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Celebrating the Dragon in Pioneer By Antoinette May Herndon
The start of a new year always seems magical to me. It’s a fresh deal, a new opportunity, 365 days of possibility. Whatever 2011 may or may not have been for each of us, we can be certain that 2012 is going to be different. Personally, I prefer to read “different” as “better.” Eighteen days into the new roller coaster--Wasn’t 2011 a roller coaster ride for you? For me, each year the ride goes faster and faster--there’s already a thrilling new event to celebrate. Exciting. Exotic. Just a little mysterious. Monday (Jan. 23) marks the launch of the Chinese New Year. It isn’t just any new year either. This is the Year of the Dragon. Haven’t you always loved dragons? They’re creatures of myth and legend, symbols of good fortune and signs of power. In the Orient, the dragon is regarded as the divine deliver of good fortune—quite the opposite of those malicious monsters that Western knights once felt obliged to slay. I like the Chinese idea so much better, don’t you? Dragon years occur one in every 12. In the past century, people were born under the sign of the dragon in 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, l976, 1988, 2000 and now 2012. They are thought to be the free spirits of the Zodiac, colorful and flamboyant. Conformity is the Dragon’s curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Expect both innovation and glitz. The year that we are just beginning |
is believed to be one of power and strength. Surely the approach of the Year of the Dragon seemed like an event to celebrate. Charles and I thought dinner at a Chinese bistro seemed highly appropriate. We’d heard good things about Le’s Chinese Restaurant in Pioneer and decided to check it out. Pioneer is quite a ways up highway 88, a winding mountain road curving through trees, trees, trees. The forest primeval. City chick, that I am, I imagined lions and bears watching hungrily from behind each one and was awfully glad the car didn’t break down. What a delight to at last drive into Pioneer. You cannot miss Le’s. It’s so brightly lit and inviting. The owners, Jimmy and Kim Le, were in attendance that night. They couldn’t have been more friendly and attentive. The main room is pleasant and comfortably appointed. Very nicely padded booths that we could really sink into. I explored the adjacent banquet room and was really charmed. It’s hot pink! What a fun place for a company party. Keep it in mind. Le’s has many, many specialties. Everything you could possibly imagine—except my absolute favorites, lamb and duck. Why don’t Chinese restaurants feature these delicious treats any more? Placing that private lament off to the side, you can be certain that there is plenty to choose from on the menu. It was just the two of us that night, so Charles and I fixed our attention on the Family Dinners for Two sections. There are three, A, B and C at $8.85, $9.95 and $10.95 per person. It was Saturday night and we decided to go |
all the way to C. This dinner began with a light and flavorful won ton soup. Next came crispy egg rolls, fried won-ton, sweet and sour pork, almond chicken and pork fried rice. It was all good. I especially liked the sweet and sour pork. We also ordered an additional side dish of steamed rice for $1.25. One thing that caught my attention was that the food didn't taste greasy, salty or heavy—something I’ve noticed in many Chinese restaurants. The portions were generous, the prices very reasonable, and the service excellent. Le’s Restaurant has been around since 1998. It’s easy to understand why. Charles had a bottle of Tsingtao, his favorite Chinese beer. Wine choices by the glass were very limited, (the house red, white or pink). I ended up with a half carafe of chardonnay. It wasn’t bad, the glass was chilled and you certainly couldn’t beat the price, $8.75. So, OK, let’s hear it one more time for the new year. Haaaaaaaapy Dragon! May his power and strength be with you. VITALS: Le’s Chinese Restaurat. 24887 Highway 88, Pioneer. Phone: 295-7000. Open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Closed Mondays. Le’s also does take-out. Credit cards accepted. Pictures: Jimmy and Kim Le are friendly and accommodating to customers Kim Le, co-owner of Le’s Chinese Restaurant in Pioneer is a decided asset. The interior of Le’s Chinese Restaurant in Pioneer is exotic and inviting. The exterior of Le’s Chinese Restaurant in Pioneer is a welcoming beacon on a dark winter night. |