China One — Restaurant in Kirkland

For New York style fast food Chinese, China One does a fine job. Although there is some simple seating, this is basically a take out place. It's family owned, and the folks there are friendly. The service is always with a smile. I've been here a couple dozen times in the last two years and the proprietor recognizes me, which is nice. I have tried a number of items from the menu and they've all been good, and very cheap for the generous portions. The house special Lo Mein and the General Tsao's Chicken are my go to entrees, though. Lots of goodies in the Lo Mein, with a slightly tangy sauce. While many places overcook the General Tsao's, their's is always moist, and not dried out. The shrimp egg rolls are better than average, not stuffed full of nasty cabbage, and some shrimp you can actually see. There's also an excellent wonton soup. Usually get 3-4 large wontons in the pint sized portion. Going to try the hot and door soup with some Chow...

Got the orange beef (tender, flavorful, w/actual slivers of orange peel!), shrimp w/veggies & chow mein (shrimp was plump, juicy, veggies nice & crisp), and spring rolls (tad salty for me, but still good and not too greasy). Somehow the spring roll wrapper soaks up a lot of grease while keeping the roll super crispy. Even the rice was fluffy, fragrant, and not a giant soggy ball of goop like most Chinese takeout joints I’ve tried around here. Everything tasted like the Chinese restaurant dishes I ate at growing up back home on the west coast and made me feel nostalgic. Even the cute staff working here were really sweet! Kinda mad it took me 2+ years of living around here to find our Chinese takeout joint but glad we know...

This restaurant is just up the road and had good reviews, so I tried it. Ordered delivery at a time that was not busy (4:30 in the afternoon). It was, without a doubt, the worst Chinese delivery I can ever remember getting. Egg roll was half-filled and so loosely rolled that the meager filling just fell out of it at one bite. It was soggy and cold. General Tso's Tofu sauce was like water and tasteless. Hot and Sour Soup was absolute crap. Since I got delivery and didn't pick up there, I have no opinion on atmosphere or cleanliness, but I will never, ever order...