Authentic Taiwanese with a Touch of Americana

Authentic Taiwanese with a Touch of Americana
Interviewed by Cuiyin Zhang  Written by Elise Krentzel

Most Americans cannot tell the difference between Taiwanese “Chinese” and mainland recipes. The average diner around the country is used to an Americanized version of Chinese that is no longer even Chinese. In fact, when you hear the words Chinese take-out, dine-in or delivery, it is as ubiquitous as hamburgers and fries, pizza (Italian), tacos (Mexican) and sushi (Japanese).

The extensive menu offered at Mr. King by owner Yuh C. Wang (customers call him Mr. Wang) and his wife Jenny tries to emphasize the Taiwanese connection with such dishes as Taiwanese Stir-Fried Rice Noodles, House Special Pan-Fried Noodles, Pineapple Fried Rice and shrimp and Singapore Rice Noodles, to name a few. Signature dishes include General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Orange Beef, Kung Po Chicken and Garlic Shrimp.

The House Special Noodles are made by pan frying thin noodles topped off with a combination of shrimp, beef, chicken and mixed vegetables. Customers go wild for the House Special Noodles.

The House Garlic Shrimp is an original of Mr. King's. The shrimp are dressed with egg whites and starch and then deep fried. Fresh mashed garlic and a homemade sauce are then poured on the shrimp to give zing and spice with a sweet and sour aftertaste.

The Taiwanese Rice Noodles are made with a medley of shrimp, chicken, snow peas, spring onions and bean sprouts. The noodle dish is topped with coriander and meat which is prepared in a traditional Taiwanese style.

Jenny travels to Taiwan from time to time to keep on top of the culinary trends bringing new dishes to her customers in Florida. She also keeps abreast of trends in the States as well. For example, Mr. King offers a Weight Watchers Special with all dishes served free of oil, salt and cornstarch. Soy and vinegar are served on the side with steamed rice. For the dine-in customers complimentary fresh fruit is served after a meal.

All About the Customers
Founded in 2003 by Jenny and Mr. Wang, this experienced couple has six restaurants under their belt cutting their teeth in the business for over twenty years. The partnership between her and her husband is a work of art so to speak. Since 2004 Mr. King has been awarded the honor of “Best of the Best Restaurants in Town” for six consecutive years. And in January 2010, the restaurant was awarded “Top 100 Takeouts” by Chinese Restaurant News.

The couple attributes much of their success to Jenny's outlook and attitude. Her focus has always been on keeping her customers happy. Jenny says, “You should understand what you might lose if you miss one guest”. “Provide excellent service to ensure that customers leave with a satisfied smile and a full stomach”. With this philosophy in mind, Jenny runs a tight ship and is particular about quality control and management. Loyal customers have been coming back for years.

All About the Team
The family style restaurant is run by Jenny and Mr. Wang. Mr. Wang commands the kitchen with three other chefs, while Jenny occupies the front welcoming the customers. “It is difficult to run a restaurant of any size. A restaurant’s success depends on its staff. We are fortunate to have a great team.” says Mr. Wang. The training the couple provides and the friendly environment have helped keep a group of hard-working and loyal employees. Some of the staff have been here since the restaurant opened its doors in 2003.

Jenny and her husband retired in 2001. After one year of retirement, the couple missed the daily interaction with customers as well as sharing their food and culture with the community. Ultimately the couple decided to come out of retirement and open up Mr. King for their love of people and great food. Their plan is to keep the restaurant going as long as they can. A big part of their happiness stems from the pride they have in Mr. King and the regular customers they serve.

Even in these difficult economic times, Jenny refuses to raise prices. “We understand that our customers are also facing tough times, and I would rather earn less money than increase everyone’s hardship. We’re all in this together.”

Looking ahead, Jenny and Mr. Wang are excited to continue introducing new tastes and flavors to the restaurant. “The restaurant is my creative outlet and allows me to share my ideas with my customers”. Jenny’s new additions to the menu have been well received. Mr. King’s customers are looking forward to seeing what else Jenny and Mr. Wang bring to the table.

Name: Mr. King Chinese Restaurant
Location: 471 Ne 1st Ter., Crystal River, FL 34429 
          （US 19 behind Wendy’s & Cross from Big Lots）
Offers: Take-out, Dine-in, Drive-thru
Phone: 352-564-2488 / 352-564-8788