On saturday, went to Chengdu w/ a group of four and was very disapointed--while I think the restaurant has declined sharply in the past 10 years in many aspects, I may finally have to take it off my short list of standby restaurants. The problem is that there seems to be a lack of edible chinese restaurants in the Montclair area. I'm utterly sick of the typical yellow signed, choose-by-picture menu's chinese restaurants that seem to dominate the area. At any rate, let me continue about Chengdu. Had a 7:00 reservation-- arrived 15 minutes early. Was told that the table would be ready "in just a few minutes". However, with the ridiculous # of people in the waiting area, I was a bit skeptical. Unfortunately I was right-- finally seated @ 7:45. We would have left,. however, i knew we'd never be able to get seated anywhere else on a saturday w/out a wait. Anyway, we sat for 15 more minutes before getting menus and another 15 to order. This was by no means leisurely dining-- the dining room was packed. Also, the acoustics are terrible-- it is extremely loud; couldn't even hold a conversation. On to the food-- ordered the following: spicy dumnplings-- very good; steamed dumplings in a mirin, rice wine, soy and garlic broth. one of the few good things springs rolls-- terrible, greasy, flavorless chicken soon-- this was good as well; diced chicken and peas served in a lettuce leaf, w/ plum sauce. Delicate dish, but good shrimp toast-- once again, greasy, soggy. Overall, i think they have issues w/ fried food. On to dinner: Peking duck-- soggy skin, which basically ruins the dish for me celestial chicken rolls--this used to be one of my faves, but was a disapointment. this is rolled chicken filled w/ shrimp lightly fried in a batter w/ a spicy szechuan sauce. some shrimp dish which isn't even worth mentioning lo mein-- usually this is relatively light for a noodle dish, but was greasy. Overall, a dramatic decline in service and food. Undoubtedly this can be chalked up to "trying to pump out too many dinners". I can't believe that this place is still ranked #1 in NJ for chinese food. Has anyone had similar experiences or am I being too picky? Where else can I go for an asian fix in the Montclair area? BTW, Thai Chef has already been nixed for similar reasons, ie overexpansion. Thanks lano
