Wok — Restaurant in Seattle

Today, curiosity killed the cat. I just had to try the khao soi. It's pretty bad, but not as bad as the fried rice. My entire experience was a friendly letdown. The service and the presentation of my dish were the highlights. Luckily, it was fresh enough and made well enough to eat.... but I did think about just tossing it a few times.

For starters. My server was super nice, but for sure let me order without mentioning that the dish I ordered only came in one size and meat option despite being in the 'pick your options' menu. I had to ask why they didn't clarify size and meat before getting the explanation.

I enjoyed their layout that let me watch them cook the food while I wait. I was impressed by how clean everything looked. I was originally memorized watching them prepare everything in such a clean space, but as I watched I looked at the fried rice being cooked and it just looked odd. Then I looked over at my food and also noticed it looked odd despite all being fresh. So I stopped watching and roamed the area for a bit.

When I came back to get my order, I noticed the side of fried rice the dish came with was entirely too small. They did, however, stuff it fairly full. The khao Soi itself looked ok enough to want to snap a quick photo.

Fast forward to me actually eating the food. it tasted odd and so did the textures. Especially the fried rice. Even the condiments had an odd taste. Instead of being able to enjoy my meal I was confused and skeptical if I should even eat. The one thing that saved it was the fresh veggies. The most interesting part of the dish were the crispy ish noodles. They had a stale initial texture that turned into more of a peanutty cracker texture and flavor as it broke down. As my food cooled it got more interesting looking.

While I was eating I had flashbacks of the chefs. Working hard and doing everything right. Where did things go so wrong. From what I could see, everything was there, even the fresh veggies and wok fried aspect. Must be their sauce. I bet they have to use a company standard pre-made sauce. Idk. In the end, I'm left with Panda Express vibes, but you pay a premium from the wok experience. And hey, I kept eating it. I also can't act like I didn't order this in...

I've eaten here around ten times over eighteen months and the experience has been pretty consistent whether the Armory is empty or not. I see the complaints in the other reviews and except for never having to wait long I can see their issues happening. But I try to chill when I come there so it doesn't take away from the real purpose, which is to savor the hot off the grill quality-ingredient, well-seasoned food. Let's face it, the economic model in the Armory is just a notch down from the airport, so I'm not expecting loss leaders and I am expecting cut corners. I have to give it to the Wok, they don't cut corners on the food. And the portions are enough so that me and my date share without infighting down to last morsel and without compromising my low unit cost requirements. I think the grill is hotter than most Asian-style grills and I should probably chill about the carcinogens too. But I keep coming back for that savory...

I went to the Wok yesterday and I found them to be absolutely wonderful. Even though they only serve 3 kinds of entrees they have certainly perfected their craft in Chinese Bar-B-Que Pork, and General Tsao's Chicken!! I am allergic to shrimp but I'm sure it is equally as good. The fried rice was jasmine short grain rice I found perfectly fried. Not dry or wet. Tasted like how I cook it. I am a good cook myself and rarely eat out. I have had many times BBQ Pork in many chinese restaurants but I think the Wok's is the best. Nice thick juicy slices. Even better than Kau Kau that I've bought from for many years. I spoke to the owner and he told me all the ingredients he used that make it tender and absolute perfect flavor. Has to be the 10 cups of honey he glazes with in his recipe. They deserve more credit than their previous reviews. Also took 2 more BBQ Pork & Chicken dinners home. Highly recommend...