I was here again last night, actually, and it never ceases to amaze me a) how quickly this big space fills up and b) how pretty much everything on the menu is a sure thing. I, too, may have OD'd lately (over-ducked), so we got salt and pepper shrimp, shrimp dumpling soup, Chinese broccoli in oyster sauce and the BBQ combination, and not only was it all wholly delicious, but I was so full I didn't need breakfast the next morning and may yet only pick at lunch. Total price for two: $40, with a giant beer split between the two of us.

G Wiv wrote:With emphasis on blow out meals of Peking Duck, whole pig and Mike's Fried Chicken one tends to forget the joy of a quick simple Sun Wah lunch of shrimp wonton soup or fish fillet with chow fun or crisp thin wheat noodle.

Fish Fillet w/Chinese broccoli and chow fun noodle

oh man that looks awesome. I love wide thick noodles. Getting that next time!

we went on Saturday night, and I'm still amazed with how full I can get for $15 a person.

Quick lunch today at Sun Wah, just some pork wonton soup with noodles and a little barbecue pork. Simple, really tasty, and cheap. I love that place.

Going here for the first time tonight, got reservations at the last minute so wish us luck! Reading through this thread I have high hopes and want everything on the menu! What's funny is, I lived on Argyle for 2 years and never once even looked inside..

Stopped in about a week ago, ordered lunch and when I got the bill I was told I couldn't use my credit card because the bill was under $14. That just doesn't sound right. They suggested I add a tip large enough to bring it up to $14. I was in a hurry and felt I had no choice. Is this a new policy? $14 seems excessive, I'm sure many lunches are under that. in fact I thought Master Card & Visa do not allow this. Kelly??

Stopped in about a week ago, ordered lunch and when I got the bill I was told I couldn't use my credit card because the bill was under $14. That just doesn't sound right. They suggested I add a tip large enough to bring it up to $14. I was in a hurry and felt I had no choice. Is this a new policy? $14 seems excessive, I'm sure many lunches are under that. in fact I thought Master Card & Visa do not allow this.

You are correct. Board fave status notwithstanding, that is a blatant violation of both Visa and Mastercard policy. I would contact the bank that issues your card were I you, inform them, and file a written complaint.

Are you people serious? Snitch on Sun Wah cause you are too lazy to go to the ATM?

Habibi wrote:Are you people serious? Snitch on Sun Wah cause you are too lazy to go to the ATM?

LMAO! I'm considering a class action lawsuit.

=R=

Habibi wrote:Are you people serious? Snitch on Sun Wah cause you are too lazy to go to the ATM?

So it's more fair for their customers to incur ATM fees?

Habibi wrote:Are you people serious? Snitch on Sun Wah cause you are too lazy to go to the ATM?

Only if they also start serving frozen French fries.

sundevilpeg wrote:

Stopped in about a week ago, ordered lunch and when I got the bill I was told I couldn't use my credit card because the bill was under $14. That just doesn't sound right. They suggested I add a tip large enough to bring it up to $14. I was in a hurry and felt I had no choice. Is this a new policy? $14 seems excessive, I'm sure many lunches are under that. in fact I thought Master Card & Visa do not allow this.

You are correct. Board fave status notwithstanding, that is a blatant violation of both Visa and Mastercard policy. I would contact the bank that issues your card were I you, inform them, and file a written complaint.

Honestly, Visa and MC "policy" blows, and isn't subject to negotiation -- which is why Congress and states attorneys general (not to mention classes of consumers and merchants) have been hammering them for some time now. I'll side with the dirt cheap GNR trying to serve the customer and keep prices down on this one.

Habibi wrote:Are you people serious? Snitch on Sun Wah cause you are too lazy to go to the ATM?

Why are you so anti-consumer, Habibi?

-Dan

Offered without comment, from Mastercard.com:

Can a merchant charge me a fee to use my MasterCard card? Can a merchant require a minimum purchase amount to use my MasterCard card?

