Shooting for the Moon

By Jun Wang

China Moon Restaurant

Location: 225 SE Oralabor Rd. Ankeny, IA 50021
Cuisine: Americanized Cuisine, Szechuan Cuisine, Hunan Cuisine 
Capacity: 120
Offers: Dine-in, Take-out, Catering, Delivery
Signature Dishes: Governor’s Chicken, Crispy Sesame Chicken, Orange Chicken
Year of Establishment: 1997
Phone: 515-964-8400

Nestled in Ankeny, Iowa, China Moon Restaurant has been delighting the community since 1997. Having been in the area for nearly 13 years, the restaurant has endeared itself to the locals and is now known around the area for being a great place to dine at.

Those who love Chinese food are invited to share China Moon’s passion for cooking within a space filled with enticing combinations of colors and textures. The restaurant is decorated in traditional Chinese style, with hanging lanterns and a red paper-cut dragon, which adds a festive vibe. The tone is set with a palette of warm materials, cherry wood, and some Chinese-inspired artwork. Owner Daniel Lam also knows the importance of creating a soothing environment and does so by playing koto and classic music in the background. There is also a pair of lion statues gracing the porch.             

Featuring a bounty of menu items extending across Hunan, Szechuan and other culinary disciplines, China Moon is definitely a gourmet heaven for people who have cravings for Chinese cuisine. A few peppers, a dollop of Szechuan peppercorn, and a dab of pepper powder give dishes a spicy touch, without overpowering them. The spiciness of the dishes is tamed to meet dietary restrictions yet still maintain their oomph, such as the Governor’s Chicken, Hunan Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken.

Among a large selection of delectable dishes, Hunan Chicken, Walnut Chicken and Chicken/Beef with Mixed Vegetables are some of the crowd pleasers. Hunan Chicken, drawing from the culinary influences of Hunan cuisine, is a combination of tender chicken balanced with water chestnuts, baby corn, bamboo shoots, broccoli and carrots. The red peppers and chili sauce give the dish a spicy kick and help transform it into a truly alluring creation.
Many patrons opt to top off their dining experience with a glass of wine or beer to enjoy as they dine. After a long day’s work, many may want to seek a respite. Pairing beer with authentic Chinese fare is an attractive choice for many office workers who don’t have time to make dinner after a long day’s work. China Moon offers an extensive collection of wine, beer, whiskeys and home brewed cocktails, which are a refreshing treat during the summer. Diners can also order a Flaming Volcano if they are in an adventurous mood. China Moon’s version is done in a contemporary way but with a special twist. Made of No. 151 rum, brandy, lemon juice and orange juice, the Flaming Volcano features a volcano bowl designed with a rising central hub, resembling a volcano cone. When ignited, the volcano bowl erupts with a sparkling flame, creating a mild volcanic ambience that many customers can’t get enough of. 
“We make sure every dish is beautifully presented and customers really appreciate that,” says Mr. Lam.

If you are on diet or are particular about fat intake and calorie count, rest assured that you won’t be assaulted with unhealthy food when you dine at China Moon. Mr. Lam doesn’t cook with MSG, and only uses a small amount of salt and oil in his dishes. You can also try some vegetable dishes, such as the Szechuan String Beans, Szechuan Eggplant and House Mixed Vegetables.

Given a glimpse of the menu, customers will notice that each dish has a picture alongside it. Unlike other restaurants which have menus that feature pictures of only a few dishes, China Moon’s menu has pictures of all the entrees and appetizers. The detail-oriented owner has also taken a few years to improve the menu items one by one. What drove Mr. Lam to take on such a huge project?

“Many may think it is not necessary to include pictures of the dishes but I want customers to know what they have ordered before the dish is served,” says Mr. Lam.

Before coming to America in the early 1980s, Mr. Lam never imagined that he would move his way up so quickly through the ranks of the restaurant industry. He started out as a waiter, was promoted to manager, and then become a restaurant owner. With around 20 years of management experience under his belt, he has the know-how to keep customers coming back and back again.

“We strive to understand our customers and then give them what they want,” says Mr. Lam.

Customers are the first priority at China Moon, and it is evident just by taking a quick look around the restaurant. You’ll see the staff taking orders, bussing tables, refilling drinks, and asking diners how their dinner is. Of course, no one is born an expert of their trade so training is given to both new and long time employees to ensure that customers have the best quality dining experience possible.

“It is not that difficult to please customers. Just imagine what you would expect when you step into a restaurant. ”concludes Mr. Lam.

Mr. Lam pours a lot of energy into it marketing his restaurant. To him, word of mouth is important, but it is much wiser to take advantage of media, such as advertising, TV, or magazines which help promote the restaurant and raise its exposure while also taking care of word of mouth.

While he is all smiles to customers, Mr. Lam, greets the challenges brought on by the slow economy head-on with an “iron hand.” His method of tackling problems while they are still minor, has allowed Mr. Lam to spend more time on other facets of his restaurant and it shows. China Moon has now become one of the brighter shining stars in the Ankeny dining scene.