When you're sitting in your room, trying to decide where to go for a light meal, don't forget to stop by 38th and Spruce streets.
No, Stouffer Dining Hall hasn't reopened. But very close by is a dining establishment that is eminently better.
Beijing may seem like just another Chinese restaurant, but the experience you'll get there is anything but ordinary.
Whether you go with a large group of friends or for an intimate dinner for two, Beijing can offer just the right ambience you need.
From the Chinese watercolors on the walls to the Zodiac place mats on the tables, the atmosphere at Beijing is fun and comfortable. Beijing co-owners Alex Yuen and Mark Gendelman make sure that patrons have an experience they will not soon forget.
Every dish is made to order. With ten chefs, they are able to have a diverse menu while keeping up with the high demand of the Penn community. And for those who are accompanying friends but do not feel like eating Chinese, Beijing even offers a selection of salads.
Strategically located less than a block away from the Quad, Beijing is the perfect place to go for the college student who wants a delicious meal at a reasonable price. Yuen, who knows that not all students can afford high-priced dinners, tries to provide for all his customers' needs.
Beijing may not be flashy, yet something about Yuen's style has made Beijing a mainstay of West Philadelphia for more than 13 years. He would not tell me what his secret was, except that the Beijing staff consistently provides every customer with a personal and enjoyable experience with no undue strain on the wallet.
My companion and I started dinner with some hot and steamy wonton soup ($1.65) and two egg rolls ($1.35 each). The outside of the egg roll was perfectly crisp while the insides melted into (and lightly singed) our mouths.
For my entree, I chose the mandarin steak ($13.95) served with white rice. The tender steak arrived at the table sizzling. It was accompanied by onions and pineapple, which gave it a tangy and enjoyable flavor. My companion, who also tasted my entree, said that the steak "tastes just like ribs."
For his meal, my companion selected the sweet and sour chicken ($8.50) and pork fried rice ($6.95). The portions both he and I received were extremely generous. After we had eaten our full, it looked as though we had not even made a dent. Let it never be said that anyone ever walks out of Beijing hungry.
However, Beijing is not just about getting good food at decent prices. It's also about the service. The waiters and waitresses at Beijing are extremely attentive. I was offered a second drink even before my first glass was empty. While we had no problems during our visit, if had anything had gone wrong, the staff would have surely been prepared to handle it.
You can be sure that the next time I have a craving for Chinese food, I'll know right where to turn.