The answer to the first question is almost never; the answer to the second question is not ever. Merchants must follow certain acceptance rules in order to be granted the privilege of accepting MasterCard cards. One of these rules specifically prohibits the practice of surcharging, that is, charging a customer a fee for using a MasterCard card over and above the sale amount. Under very specific conditions, however, a merchant can charge customers - including those using a MasterCard card - a fee in addition to the transaction amount. As a general rule, such a fee doesn't violate the MasterCard rules provided the fee is charged to all customers engaging in the same transaction, regardless of the form of payment. Keep in mind, however, that it is not a violation of the MasterCard rules for a merchant to offer customers a price discount for payment in cash, provided payment by MasterCard card is on at least as favorable terms as payment by any other means.

Another MasterCard acceptance rule prohibits merchants that accept MasterCard cards from establishing any minimum amount below which the merchant won't accept payment via MasterCard card. If a merchant displays a decal with the MasterCard logo to indicate that MasterCard cards are accepted, that merchant can not condition a sale based upon the cardholder disclosing any other information or identification, except under very specific conditions, such as when merchant needs to deliver merchandise to the cardholder's home or business.

It's not always easy to tell whether a merchant is complying with MasterCard acceptance rules. It's important to MasterCard that you are treated fairly and in accordance with those acceptance rules when you shop using your MasterCard card.

Okay, I understand both sides of the coin here . . . sundevilpeg has shown that the policy is impermissible; others have complained that we should stand up for the little GNR. I just hope this thread does not continue to inch towards the playground game where everyone attempts to pummel someone else into submission . . . a game too often seen on a forum where food should be the focus.

I ran the Chicago Spring Half Marathon this morning--nastiest running race ever with cold, pelting rain, 10-foot-tall waves crashing and winds gusting 20-30mph, the worst of all of it in the last seven miles. It took me an hour after finishing to regain use of my hands, which were completely numb to my wrists and ghost white. For kicking ass anyway (1:54 finish), early lunch at Sun Wah with Mama happy_stomach was my prize. We accidentally doubled up on black bean dishes, but seaweed egg drop soup, fried tofu-shrimp casserole, roast pork and chicken with bitter melon were as good as ever. The spare ribs with black bean sauce appealed less. The meat was overcooked and mushy, covered with one-note sauce and too much of it. Still, I recommend this spread to anyone who has fought the battle with Mother Nature and won.

I ordered some take out while working last night, salt and pepper shrimp and egg rolls. The shrimp were excellent as always, crispy, just the right amount of heat, beautiful. But the egg rolls, I have never experienced this anywhere (oops, except at the old Bar Louie on Polk). They were cold. Not just room temperature, COLD. Like someone stuck them in the refrigerator cold. I threw the first one away, hoping the second would be better. Nope. Just as freezing cold. Now I have a large reserve of good will towards Sun Wah, many good experiences both recent and ancient. But this made me stop and think. I know, I know, the vicissitudes of the contingent universe place all of us south of the ideal, but damn. They were some cold egg rolls.

I'll be having a graduation party for approx. 20 people or more at Sun Wah in June. We are planning on having the Beijing Feast so I'm covered for duck, fried rice & noodles, I'm planning on skipping the soup, has anyone ever asked for pancakes as well as buns? Do they make them? Not too many adventurous diner's on the guest list. Any suggestion's to round out the menu?

On my Menu:
4 -5 Peking Ducks
Mike's Chicken, how is this listed on menu?
Shrimp? Salt & Pepper or pan fried, is this the same dish? Didn't they do a Shrimp w/walnuts?
Fish? We like it simple, any suggestion's?
Chinese Broccoli

Thank you!

Needs some pork. I'd add garlic fried ribs. I'd also add steamed dover sole w/ginger and scallions.

1. fried fish balls.

2. chicken in black bean sauce, no bone.

3. fish fillets with ginger and green onion.

4. pea shoots/tendrils, if they have them. or something else bright green: baby bok choy, or ong choy.

