Bites Nearby: China House Restaurant

Do you remember when the Pinole Valley Shopping Center was home to the traditional Lucky grocery store?  If so, then you may remember the old China House Restaurant that was conveniently tucked away where the new is now stationed.

With the same great owners, at 1971 San Pablo Ave., Pinole,  may have switched houses but still serves the same marvelous Mandarin and stomach-sizzling Szechuan cuisine.

Stop in for a luncheon special served Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., paired with the soup of the day, a choice of fluffy fried rice, white steamed rice or flavorful chow mein, and a side appetizer of wonderfully crisp won tons or a vegetable egg roll.

House favorites include the Sesame Seed Chicken, chunks of tender, moist chicken breast lightly battered and fried to a golden perfection, dipped in a sticky but sweet coating and rolled in toasted sesame seeds ($5.25), and the String Bean Beef ($5.25), thinly sliced pieces of beef braised in a brown sauce and served on a bed of fresh. crisp green beans. 

Feeling fishy? Those in the mood for a different catch of the day may try the Garlic, Black Bean Sauce, or Sweet and Sour-flavored Prawn dishes. Want to try something fiery, yet fabulous? Kick things up a notch with the Kung Pao Prawns or Curry Prawns (all $5.95). 

Not looking for lunch and don't know what to order? Other heavenly must-haves are the Mandarin Chicken Salad ($5.95), Hot & Sour Soup ($4.75, small), Pork Egg Foo Yung ($7.25) and the Mu-Shu Pork ($7.25, served with four Chinese Pancakes), all safe and satisfying choices.

With a pleasant wait staff and a more spacious interior, the food at China House is still blazing the taste buds, just not the pocket.

Open seven days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. And did someone say takeout? Call 510-741-8788