Lincoln Lunch: orange chicken
(my actual lunch) A reader named Audrey suggested a $5 lunch that hit me right where it counts - the stomach. Within an hour, I was driving to the office with a detour at Hot Wok in North Hollywood in mind.
Hot Wok has a plain facade and blocky, red signage. Just another no-frills Chinese eatery, I thought as I parked on the street. Inside, seven tables and booths filled the small restaurant. A TV in one corner blasted the local news.
I sat down and waited for a lone worker to bring me a menu. He arrived with a smile and told me to take my time looking over Hot Wok's 22 lunch specials, which range from $4.25 to $4.95.
He dashed away before I could tell him I knew what I wanted - orange chicken, as recommended by reader Audrey. The server-chef-cashier...
...returned quickly with a hot cup of hot and sour soup, which is not my favorite but comes with the lunch special.
I placed my order, settled in to read the newspaper, and had a few sips of soup, which was pretty good after all. While I was waiting two young men sat down and ordered without menus: regulars. A good sign. The all-in-one server was just as friendly with them as he was with me.
When my food arrived I dove in. The orange chicken was tasty and did not have an overwhelming orange flavor. It was light on vinegar, a common ingredient in citrus fowl dishes. I burned one spot on my gums, however, because it was so hot. Ouch.
The lunch special comes with steamed white rice (fried is an option) and a good-sized egg roll that was chewey and not at all tough. No dipping sauce, so I sopped up the orange chicken gravy with it.
No frills, but a good meal with friendly service that cost less than $6 with tax and tip.
Visit Hot Wok at 4840 Lankershim Blvd. just north of where it crosses Vineland Ave. (818) 985-0967. Open Monday to Saturday 11 to 9:30 pm.
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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This place is one of the true finds in the San Fernando Valley. I have been going there for twenty years (through two previous owners and one name change). The current owner Tran used to be the Chef at Golan (Kosher and Chinese)and he only uses fresh ingredients, white breast chicken and cooks to order if you want it. The ambience is not the greatest but clean. If you are bothered by the sparse inside take out the food.
For a good chinese meal without breaking the bank its great. His cooking and sauces equal Bamboo in Sherman Oaks, Kung Pao in Studio City and other quality Chinese restaurants. It may look like just another place but you can't beat the taste and the charm of the owner. He loves cooking and the customers.
Thanks to Jeff, I'll give this place a try the next time I'm in that area. A friend took me to Golan a few times, and the food was always fresh and tasty. It appears Tran hasn't lost his touch.
Julia, weren't you considering giving up Lincoln Lunches in an effort to save that last $5 of the $30 overage connected with your new phone? Or are you still doing LLs as a sacrifice for us readers? Whattagal!
Give up Lincoln Lunches? No way! But I am going to cut back on other lunches out with friends. Today I brought a pastrami and cheese sandwich. Tasty - and cheap! ~Julia
Zankou is good in Van Nuys: chicken is juicy, nice sauce