A Virtual Delight in Tex-Mex Country

Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, heart of Tex-Mex country, lies the Bamboo Garden, an authentic Vietnamese and Chinese restaurant. This walloping 6,000 square feet space seats 175 including a large dining area and party room. There's a full-service bar as well. You've heard about how Texans love big. Their state is the largest in the union. Well, customers can't go wrong here because portions ARE big and the space IS big.

As there are many shopping malls nearby, the location is easily accessible. Located on a busy road, passers-by cannot help but drop into Bamboo Garden when they're feeling a bit peckish.

Family-owned and operated since 1987, the Bamboo Garden is owned by Betty and Raymond Lee. Raymond cooks while Betty oversees the front of the house. Mr. Lee's sister is in charge of the Vietnamese dishes. The couple immigrated to the USA years ago and have worked in various roles within the restaurant industry. At the beginning, they were novices but with hard work and dedication, they learned every aspect of the trade: how to cook, manage and finally operate a restaurant. They have consistently delivered the freshest ingredients and highest-quality Asian cuisine in the Coastal Bend area over the past 21 years to build and maintain their loyal customer base. Bamboo Garden has been awarded a “Best of the Best” ribbon from the local newspaper for twelve years in a row.

Best Sellers

Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines are served in equal measure here although the cuisine is not fused into what is commonly known as Asian fusion. Vietnamese cooking is known for its use of fish sauce, soy, rice, fresh herbs such as cilantro, lime, kaffir lime leaves, lemon grass, fruits and vegetables. Many dishes are cooked on the grill unlike Chinese cuisine which is mainly wok based.

Lo Mein is one of the best sellers in this restaurant. The cooks joke about how such an ordinary dish can maintain the number one position in popularity. Raymond Lee told ARN that perhaps it was “due to the special seasonings and unique cooking method that it is so rich and flavorful.”

We wanted to know how he makes such a winner out of the plain noodle dish.

“The noodles are sautéed dry without water, then matched with broccoli and mushrooms. When the Lo Mein is served, the harmonious combinations of taste and color whet your appetite. Sauce is added of course, yet the recipe is a secret we are not about to divulge.”

Lettuce Wraps are another favorite that Bamboo Garden popularized with its customers long ago—yet it still holds its weight and is highly sought after. Served either as an appetizer or main dish, it elicits a fun response from the customers as they fold well done chopped beef into a lettuce wrapper. Another mixture that can be wrapped in lettuce consists of white chicken meat, mushroom, pine nuts and assorted vegetables. It is a house specialty that is crunchy and tastes refreshing.

Banh Hoi Pho is the national soup of Vietnam and is another signature favorite. Pho ordinarily means beef noodle soup yet there are several interpretations of Pho. Bamboo Garden's inventive chef developed a meatier, American styled version using meatballs (beef) and chicken. It is sometimes topped with red onions, typical of Tex-Mex cuisine. Banh Hoi, Vietnamese tossed noodles (vermicelli) consist of grilled meat and are beautifully garnished with lettuce strips.

On the health conscious front, Bamboo Garden serves a host of tofu based dishes and fresh vegetables. The chef cooks without MSG or oil, and sugar and salt can be omitted. These dishes are normally steamed or boiled. Sauce can also be served alongside the meal according to a customer's requests. White chicken meat made without fat is the norm here.

How It Looks from the Inside

Newly remodeled in 2008 with completely new furnishings, owner Raymond Lee is now renovating the kitchen. He is making it brighter and upgrading the equipment. At Bamboo Garden, customers refer to the atmosphere as unpretentious and comfortable. As one steps inside the restaurant a large panda picture can be seen. The dining room is made up of simple wooden tables against a light flower print for the upholstery in the booths.

Light music hums in the background. Typical Chinese images of orchids, lotus', chrysanthemums and plum blossoms can be seen on the walls. These flowers represent the four seasons in Chinese mythology. Decorating a commercial establishment with seasonal elements gives an impression of keeping with nature and with nature's cycles. Remaining in touch with such natural rhythms of life is a good omen.

The bar used to be a simple waiting area says Raymond. Since its conversion, customers can now have a drink and relax before being seated. We asked if wine sales were affected since the economic recession， “It doesn't really affect us at all,” he replied. Bamboo Garden relies on food sales much more than liquor or wine.

Service

Customer service, according to Mr. Lee, is being able to think one step ahead of his customers. It's not always that easy he admits. Yet he is constantly on his toes, prepared to do whatever it takes to service his customers. New and long-term notwithstanding, Mr. Lee is charming to one and all. Satisfying each customer in a timely, speedy manner is a cornerstone of the training offered to his staff. Repeat customers are happy because they are known by the Lees on a first name basis. They are made to feel at home, as if they are one of the extended family of friends.

Furthermore, training extends to job specifications. Each one of the team have specific tasks cut out for them to which they adhere to, be it serving, or cleaning in different areas of the restaurant

The Future

Some of the challenges over the years have kept Mr. And Mrs. Lee on their toes. In the beginning, sales were not very encouraging. In the 1980s, threatened by a grim economy, the newly opened restaurant faced hurdles that at the time seemed insurmountable. Even with a downturn now, again, Mr. Lee sees light at the end of the tunnel.

He attributes his positive attitude to the fact that his competitors in the surrounding areas has been blown out. At first there were 30 Chinese restaurants and now there are only 14. With the family’s constant efforts to provide high quality food and friendly service, Bamboo Garden has accumulated a loyal customer base. No wonder they are confident enough to stay afloat.