Far East, Far Out!
For the last several months, I have been trying to get a bad meal at Far East. Not because I delight in bad food, quite the contrary, but to prove my co-workers wrong. All three, when discussing the sometimes despairing dining situation in this town, have told me the same thing: "But I've never had a bad meal at Far East!". Words like these work on me like a red cape on a bull, and I am compelled to prove them wrong. Not every dish is good, not every day is great, and sometimes something has to fail. But the challenge has been tough, and after eating more than twenty meals at Far East in the last couple of months, I am convinced they're right. The food is outstanding, the service is pleasant and knowledgeable on the dishes they serve, and above all, the quality is consistent.

Within seconds of sitting down, a glass of water and a pot of hot tea, dispensed from a huge tea urn by the kitchen, are placed before me. The menu is presented with a friendly smile and a pleasant greeting. I order and several minutes later the food arrives. This time I've ordered from their Japanese dishes: the food is hot and flavorful, the vegetables are crunchy and for several minutes I am unaware of what's happening around me as I am savoring and enjoying my dinner.

Far East makes up for the lack of flashy interior design with the outstanding quality of its food. When several weeks ago, the tables were all of a sudden set with white linen tablecloths, I worried briefly, as if tipping the scales would affect the food.

I'm glad to report that I worried about nothing. The tablecloths are safely tucked underneath the glass plates that cover the tables, the Christmas lights continue to be taped to the ceiling, Delilah can still be heard on the radio in the background, and the food continues to be delicious. The Pei Mei salad has "summer" written all over it: crunchy iceberg lettuce with juicy pieces of chicken, carrots and crispy noodles, tossed with a sweet, tangy dressing. Hunan Beef is a plentiful vegetable stirfry with a brown, spicy sauce and beef. Chinese Greens with beef or chicken is chockful with crunchy, fresh vegetables and a refreshing, light garlic taste.

The only dish for me to try is a grilled cheese sandwich, but to be honest, I think I'll trust it to be good. I'm going to have some more of those Chinese greens with chicken.......    [21 May 2006 00:36:33]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Hunan Beef, Kung Pao chicken, Peking Pork, Pei Mei Salad, Chinese greens with beef.

     ­Paul B, Ontario, OR   restaurantreviewer at hotmail dot com