It was to be our 34th wedding anniversary lunch.
“Honey, where would you like to go?”
“We haven’t eaten at the First Wok for a while. Let’s go there.”
We have celebrated at this restaurant for a number of years. We both know the menu by heart.
We went early to avoid the crowds. John noticed that the snow hadn’t been shoveled from the sidewalk from the evening before. A small sign on the entrance stated:
“Closed indefinitely due to a fire.”
Well, now what?
I remembered there was another place on the other side of town that we had eaten at, and the food was comparable. We drove the 20 minutes to the busy Beltline. The Golden Wok’s sign said they were open, but the notice next to the door was from the state license bureau that had pulled the license, and the building was closed.
“Now what do you want to do?”
“Ask your phone for Chinese restaurants near our location.”
“PF Chan is on the other side of Beltline.”
It took almost as long to turn and cross the busy six-lane highway as to drive across town. Finally, we pulled in and parked.
The decor was deep reds and golds. Though the room was large, the music was muted, and the conversation was subdued. We were seated at a table for eight. The waitress brought our ginger hot tea in a cast iron-decorated pot. “Are there any lunch specials?”
“Here is our menu.”
All the items were à la carte. We decided to splurge and take a chance on this new eating establishment. We both ordered “Hot and sour soup.” The ceramic bowls had a spicy chicken stock with thin strips of carrots, peas, and cabbage still crunchy. The soup was served with the traditional flat spoon. My vegetables kept slipping off my spoon. Finally, I gave up and waited for the entrée.
My meal was crunchy honey chicken. John ordered orange chicken. His had a good portion of vegetables, while mine had none. We shared our meals. There was plenty to take home.
For dessert, John chose a peanut butter pudding covered in chocolate. I ordered egg rolls. Both were flavorful. Mine was served with small fried noodles and a side of a mixture of mustard and oyster sauce. I found the mixture well balanced for my palate.
As the waitress started to clear the table, John mentioned that this was our wedding anniversary celebration.
“Congratulations.”
When the bill came, she smiled, “Your dessert is on the house.”
Though the bill was higher than we normally have, John gave a 20-dollar tip. We will return if for no more than to claim our two complementary desserts.
A poem
Going Chinese
Two gilded horses stand guard on the patio.
Reds and golds in subdued lighting.
Low murmurs mingle with calm music.
Fancy dishes framed each entree.
Hot, spicy tastes, crunchy textures.
The meal lasted over an hour.
We will return soon.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyrighted 2/16/2026
traveling up and down the blind highway 