Got my first ever visit to Sun Wah in early this summer. Overall experience was great...however I did have a couple "issues". We got egg rolls (just because). I was surprised that my egg roll was cold inside, while the three other egg rolls were piping hot. We also ordered the salt chicken (is this the same as Mike's chicken?). While this was absolutely delicious, I did cast a leary eye on bloody/pink chicken joints. Is this the norm? We had the soft shell crab.....excellent, and also had the Beijing duck service. Those little pillow buns were fantastic to stuff with the pickled veggies and duck. Kelly carved the duck....she was so nice. At the end of the meal we were given pineapple sorbet...a wonderful way to finish the meal. NO LEFTOVERS...big (and hungry) eaters in the group. I'll be baaaaaaack!

Redcolhead wrote:I'll be having a graduation party for approx. 20 people or more at Sun Wah in June. We are planning on having the Beijing Feast so I'm covered for duck, fried rice & noodles, I'm planning on skipping the soup, has anyone ever asked for pancakes as well as buns? Do they make them? Not too many adventurous diner's on the guest list. Any suggestion's to round out the menu?

On my Menu:
4 -5 Peking Ducks
Mike's Chicken, how is this listed on menu?
Shrimp? Salt & Pepper or pan fried, is this the same dish? Didn't they do a Shrimp w/walnuts?
Fish? We like it simple, any suggestion's?
Chinese Broccoli

Thank you!

I didn't see Mike's Chicken on the menu when we were there. Went there a couple of weeks ago and I preordered it along with the ducks when I made the reservation.

I concur with the suggestion that you add some pork to the list. Garlic fried ribs or even just the regular bbq pork.

razbry wrote:Got my first ever visit to Sun Wah in early this summer. Overall experience was great...however I did have a couple "issues". We got egg rolls (just because). I was surprised that my egg roll was cold inside, while the three other egg rolls were piping hot. We also ordered the salt chicken (is this the same as Mike's chicken?). While this was absolutely delicious, I did cast a leary eye on bloody/pink chicken joints. Is this the norm? We had the soft shell crab.....excellent, and also had the Beijing duck service. Those little pillow buns were fantastic to stuff with the pickled veggies and duck. Kelly carved the duck....she was so nice. At the end of the meal we were given pineapple sorbet...a wonderful way to finish the meal. NO LEFTOVERS...big (and hungry) eaters in the group. I'll be baaaaaaack!

Glad you enjoyed it! The salt chicken is not the same as Mike's Fried Chicken, which I think is under BBQ meats on the menu. It definitely is listed now on the in-house menu--not the easiest menu to master.... We love both chicken preparations.

razbry wrote:Got my first ever visit to Sun Wah in early this summer. Overall experience was great...however I did have a couple "issues". We got egg rolls (just because). I was surprised that my egg roll was cold inside, while the three other egg rolls were piping hot.

The attack of the cold egg rolls again, I had the same problem recently.

so, i know it's been a while since i've posted. it's been a busy few months, ok? but today i finally had some time to catch up on reading and such. the last post was about cold egg rolls. i'm sorry that happened! it shouldn't and i haven't had trouble with them for quite a while now. but sometimes the stupid things don't defrost properly. depends on where they are in the fridge and how long they've been taken out for defrosting. you're one cold one and three piping ones would be classic examples of eggrolls from different defrosting batches. another reason, for which my crew seems to be notorious for is, they'll pop in two, realize they made a mistake, and then dump in the last two later. except they don't put them in separate baskets to make sure which ones are first and which are second. also known to happen, they drop egg rolls in and mix them up. maybe the next table had two first but the second table's eggrolls were pulled out instead. hence, cold. if it does happen again, let me know. i'll change them out for you. after which, i will be happy to yell at the crew on your behalf....and no, don't feel bad. makes for an interesting day for me! hahaha!! in the mean time, i hope everyone is well. we here at sun wah are back from our vacation and roaring with duck again. see you all soon!

quack quack!
kelly

Along the lines of "things that are supposed to be hot that aren't"...

