A group of friends from China who met in Michigan are cooking up meals reminiscent of the old country at the newly opened
East Cafe in East Lansing.
Husband and wife Vicki Wong and Heg Hei Lee joined friends Gin soo Cheung, Sing Yui Cheung and Zi Kang Liu in creating an extensive Asian menu that's appealing to the casual epicurean.
"Our food is very unique," says Wong, who envisions the restaurant at 1001 E. Grand River as being a go-to place for the Chinese community and for lovers of Chinese food. "You remember your old country and city and how you ate there. Some of our foods are similar to home-style cooking."
The extensive menu written in both English and Chinese includes popular dishes such as General Tsao and sesame chicken, as well as such appetizers as homemade scallion pancakes and beef burrito. Hearty appetites will enjoy selections like sausage claypot rice and country style bucket rice. Freshly made drinks include bubble teas and fruit smoothies, and diners can satisfy their desert cravings with sweet soups, puddings and mini-cakes.
"Anyone who doesn't know what to pick can ask one of our staff to help you," says Wong. "Warm, nice great food and service is our main goal."
Wong says the owners drew on their decades of experience managing restaurants in both Lansing and metro Detroit, and teamed up to bring a new look to the 2,000 square-foot facility that opened in late 2013. Improvements included installing new chairs, tables, and flooring, and remodeling the kitchen. Fresh paint, signage and a new door put the finishing touches on the restaurant that can seat about 18 dine-in customers.
Wong says she and the owners plan to change up the menu from time-to-time. Delivery is also in the works, with orders being taken on-line or by phone. The restaurant currently employs six people.
"We also plans to have room for people to eat outside when it gets warmer," Wong says.
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