Ming's Cafe   

Ming's is utterly dependable for everything on the menu we have ever tried. Prices are reasonable and portions are generous, and although reviews never seem to mention it, there are always daily specials on a chalkboard to add to the delights. Hint: any offering with eggplant is delightful, if they haven't run out when you get there. Some things that seem boring and familiar are among Ming's real treasures. The wings are crunchy and flavorful and a decent entree on their own. The crab puffs, unlike most of the cream cheese only atrociities usually so labelled, actually have crab and other delights and are in a class of their own. Of course, the egg rolls, regular and veggie, speak for themselves. If you get nothing else, get an egg roll. Menu winners are the Garlic Shrimp, loaded with vegetables and succulent fat shrimp in a well-balanced sauce, and Orange Beef, usually made with ribeye and tender and tasty any time. I prefer to amp up the heat, but the "medium" is not too spicy for most tastes as the sweetness tames the chile flame. Soups, lo mein, and other menu offerings are all well prepared and dependable. The kitchen seems to have great quality control and consistancy. Even the most boring sounding Americanized dishes are a cut above the average. For example, those usually lackluster crab puffs have a hint of sherry to add to their charm. My biggest quibble is the absence of ordinary iced tea. All Ming's offers is some gawdawful flavored mess that would gag a maggot. Iced tea is only possible by ordering hot tea and getting ice to make your own-tedious and annoying. As a result, Ming's loses a drink sale every time I visit. Flavored tea is fine for those who like the stuff, but no regular? Service is friendly and accurate, but food takes a bit longer than some places, because much of it is really from scratch and just takes longer. It is, however, well worth the wait. Mings is a gem.

I had a chance to stop by Ming's over the weekend and was not dissappointed. The Curry Chicken is always some of the best in the city. I had the Hot and Sour soup first and it was tremendous. I wish they had more of a variety on the lunch menu. Therrel