Readers' Choice Winner: Sweet Mandarin is Best Chinese Restaurant

West Sayville-Sayville-Bayport-Blue Point Patch readers have decided the winner of Best Chinese restaurant contest: Sayville's Sweet Mandarin took the honors.

Sweet Mandarin is an Asian bistro, hibachi and sushi bar. The atmosphere is lively and entertaining, and the decor is colorful with an interesting mix of tile, stone and brick. The food is beautifully presented, often with edible flowers.

The restaurant received 34% of the vote total, with 22 votes. Here's a breakdown of the non-scientific poll results:

• Wai Wah Kitchen   21 (24%)
• Food King Kitchen   3 (3%)
• Beijing Kitchen   10 (11%)
• Sweet Mandarin   29 (34%)
• Hoi Ming   22 (25%)

Total votes: 85

In all fairness, Hoi Ming was not initially on the list of options but added after two readers wrote in declaring their love for the West Sayville restaurant.

"I want to nominate Hoi Ming! They have the best staff and the best tasting food by far," wrote reader David.

Reader 'Big Joe' seconded the motion but took note that it may be in need of a remodel effort.

"I agree with exactly your comments and I order most of my chinese food from Hoi Ming. The only problem is that place is in dire need of a remodel... I only order take-out because if I eat inside the restaurant I start disliking the place. Its a shame cause they do have the nicest wait staff around," he wrote.

Reader Jessica Hollman Boyle, who clearly would love to see an Oakdale Patch arrive soon, suggested putting Pad Thai in the Oakdale Shopping Center on the list of nominees.

"We always go specifically for the Thai - (which is excellent) but they also do Chinese BUT NOT regular chinese....they do "authentic" chinese food. They explained that they get many requests from Chinese students over at Dowling to make food like they had at home. Its simplier, basic ingredients, basic sauces, etc....and it is EXCELLENT. Check it out - they put those dishes as specials," she wrote.

Readers’ Choice is a weekly feature where we ask you – our readers – to tell us your top picks. Each Monday we’ll list our nominees and ask for your recommendation. Thanks for voting for your favorites. Next week's focus will be choosing the best florist in the neighborhood.