Two Weeks Until Christmas – The Best Chinese Restaurants in Nassau County

The countdown to Christmas continues.  Now there are only two weeks until Christmas Day.  We have already established that we know WHAT you will be eating. But, do you know yet WHERE you will be eating?  Jews around the world are on a Quest to find a Chinese restaurant to enjoy their “Christmas dinner”.  This is the second of a three-part series to help you find the BEST Chinese restaurant to dine at this Christmas (or any time of the year).

Last week we reviewed the best Chinese restaurants in Suffolk County.  Today, we move west with our Quest to find you the best Chinese restaurants in Nassau County if you live there, or want to take a little trip, you’ll find one or more of our selections to your liking.  And, if next week you still haven’t made a choice, or if you live in New York City, we will conclude our series with our recommendations of the best Chinese restaurants in New York City and Queens.  Consider this series of articles our Christmas present to you!

The Best Chinese Restaurants in Nassau County:

(Click on the name of the Chinese restaurant to read our complete review)

Pearl East, Manhasset, NY – Catering to the well heeled clientele of the Gold Coast of Long Island, Pearl East won’t disappoint.  It’s appetizing as much to the eye as it is to your palate.  The waitstaff was extremely attentive, and accommodating.  We were treated to a delightful banquet of Chef’s delights including Crispy Rice Paper Shrimp Roll w/ Grand Marnier Sauce, Barbequed Jumbo Shrimp served with Bok Choi, Free Range Chicken w/ Spices, Lobster in XO Sauce w/Sticky Rice, Sauteed snow pea leaves, Sea Bass w/Pinenuts, and Sea Food Rice Cake.  A meal at Pearl East will be very festive.  The perfect Chinese restaurant for YOUR Christmas Dinner!

The Orient, Bethpage, NY – The Orient in Bethpage, NY was the very first Chinese restaurant review that we wrote.  The Orient came highly recommended as an authentic Chinese restaurant.  And The Orient did not disappoint!  In a strip mall, the Orient has undergone a complete renovation since we wrote our review.  At the time of our review they didn’t have a liquor license, so we enjoyed the benefits of bringing our own wine.  Hopefully nothing has changed in the quality of their food.  We will definitely have to revisit The Orient next year.  Without a doubt, The Orient served THE best House Wonton Soup that we’ve ever had the privilege to enjoy.  The other most notable ingredient we remember so fondly was their lotus root.  Chinese really do do vegetables so well!  Go enjoy a taste of The Orient if you’re in the Bethpage area.  And, if you’re not, it’s definitely worth the trip!

Moonstone, Great Neck, NY – Moonstone, a self-proclaimed authentic Chinese restaurant, opened earlier this year at the location of the former Harvest Buffet.  We never did get to try that restaurant, but Moonstone struck a chord in the taste buds of the Mee’s.  Moonstone is the perfect marriage of glitz and good taste.  Moonstone is definitely out to attract the Gold Coast clientele with their decor and service.  And there food certainly doesn’t detract from the experience.  They have an extremely well stocked wine “cellar” which adds to your overall dining experience (and to your tab).  We enjoyed a meal of  Spare Ribs, Beijing  Duck, be prepared for a 30 minute wait for this dish, but it’s worth waiting twice as long!, Red Snapper, which was perhaps the BEST piece of fish I’ve had in, maybe for ever!, Roast Pork Fried Rice, Asparagus with Lily Bulb – I don’t know what the Lily Bulb was, but the veggies were yummy!, Sangi Chicken Claypot – I don’t remember the clay pot, but the chicken I won’t soon be forgetting.  This dish was yet another winner, Yang Chow Fried Rice , Thrice Cooked Pork Tenderloin – This was not a triple… it was a home run!  Just right amount of spices… the pork was succulent.  I could have eaten this dish all night, Kowloon Rib Eye Steak – Served in a birds nest (fried taro… usually I’ve seen seafood served in the birdsnest and not steak.   The steak was excellent!), and Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce.  You will enjoy an extra special holiday dinner, if you choose to go to Moonstone for your Christmas Dinner!

Green Leaf, Port Washington, NY – While not of the sass and class of the above mentioned Chinese restaurants, Green Leaf came as a pleasant surprise to us!  Please don’t overlook this fabulous neighborhood Chinese restaurant!  When you’re there, ask for Simon.  He’s the owner and Chef, and if you ask him to prepare you an authentic Chinese meal, you will not get served what all the other patrons are eating.  You’ll enjoy a meal that will bring a smile to your face, and happiness to your belly.  Trust Simon’s recommendations.  Simon says you’ll love it.  And The Chinese Quest agrees!

The countdown to Christmas continues.  We hope that the four Chinese restaurants above will bring you the presents of the holiday season.  If you aren’t near any of our recommendations, you can read all our reviews of the Chinese restaurants in Nassau County on Long Island that we have written up so far.

Humbly submitted for your consumption,

—Mee Magnum  (“Chop!  Chop!”)