Fried Chicken isn't Just for Southerners

Based in the capital of South Carolina in Columbia is the China Kitchen – a Chinese American take-out eatery which has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Regional & Specialty Chinese Cuisines” in the 6th Annual Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the USA Awards ceremony, held in Las Vegas, this January, 2010. That is no mean feat given the fact there are over 46,000 Chinese restaurants serving up food in the USA.

 

As at many takeout restaurants, China Kitchen is remodeled to feel much more like a McDonald's or KFC outlet than say a typical take-out Chinese. Take-out eateries can’t attract customers by gimmicky neon lights or flattering slogans; food is the centerpiece. People queue in front of the counter place their orders or sit and wait until the food is ready to go. This restaurant is abuzz with crowds. 

 

A Winning Menu

Featuring a versatile menu, ranging from appetizers, soup, poultry to vegetables mixed with meats or plain, you may not find any surprising items. However, the taste is a burst of welcome surprise once in the mouths of hungry diners. Drawing on his expertise and combining an a history of innovative inspirations, the owner, Mr. Jinduan Jiang, adds extra flare to his menu by successfully incorporating Sichuan and Hunan cuisines, two of the eight schools of culinary art in China. All manner of cooking techniques are employed from sautéing, stir-frying, deep-frying, grilling, steaming, boiling and poaching. Poached entrees are usually requested by people who have a desire for something healthier than fried food. The owner cannot say which is more popular at the moment since his customers like both types of preparations. Furthermore, whatever type of dish the customer asks for China Kitchen will deliver without question.

 

The ubiquitous General Tso’s Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, and Broccoli Beef are the regular items. Among a wealth of notable dishes, chicken wings and fried rice receive the highest acclaim. A large bag of fried chicken wings is very popular with the locals as fried chicken could be considered as one of the “regional dishes of the South”.

 

Common knowledge about sauce: it makes or spoils a dish, especially with the heavy reliance in Chinese cooking on sauce. The owner will adjust the taste of the house sauces to please his customers by making them lighter or spicier. If a patron wants a crispier coating on their poultry or fish, the chef will accommodate such.

 

Due to the demanding lifestyle of Americans, some of whom carry heavy loads such as more than one job, people do not waste time. Even in the typically slower states down south such as South Carolina. Orders are taken care of within 8~10 minutes. The owner can attest to the service due to self-discipline. He notes, “I rely on the staff to do the routine jobs: cleaning the tables, floors, kitchen equipment and to cook the orders.” “Luckily, they are cooperative and I never place too much pressure on them.”

 

Although the owner doesn't have a background in “restaurant management” per se, he knows how to serve customers with honesty and sincerity. This is what customers feel and that's why they continue to return besides liking the food dished up.

 

As to sparkling accommodations, the staff are quick to insure that the premises are continually cleaned up. In the Mystery Dining Report conducted by About Face, a leading research dining service company, the restaurant received a desired score of 94. This report serves as an on-site evaluation paper for the award selection in the competition, including décor, food, cleanliness & sanitation and service assessment.

 

Economic Recession

Of course their have been financial repercussions felt at China Kitchen, like mostly everywhere else in the nation due to the recession. For various reasons, China Kitchen has been able to not only stay afloat, it has weathered the storm. From the variety and quality of food and affordable prices to the efficiently friendly service, customers continue to patronize the restaurant. They   rely on the word-of-mouth recognition, rather than spending precious dollars on expensive advertising. They are now are planning to utilize coupons and do special offers to the neighboring communities.

 

One successful attribute of the restaurant lies in their customer service. Mr. Jiang believes that an owner cannot simply believe in a slogan as “Customer is King” without backing it up by putting it into practice and action on a daily basis. At China Kitchen, the customers feel and know that their preferences (cooking style and all manner of preparation) are the restaurant’s first priority. The passionate staff emit their ebullience to customers — new and old.

Mr. Jiang believes that without a loyal staff or skilled chef a restaurant will just not stand the test of time. Thankfully this is not his problem, nor has it ever been.

 

The owner learned the business beginning at the early age of seventeen, when he arrived in America. Other opportunities were not open to him at that time, so he entered the tried-and-true field of the Chinese restaurant business. Starting first as a lowly busboy he eventually moved up to becoming a chef through hard efforts and determination. After years in that role, accumulating knowledge — from preparation to procurement and dealing with suppliers, he opened his namesake, China Kitchen Chinese Restaurant. He currently owns another restaurant in the same town. Now there are two properties under his wing.

 

Comments from Online Reviewers:

“All of the food was served hot and fresh. The Shrimp Fried Rice contained many large, tasty shrimp. The Chicken Wings were crispy and flavorful. The Egg Roll was fresh and had a wonderful taste.”

“The restaurant offered great service and wonderful prices. I would recommend it to family and friends.”

Location: 2419 Forest Dr. Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803-254-7800
Offers: Take-out
Cuisine: Americanized Chinese cuisine
Year of establishment: 1993