Sun Luck Garden has been one of our favorite restaurants from the first time we stopped. On our initial visit, there were no free tables when we entered. We were asked if we cared to join a couple at an underused six-seat table. “Why not?” Sharing dinner with a pair of eccentric and interesting repeat customers set a path for our appreciation of this amazing little restaurant. We were hooked.
First Rule of Sun Luck: This is not your ordinary Chinese restaurant. Yes, there is one red paper lantern at the entry, but the room is primarily decorated with contemporary art and bold colored banners. Knives and forks are on the table, rather than the obligatory chopsticks. There are only about a dozen tales in this South Taylor storefront, so reservations are suggested. The menu is actually short.
Second Rule of Sun Luck: Wait for the specials. Yes there are interesting things on the menu. Michele feels the dark Tofu is the best ANYWHERE. She also likes the Won Ton Soup. Jeff often orders the scallion cakes appetizer and the Honey Walnut Shrimp is the only entrée he can recall ordering from the menu. The real treats here however, are the specials. Whatever is offered will be remarkable. The fish is always fresh and Michele readily orders it. The reoccurring Chicken Dumpling and Asparagus in Brown Sauce are among Jeff’s favorites. Even the specials that sound odd are ten times better than regular items at other restaurants. Sit down, buckle your set belt and order one of the unscripted treats. You’ll thank us.
Third Rule of Sun Luck: You get dessert at THIS Chinese restaurant! After having worked with some of the best chefs in Cleveland, it was inevitable that she would include a tantalizing array of sweets to end the meal. The ice cream is homemade, the sorbet is homemade, and all of the desserts are (you guessed) made in house. In almost twenty years of dining at Sun Luck, we haven’t had a clinker.
Fourth Rule of Sun Luck: Annie Chiu has a cult-like following. If you eat at Sun Luck Garden, you lovingly refer to the owner as simply, “Annie”. When the place is less than busy, she stops by each table for a chat. Conversations overheard during a normal evening are peppered with her name, “Annie really knows how to select fish” “What specials did Annie do today?” “I think Annie outdid herself today!” Once you dine here a second time, you too will be on a first-name basis with Annie.
Fifth Rule of Sun Luck: Go! Eat! Enjoy! You are not likely to find better, fresher or more creative cooking in all of Cleveland.
For the record, on this visit, Michele has the swordfish in savory vegetables, Jeff ordered the Chinese Squash with pulled pork. For dessert, Michele has the Mocha ice cream and Jeff had the bread pudding with warm caramel topping. Of course they were ALL good! Annie made them!
List Status: Existing
http://www.sunluckgarden.com/ 1901 South Taylor Road Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 216-397-7676
November 13, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Sun Luck Garden
Sun Luck Garden has been one of our favorite restaurants from the first time we stopped. On our initial visit, there were no free tables when we entered. We were asked if we cared to join a couple at an underused six-seat table. “Why not?” Sharing dinner with a pair of eccentric and interesting repeat customers set a path for our appreciation of this amazing little restaurant. We were hooked.
First Rule of Sun Luck: This is not your ordinary Chinese restaurant. Yes, there is one red paper lantern at the entry, but the room is primarily decorated with contemporary art and bold colored banners. Knives and forks are on the table, rather than the obligatory chopsticks. There are only about a dozen tales in this South Taylor storefront, so reservations are suggested. The menu is actually short.
Second Rule of Sun Luck: Wait for the specials. Yes there are interesting things on the menu. Michele feels the dark Tofu is the best ANYWHERE. She also likes the Won Ton Soup. Jeff often orders the scallion cakes appetizer and the Honey Walnut Shrimp is the only entrée he can recall ordering from the menu. The real treats here however, are the specials. Whatever is offered will be remarkable. The fish is always fresh and Michele readily orders it. The reoccurring Chicken Dumpling and Asparagus in Brown Sauce are among Jeff’s favorites. Even the specials that sound odd are ten times better than regular items at other restaurants. Sit down, buckle your set belt and order one of the unscripted treats. You’ll thank us.
Third Rule of Sun Luck: You get dessert at THIS Chinese restaurant! After having worked with some of the best chefs in Cleveland, it was inevitable that she would include a tantalizing array of sweets to end the meal. The ice cream is homemade, the sorbet is homemade, and all of the desserts are (you guessed) made in house. In almost twenty years of dining at Sun Luck, we haven’t had a clinker.
Fourth Rule of Sun Luck: Annie Chiu has a cult-like following. If you eat at Sun Luck Garden, you lovingly refer to the owner as simply, “Annie”. When the place is less than busy, she stops by each table for a chat. Conversations overheard during a normal evening are peppered with her name, “Annie really knows how to select fish” “What specials did Annie do today?” “I think Annie outdid herself today!” Once you dine here a second time, you too will be on a first-name basis with Annie.
Fifth Rule of Sun Luck: Go! Eat! Enjoy! You are not likely to find better, fresher or more creative cooking in all of Cleveland.
For the record, on this visit, Michele has the swordfish in savory vegetables, Jeff ordered the Chinese Squash with pulled pork. For dessert, Michele has the Mocha ice cream and Jeff had the bread pudding with warm caramel topping. Of course they were ALL good! Annie made them!
List Status: Existing
http://www.sunluckgarden.com/ 1901 South Taylor Road Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 216-397-7676
November 13, 2009 at 10:11 PM Leave a comment