Big Spirit of Innovation at China Bistro

     Location: 89 Lake St. Laconia, NH 03246

Phone: (603) 524-0008

Offers: Dine-in, Take-out, Party room

Cuisine: Chinese cuisine and Sushi Bar

Year of establishment: 1983

Website: www.ChinaBistroNH.com

In the small state of New Hampshire lies Lake Winnipesaukee, named so for its Native American heritage. Here amongst the changing of the leaves, maple trees, oaks and pines, spruce and evergreens lies an upscale Chinese restaurant: China Bistro.

China Bistro is no newcomer to the business. Although the restaurant has been around for more than twenty years and has gone through many transformations, its current appearance is a bold break from its former self. China Bistro, formally Oriental Gardens, prides itself on not only its menu, but in the dining atmosphere. Owner, Lin Bi, closed down his restaurant for four months in order to create a dining experience not found in the Lakes Region. Once reopened, customers were wowed with the new design and experience created by famous Chinese and American interior designers.

Some of the fantastic features of the remodeling featured a classic circular arch entry point made of the finest imported and highly polished, lacquered red wood with a background of marble. Artworks imported directly from China fill the 200 person dining area as soft lighting and Chinese string music set the tone for a comfortable and relaxed dining experience like no other.

Lin admits, “The little details can make a huge difference.” He stresses to his managers that service and food are only part of the dining experience. Lin stressed the importance of cleanliness. That's why China Bistro was quoted by the Mystery Dining Report “...immaculate in the dining area. The restroom was tidy and well stocked. I was impressed by the cleanliness of each area inside the restaurant.”

Sanitation aside, the staff are well trained to assist the pickiest of customers. Their knowledge of all dishes, new and old continues to impress even the most doubtful diners.

In retelling this funny story, Lin chuckles, “Do you know of the classic Chinese entrée “Ants climb on the tree?” he teases.

“From just reading the name, most customers would be turned off.” The Ants climb on a Tree is a Szechuan spicy delicacy made of ground meat clinging to bean thread noodles. It is a classic Chinese cuisine created five centuries ago.  “The staff’s knowledge of dishes such as Ants Climb on a Tree allows the staff to give a detailed explanation to help customers understand what the dish consists of and to order the dish.” “Of course,” he adds, “the courteous manner of the staff makes all the difference.”

Chinese Specialties Abound

Peking Duck is just one of their specialties. The 2008 Olympics showcased Chinese culture – modern as well as ancient in all its glory, including the 5,000 year old rich and delectable Chinese culinary culture. Peking Duck, especially the branded duck served at the time-honored restaurant in Beijing, Quan Ju De, became more popular across the world. It's a luxury to eat authentic Peking Duck like the ones served at Quan Ju De’s. China Bistro’s recipe is from Quan Ju De. The duck is marinated in the house sauce for 24 hours and then slowly roasted until crispy brown on a rotisserie. It is brought to the table with their own homemade rice pancakes and

hoisin sauce. 

Mostly though the cuisine served up at China Bistro is local favorites Chinese dishes. Customers rave over the taste of the General Gau’s Chicken. Some customers have even been quoted saying that it is the best General Gau’s Chicken they have ever tasted. China Bistro also serves other favorites such as Dan Dan Noodle, Phoenix Soon, Crab Rangoons ,Grandma’s Spicy Tofu Pot, Emperor’s Shrimp Bacon, Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp ,Five Stars Around Moon and their famous dessert-Fried Ice Cream. Sushi menu has been added to the mix to keep pace with dining trends. A lovely new sushi bar and counter rounds out the interior circa 2008. Yet Chinese cuisine is still the centerpiece.

All of China Bistro’s dishes are made to order and all the sauces and marinades are home made. They use only the freshest ingredients and all their dishes contain no monosodium glutamate (MSG).

How it all Began

In the later seventies, Lin Bi arrived as a student who was continuing his education in Business Administration in University of New Hampshire from China. He developed a keen interest in business management which has served him well. His resume includes CEO of a publicly listed company, American Mining Resources Corporation and Vice President of Asia Operation for United Investments Corporation in New York. After the success of Oriental Gardens, Lin Bi decided to create a dining experience that was missing from the Lakes Region. China Bistro, integrated with the success of the Baja Beach Club, a hottest night club north of Boston located in the same building, has been recognized two years in a row as one of the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the USA.

A current theme throughout Lin’s career has been innovation and keeping abreast of lifestyle trends. He hopes to spread his message of Chinese culinary culture far and wide; to a public that is willing to try to stretch their collective comfort zone, when it comes to testing new Chinese foods.

Check the website to learn more. http://www.ChinaBistroNH.com