One of the Family at New China Delight
Interviewed by Cuiyin Zhang   Written by Pam McElroy

“Everyone should treat each other like they are one big happy family,” says New China Delight’s owner, Mr. Peng. Considering the staff is the same since the restaurant’s opening in 2004, being a family is something that comes easily.

This family philosophy creates a happy working environment for the staff and a warm home atmosphere for customers. The dishes in New China Delight are prepared freshly each day and cooked by a well-known Szechuan chef who has 35-year experience in the restaurant industry and has won several awards in China. The restaurant’s culture and food attract many customers in the Bay Area and also won recognition being named one of Top 100 Rising Stars and Top 100 Regional Chinese Cuisine in the 4^th annual Top 100 Chinese Restaurants competition, sponsored by Chinese Restaurant News, in 2007.

A Memorable Ambiance

The elegant yet comfortable dining room is decorated in the traditional Chinese fashion but with a modern twist. The elements of the interior flow together create a feeling of harmony. The tables are set immaculately and beautiful ornaments adorn the walls. The modern color scheme and warm lighting encompass a feeling of home.

New China Delight is located in downtown Mountain View, California, the center of Silicon Valley. It sits conveniently near residential areas, banks, offices, a railway station, and government buildings. The location was advantageous since its opening until the end of last year when a lot of the nearby businesses closed down because of the suffering economy. New China Delight definitely felt the impact, but Mr. Peng is continuing to stay afloat due to the continuous support of loyal customers who recommend his restaurant to their friends and relatives. In fact, every Chinese New Year’s Eve over the last four years, families have held their intimate celebrations at New China Delight.

Delightful Dining

According to one online reviewer, “If you are in the mood for some authentic Chinese food, I definitely recommend this place.” And it seems most online reviewers agree. The menu offers authentic Szechuan, Mandarin, and Shanghainese food while also offering some Americanized Chinese food as well, the flavors being spicy and savory. According to another happy online reviewer, “The Szechuan specialties are authentic and EXCELLENT...now that’s spicy!”

New China Delight’s signature dishes are Szechuan Style Chicken w. Spicy Red Pepper, Boiled Fish Filet in Hot Sauce, and Sautéed Shanghai Style Shrimps. Customers appreciate these dishes for their traditional and regional backgrounds.

For customers looking for healthy options, Peng recommends ordering a Shanghainese dish. These dishes are traditionally delicate and lighter in flavor. Additionally, every item on the menu is prepared with little oil. New China Delight also guarantees freshness. All of the sauces are prepared homemade by the kitchen staff. Meats, seafood, canned food, and seasonings are delivered regularly from a local distributor. The fresh ingredients and healthy preparation methods keep customers coming back again and again, despite the current economic climate.

Top-Rate Service

“First-rate service is absolutely guaranteed,” promises Peng. At New China Delight, customers always come first, no matter the situation. If there is a dispute or complaint, the customer is always right. “We will continue to make improvements until each customer is satisfied,” says Peng.

Staff are very polite, knowledgeable of the vast menu and have ample experience. The friendly servers diligently work with smiles on their faces and make contact with customers. Every customer is warmly greeted upon entering the restaurant.

In return for their service, Peng strives to keep his staff happy. He provides birthday cakes on each employee’s birthday. He encourages staff members to share their happiness and hardships with one another. The support of his staff is one of the foundations to run the restaurant smoothly.

Mr. Peng’s Secrets to Success

Peng came to the United States 12 years ago and has continued the work he began since the restaurant training he received in his native China. According to Peng, restaurants need to follow the steps below in order to find success.

1. Service. Restaurant owners and staff must remember that customers are the number one priority.
   
2. Sanitation. Whether cleaning duties are assigned to staff or outside help, restaurants always have to keep the highest level of hygiene.
   
3. Know Your Audience. Because serving authentic Chinese food is the ultimate goal, the kitchen should be aware of the customers’ needs and made modifications accordingly.
   
4. Never Stop Improving. Even when business is at its busiest, restaurant owners must never stop looking for ways to improve the overall restaurant operation and menu.
   
5. Pricing. The prices should be fair so that customers will always feel they have received a good restaurant value.
   
6. Signature Dishes. Restaurants should have high-quality signature dishes that show off the chef’s talent and make the restaurant stand out from other restaurants in the area.

New China Delight 

l        Location: 360 Castro St., Mountain View, CA 94041

l        Cuisine: Americanized Chinese, Szechuan, and Shanghainese Cuisine

l        Capacity: 160

l        Offers: Dine in, Take-out

l        Signature Dish (These dishes are analyzed for nutrition content by Healthy Dining and recommended as healthy food.):

u      Assorted Vegetables w. House Special Chicken Tofu

u      Sauteed Shanghai Style Shrimps

u      Sauteed Minced Chicken Breast w. Tender Bamboo and Green Pepper

u      Szechuan Style Chicken w. Spicy Red Pepper

l        Year of establishment: 2004

l        Phone: (650) 961-6635

l        Owner: Mr. Peng