Sanyong, Livingston

[scarlet knight]

My wife and I felt like Asian cuisine. We didn't feel like venturing to Montclair (Sushihana, Aozora, Deja Vu) because the parking in that area is a nightmare on Saturday night.

We went to Sanyong, a Chinese restaurant that was formerly Feng Shui and formerly Friendly's. The parking lot was so empty on Saturday night at 7 PM that we almost left-- this is a bad sign. However, we gave it a shot and it was very good!

The egg roll was not the least bit greasy and a wonton soup was very hot, the soup tasted like a chicken broth and it was not salty or food-colored. For entrees, we had a special of Grand Marnier shrimp. These were huge shrimp that were flash fried with a sauce of Grand Marnier, mustard and cream or something that made the sauce a little creamy. Quite good! We also had Yang Chow fried rice, with shrimp, pork, chicken, etc. Very light brown with not the least bit of greasiness.

The service was also very attentive. The host talked to us without being intrusive. A waiter was intrigued by our Belgian ale which comes in a bottle that looks like a wine bottle. Overall, a winnning experience. Even my wife was enthusiastic and she is not a big fan of Chinese cuisine.

Is it as good as Hunan Taste in Fairfield? No, I find that to be more authentic and interesting. However, Sanyong is darn good. I am mystified as to why it was nearly empty on Saturday night at 7pm. I highly recommend it.

[Rosie]

We didn't like Feng Shui and when I found out that Sanyong had the same chefs and menu we decided not to try this place. The cuisine IMHO was Chinese food for American people. I'm also partial to Hunan Cottage.

[scarlet knight]

I misstated the name of Hunan COTTAGE. It is better than Sanyong in that its food is more authentically Chinese. But I think that a lot of diners prefer more familiar Chinese-American fare and Sanyong provides a modern take on this style. I'm just surprised Sanyong doesn't draw a better crowd on Saturday night. Maybe the locals tried it as Feng Shui and found it to be lacking. My wife and I, not huge fans of Chinese, really liked Sanyong.

[Rosie]

I'll have to drive by on a Sunday when more families eat out and see if it is busy.

[NJ2FLA]

I went there monts ago with my mom and pops and we liked it but weren't thrilled. The waitress didn't really understand much English at all and that made it difficult to ask questions. I think it was a weeknight and there were a few other customers in there, but not a full house.

I'd rather go to Bill & Harry's up the road. Thought the food was on par, but was more pricey and again the service.

[dbrociner]

I am mystified as to why it was nearly empty on Saturday night at 7pm.

I suspect it was because the next night was the start of Yom Kippur, I'd check back on another Saturday before drawing any conclusion. I've never been to the restaurant so I can't say. I'd go to the Ritz for a steak sandwich instead but thats just my taste.