. How did the Gourmet House rate?
My three star vote is a balance of my first experience eating there and the eager smile I had after leaving- and wanting to try again soon. Sound a little confusing? Well I think of it this way: I place blame on the so-so dinner with perhaps our poor menu selections. We chose generic potstickers, wunan beef (super greasy and not spicy as the menu promised), lemongrass chicken (there must have been some misunderstanding, for we were served some kind of lemon chicken, definitely not lemongrass) and plain fried rice (forgettable).
This place is much too likeable for me to stay away. I can't wait to dive head-first into that long menu and try something a little more exotic. My kind of place. I'll let you know what happens.