China Renaissance begins the New Year on a lighter note
By Cynthia Schuster-Eakin
happenings
Published Date, 2005

I like to start the New Year on the right dining note. After the inevitable indulgences of the holidays, I yearn for fare that is simpler, lighter and actually good for me. Oriental food always seems to fit that bill.

China Renaissance, part of the North Olmsted business community for the past 11 years, offers an extensive menu of Chinese dishes, including some that you will not find at other restaurants. After a hard day of post-Christmas bargain hunting at Great Northern Mall, two companions and I agreed that we would head to China Renaissance to relax over dinner and a pot of hot tea. It proved to be a satisfying decision.

We began our meals with bowls of steaming won ton soup and silky smooth egg drop soup (each $1.50), along with an order of plump steamed dumplings ($4.25 for six). We were tempted by the scallion pancakes ($3.95), but vowed to try them on a return visit. Our server explained that the lacy thin crepes are more easily found at Chinese restaurants on the east side of town since, sadly, many of our west side Oriental dining establishments specialize in carry out food only. Other appetizers on the menu include barbecued spare ribs ($4.95), pan-fried dumplings or pot stickers ($4.25), Chinese eggplant salad ($4.95) and breaded coconut shrimp ($4.95). Other soups include vegetable bean curd soup and chicken corn soup. Our server noted that the chicken shiitake mushroom soup is a house specialty.

I opted for a recommended entree, one of my favorites, which was Kung Pao chicken ($8.25). Our server explained that spicy dishes range from mildly hot to extra hot, depending on the customer's preference. I went with mild, eating around the tiny red peppers that I knew would be explosively hot. Next time, I think that I might opt for a little more spice in this dish. A friend decided to sample another specialty, the Pom Pom chicken ($8.50). Chunks of boneless chicken breast are breaded and deep-fried, then coated in a honey sauce. The dish is similar to General Tso's chicken, but sweet instead of spicy. Our other companion selected shrimp with Chinese vegetables ($10.95).

Listed, as gourmet specialties on the China Renaissance menu are such dishes as walnut double delight, a combination of shrimp and chicken topped with walnuts ($12.50), and Shan Tan beef fried with roasted orange peel, onion and hot peppers ($13.50). Spicy volcano beef with vegetables ($13.50), brought flaming to the table, adds a touch of the theatrical to the menu. Chinese eggplant, with its tender, thin purple skin that makes eggplant Parmesan taste heavy and tough, is stir-fried with large shrimp in a hot Hunan sauce ($11.50). Shrimp lover's delight combines two dishes, walnut shrimp and Hunan shrimp, for $15.95. China Renaissance offers more in the way of dessert selections than many Chinese restaurants. In addition to ice cream, there is sesame-fried bananas, almond cream cake and tiramisu cheesecake.

China Renaissance, 24111 Lorain Rd. in the Bentley-Coe Plaza, is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Lunch and early bird specials are offered. There is full bar service. Major credit cards are honored. The phone number is 734-5888 for reservations or carry out.