Maybe this is a stupid question, but are the bbq meats supposed to be hot?

I ask because I've been here maybe 8 times - the first 5 were all dine in with people who insisted we get the 3-course duck and just a couple sides.

However, the last 3 times have been me picking up food to go in the middle of the day for a late lunch. Three times in a row I have ordered a bbq plate (Mike's chicken, bbq pork with honey, and bbq pork w/ chinese brocoli over pan fried noodles) and none of the meat has been hot. The meat wasn't cold, but rather just slightly warm, barely over room temperature.

The reason I'm not sure if it is supposed to be hot or not (besides not being very knowledgable about Chinese food) is that obviously the meats are bbq'd ahead of time in large batches and then held throughout the day - so its not like they are coming piping hot out of an oven somewhere.

Next time it isn't hot, should I go back and get it corrected, or is this just how it is supposed to be served and I should get used to it?

Even with the temperature thing, the meats are all still really moist and flavorful.

The BBQ that you ordered should be served room temperature.

Then, by all accounts, they are doing a bang-up job!

sunwahrestaurant wrote:so, i know it's been a while since i've posted. it's been a busy few months, ok? but today i finally had some time to catch up on reading and such. the last post was about cold egg rolls. i'm sorry that happened! it shouldn't and i haven't had trouble with them for quite a while now. but sometimes the stupid things don't defrost properly. depends on where they are in the fridge and how long they've been taken out for defrosting. you're one cold one and three piping ones would be classic examples of eggrolls from different defrosting batches. another reason, for which my crew seems to be notorious for is, they'll pop in two, realize they made a mistake, and then dump in the last two later. except they don't put them in separate baskets to make sure which ones are first and which are second. also known to happen, they drop egg rolls in and mix them up. maybe the next table had two first but the second table's eggrolls were pulled out instead. hence, cold. if it does happen again, let me know. i'll change them out for you. after which, i will be happy to yell at the crew on your behalf....and no, don't feel bad. makes for an interesting day for me! hahaha!! in the mean time, i hope everyone is well. we here at sun wah are back from our vacation and roaring with duck again. see you all soon!

quack quack!
kelly

Thanks for the response, Kelly. I only regret that we're leaving town for good and so won't be able to follow up. But you can be sure that when we come back to visit you're first on the list.

Just home from a wonderful dinner at Sun Wah. Two neighbors had come with me to the GNR awards dinner and have been wanting to go back so we gathered a few more folks and had a table of 8, all the rest trying Sun Wah for the first time. We went rather overboard ordering ... two Peking Ducks, Mike's chicken, beef with tomatoes, broccoli with house cured bacon, pea shoots, walnut shrimp, green beans, another chicken dish and a noodle dish. Everything was delicious ... and Kelly and the team made us feel so welcome. It was a perfect way to spend the evening!

We're already planning a return ...

I have read so many reviews and raves about Sun Wah here. I will be near there tomorrow (Sunday) around lunchtime. Do we need a reservation for lunch? We will only have about an hour for dining for the 2 of us, my husband and I. We were considering Opart Thai House, but we have been there many times and have never been to Sun Wah. The 1 hour is outside of travel times. I adore S&P shrimp so my mouth is already watering. We are the type to get an appetizer and/or egg rolls, and 2 entrees of our own. We don't share equally but will taste each other's. My husband likes meat and not many veggies, and I like everything, especially seafood and veggies, but prefer not vegetarian. We both like duck. We both like spicy. He likes spicier than I do.

So I guess I am looking for recs on if we can get in and out in an hour, and what to order given our preferences and that it is only lunch so we would be getting just 2 things (I see many of you ordering several dishes, so I wanted to clarify). Also, I looked at their take out menu, and if the in house menu is similar, I have no idea if we should get small, medium or large options if we choose things that come in those sizes...I'd rather have too much than too little, but I don't want it to be obnoxious. I also realize this is short notice, but if you can pass something along, please do!