“Table for three?” the woman running the front of the house at Ling Garden asked as we entered.
“Three generations, in fact,” I replied.
Over her shoulder, she cracked a smile that I took as “don’t be annoying” as she showed me, my mom and my daughter to a table.
Ling Garden remains on the same block where it started, although not in the same building. It launched in an old house but moved to the 21 Astor Building, which replaced it nearly 10 years ago. The old place had a huge fish tank just inside the door. The new place is simple and more spacious, with a few lanterns for decoration.
After a moment settling in, a second Ling sister asked if we were ready to order.
First we had some questions. “How long have you been open?”
“Thirty-one years,” she said with a smile.
“Did you celebrate the 30th anniversary?”
“No, we worked.”
Her own daughter, she added, helps sometimes, “but she doesn’t want to work this hard.”
That drew a wry laugh at the daughter’s expense.
A third Ling sister delivered another order and slipped back into the kitchen.
Then we ordered General Tso’s chicken, vegetable lo mein and pot stickers.
While I worked up an appetite steering the conversation, my mom wanted to talk about world affairs (nope) or how the freight trains by Centennial Mill will create a barrier against its imminent collapse (also a bit intense for our companion) or tennis.
My daughter, who is studying pre-veterinary medicine, didn’t take the bait on any of these topics, but shared a work story about Bandit, a one-eyed dog who stays at Sniff Dog Hotel.
We opened our fortune cookies. Mine said, “Your willingness to take risks will soon be rewarded.”
Briefly
Retropolitan Vintage, 234 SW Broadway, a sprawling vintage mall, opened Aug. 8 in an Art Deco building last home to the Paul Mitchell Beauty School and across from the Benson Hotel. I picked up a set of styrofoam Blitz-Weinhard beer holders and a kitschy little painting. For now, the first floor is filled up with vendors and the upper level will be open soon. A vault on the first floor will serve as a concession stand during events.
Jakarta Bistro, an Indonesian restaurant at 1902 NW 24th Ave., is open weekends 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Multnomah Athletic Club leased the corner space at Sawbuck Apartments, 1795 SW Salmon St. “The space provides the club with additional flexibility to host events, meetings and other member activities,” said communications manager Adam Linnman.
A few businesses from the now-closed Lloyd Center have jumped to Pioneer Place. They include Floating World Comics, a Lego store, a magic shop, Kathmandu to You, and Auntie Ann’s Pretzels.
Lucille, a cocktail bar, will open on the ground floor of the Carson Apartments in Slabtown in the former home of Manzanita Wines.
Verdun Fine Chocolates, the longtime Lebanese chocolate shop with beautiful foil wrapping, has closed its Pearl District shop in the Gregory, 421 NW 10th Ave., and headed for the suburbs.
I’ve eaten at Ling Garden for years. I’d describe it as a traditional American-style Chinese restaurant. Its strength is being a dependable neighborhood place with good-quality food, reasonable prices, and friendly service. If you’re looking for highly authentic Chinese cuisine, this probably isn’t what you’re after—get on a plane to San Francisco, or better yet Hong Kong. That being said, I highly recommend it for a good family meal.
If you’re craving Lebanese chocolate, I highly recommend Azar Indulgences, 712 SW Salmon St., across the street from John Helmers. If you go, ask her when she’s bringing back the Namoura. Also, how many coffee shops in Portland will make you a Turkish coffee? She also has a good selection of locally made chocolate.
Until this day I never knew that Ling Garden was owned by 3 sisters! Though I did know the same women have worked there every time I have gone.