August
22
5 out of 5 stars
We were shocked at the selection of over 100 items at this brand new Chinese buffet. Aside from many tables of Chinese and some traditional American foods, there is a sushi bar and a hibachi station where you choose your own ingredients a la Crazy Fire. Plus of course a salad bar including chilled shrimp, and two dessert tables plus an ice cream area. And for $6.95 for lunch on a Saturday! Lunch is that same price every day and dinner is $9.95. I have to say we were blown away, not only by the food selection and tastiness, but also by the politeness of the staff, the quick refilling of every station, and the uniqueness of the decor. Add to that 80′s hits on the stereo and you can be sure Glen and I will be back.
The technicolor buffet complete with crystal chandelier.
Hibachi and sushi stations towards the back.
First plate – tasty dumplings and sushi!
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March
24
5 out of 5 stars
Peking Garden was a great find- I daresay a hidden gem. Though it lies on the corner of a not-so-savory strip mall, the interior has a kind of log-cabin vibe with a pretty koi pond. It would be a great date location.
It was hard to choose what to order because Peking Garden offers a large menu, including the recent addition of a few Thai dishes and a nice selection of vegetarian items. I ordered Kung Pao Chicken, my usual order at my local place. Mom tried some Hunan chicken. My chicken was velvet-tender, with water chestnuts, peanuts, fresh zucchini and celery. Sprinkled within were two types of peppers, the dried red ones and sliced jalapenos. The chicken is not coated and fried like other places, it was lightly sauteed in a flavorful sauce. My lips were quite warm enjoying what I normally have gotten as the mild version.
Kung Pao Chicken
I ordered hubby some Mala tofu and some hot and sour soup to take home. He enjoyed both and found them quite spicy! So if they tell you something is spicy, don’t doubt it, but you can certainly order it mild like my mom did. Both the brown and white rice were an ideal consistency, slightly sticky and not dry at all.
I look forward to my next meal here- I’d love to try one of the specialties. News and Observer recommends many of the dishes, including the sweet Peking Shredded Pork.
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October
10
4 out of 5 stars
Stopped here for lunch with co-workers – the caveat is that I ate at the buffet, which we all know is not something you should judge a place on. While the decor is somewhat typical – mismatched pastels and randomness, service was brisk.
What I liked about Fortune Palace was that they have a different take on the classic entrees, it has a more authentic feel (what am I, an expert?) and was fresher tasting. The dumplings were better than many I’ve had here, but that doesn’t say much because the selection of chinese in Raleigh is pathetic.
A random selection of comments from table mates would include – spring rolls were too greasy, hot and sour soup was just ok (a usual occurrence around here as well), love the fried green beans. We loved the basil beef in the buffet, as well as the other options which were less memorable but the meat was tender and the veggies were varied and tasty, not wilty and damp like you often see.
I’d go back, for sure, and am giving them the benefit of the doubt because of the buffet handicap. Brad tells us that dinners are delightful and they make an art form out of carved veggies on your plate. He also often sees people roping off the front section for asian banquets, which has to be a good sign.
Fortune Palace Chinese Restaurant
2815 Brentwood Rd
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 850-0086
