I didn't experience real Chinese food until I was almost 19 years old, after moving back to California of course. In Alabama, where I grew up, it wasn't exactly a common (or respected) delicacy. I remember only one Chinese restaurant in Mobile, next to Applebee's, and i was told several times that they served dog meat there. Ah, good times indeed.

That said, i have had a lot of good Chinese food since then, and the best i've had in Northern California is definitely at Tong Fong Low's in Oroville. I would never have expected it to be found in Oroville where good restaurants are hard to come by, but we shouldn't prejudge based solely on location. From what i've read about the restaurant, it has alot to do with tradition. I guess they've only had two different owners since opening originally in 1912. Ya.... wow. But don't get me wrong, it doesn't feel like a stuffy, established restaurant with high-priced dishes.

So when i met a new lady friend that lives in Oroville, and we were trying to think of a low-key, casual place to eat and chat, Tong Fong Low's was a perfect choice. We grabbed a booth, i poured myself some hot tea to sip, and we had a great time hanging out and getting to know each other for almost two hours. It's not the most romantic place, but a nice slow meal, especially when i try to use chopsticks.

I don't really care for Oroville, but I've got to learn that these types of places (like people) can be hidden anywhere. Keep your eyes and mind open and you might just find a gem.

• eats : snow pea chicken and vegetarian chow mein (soft noodles)
• clientele : families... rich, poor, black, white, old, and young.
  
• price : way too cheap, less than $15

.

2 Comments:

At 8/23/2005 4:42 AM,  my imperfect offering said...

Sounds like a perfect place for a first date!

Funny about those urban legends surrounding chinese restaurants. Even as an adult, I heard one here once in Atlanta (about them serving cats and dogs) and I *still* haven't been back to that restaurant.

Congrat's on what sounds like a fun evening. :)

 

At 8/23/2005 10:19 AM,  Anonymous said...

I am now craving that place, haven't been there in a long while... thanks :P

 

Post a Comment