Lake Ella Plaza — Local services in Tallahassee

This plaza is so so so busy, especially because of Publix. Too many stores. Not enough space to navigate. Not enough entry and exit points. There are many stores besides Publix (which obviously takes up the most business) - UPS, nail salon, liquor store, CVS, dry cleaners - and a few restaurants. I'm always afraid I'm going to be hit. You need to be very cautious parking, especially backing out, and also driving around the parking lot. GO SLOW ... Around Publix, pedestrians will just walk out in front of you with no regard whatsoever. I strategically choose my enter and exit points and always know where is the best area to park for egress - it's that bad. I mean not always, but most of the time. Let's just say it's a rarity that this place isn't a complete S- show. I suggest going in mornings or late evenings if possible, mostly because of the Publix crowd. I often need to just run into UPS so do that early if to can! The earlier you can get into this plaza, the better. As in...

Was at the Plaza for Empire Chinese food. Highly recommended, this was my first visit. It is strictly a take-out. . Literally one small table and three chairs.

I ordered take out: Pork Wonton Soup (#16). Shrimp Egg Foo Young (#28). House Special Lo Mein (#43)

Portions were generous. I saved part of each for the next day's lunch.

Overall, the food was good, but pricey for strictly quick takeout. My order w tax&tip was just over $36.00. That is a big bite from a retiree's entertainment & food budget.

However, the soup I will never order again. To me , the broth was OK, while the pork wontons have an "off-taste".

The Lo Mein was the best.

The EFY was tasty. A very good, smooth brown sauce.

The very last bite HAD A USED METAL STAPLE...

Publix and UPS store. Be aware! Although this publix location shares the greatness of all publix stores have, the deli is an exception, especially the sub line: it's almost always a show of slow motion! It's very frustrating whenever I have to get a sub from this deli because of the extremely ineffective operation. I wonder if the workers making subs enjoying watching customers long waiting. (There was one lady who was very quick and precise, unfortunately she only worked there for short period of time,...