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Potpourri

The Golden Age of the Dragon Palace

The Fallen Palaces

For decades, going out for "Chinese" on Long Island wasn't just a meal; it was an event. It was a destination dining experience rooted not in the bustling streets of Beijing or Shanghai, but in the strip malls of Commack, the turnpikes of Levittown, and the boulevards of Great Neck. While the giants are falling, a few classics remain hidden in plain sight across the Island. If you want to pay tribute to this fading era, don't order Grubhub. Go sit down. Order the combination plate with the dark pork fried rice. Get the drink with the umbrella in it. Crack open the fortune cookie and actually read it out loud. And tip generously—because the servers have likely been working there since you were in elementary school.

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Two Sides of Jade King: A Podcast/Video Overview

Two Sides of Jade King

We are still shaken by the closing of Jade King last week.  As I'm sure you're well aware of now, but after 45 years, Jade King suddenly closed their doors, leaving the neighborhood in a lurch.  There are fewer and fewer old-school Chinese restaurants around.  White tablecloths are being hung up for good.  It's sad.  While Jade King wasn't our favorite Chinese restaurant, by far, it's still a shame.  Years ago, we lost Hoi Ming, and now this. Please share your thoughts in the comments ("Reply") box below the article.

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MÓGŪ Modern Chinese Kitchen in Woodbury, NY: A Fresh Take on Chinese Cuisine

MÓGŪ Modern Chinese Kitchen has subtly redefined the Chinese dining landscape. For those seeking a modern, health-conscious interpretation of Chinese cuisine without sacrificing flavor, MÓGŪ Modern Chinese Kitchen is a stellar choice. Using innovative smart-cooking and air-baking techniques instead of deep frying, MÓGŪ offers a diverse menu with Asian-inspired classics. If you haven't been to MÓGŪ Modern Chinese Kitchen, I suggest giving it a try, and let us know what you think. Your taste buds may thank us.

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A Chinese Food Guide for the Adventurous Beginner

Chinese Restaurant

For many, Chinese food means one thing: the familiar, sweet, and tangy Americanized fare of takeout menus. While comforting, these dishes only scratch the surface of a vast and ancient culinary tradition. In China, cuisine is a mosaic of regional styles, each with its own distinctive flavors, cooking methods, and history. Ready to move beyond fried rice and explore the possibilities? Here's your road map to discovering what Chinese food you truly love.

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Panda Express, Jamaica, NY

Panda Express, Jamaica, NY Sign

Sometimes you need Chinese food fast, and for some of those times, Panda Express (yes, I am weak), fits the bill. Nearest location per my GPS was in Jamaica, NY. Did it hit the spot this time? Their food is always consistent. But, did it deliver? Read on to find out. What are your thoughts on the entire Panda Express experience?

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Where Luck Swims: The Quest for the Best Chinese Restaurant Fish Tank

Deep Sea Restaurant with Patrons Featured Image

It’s an almost universal experience. You step through the doors of a Chinese restaurant, the aroma of soy sauce and sizzling ginger hanging in the air, and there it is: the magnificent, glowing fish tank. More than just decor, these aquariums are vibrant focal points, a source of fascination for children, and, perhaps most importantly, a centuries-old cultural statement. But among the thousands of tanks across the country, which ones truly stand out? We dive into the quest for the best. Questing. It's what we do best!

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Ode to a Chopstick(s)

Jerry Seinfeld said regarding flatware, "I admire the Chinese hanging in there with the chopsticks. You know they’ve seen the fork." Chinese food is a big part of my life. I waxed poetic and created two odes: 1) Ode to a Chopstick, and 2) Ode to Chopsticks. I’m undecided about which I prefer, so I present them here for you to choose. I also included some humor, links to articles on how to properly use chopsticks, dining etiquette, and the differences between forks and chopsticks. I hope you enjoy reading this. Please cast your vote for one of the two Odes.

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