Chung Sing: Cheap, Fast and Totally in Control

There's an amazing documentary called "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control" about a topiary gardener, a former wild animal trainer, a mole rat enthusiast, and a robotics scientist. When you first watch it you think to yourself that they are four of the most varied occupations on earth and that they couldn't possibly have anything in common. But by the end, the clever editing and directing make you realize that all human beings are very similar, no matter what they do for a living.

Most Chinese restaurants in America tend to be the same way. No matter who the proprietors are, the specific region their menu represents (Szechuan, Hunan, Canton, etc.) or where they are located they tend to be quite similar. I know I can walk into almost any Chinese restaurant and find beef and broccoli, sweet and sour pork, General Tso's chicken, and some sort of egg/spring roll. When I went to China, I rarely, if ever, saw these items because they are decidedly Chinese American offerings.

At , the menu is printed in the familiar red and green mini font with chili peppers signifying spicy dishes. There are appetizers (egg rolls, spring rolls, Chinese pizza, barbecued spare ribs and dumplings), soups (wonton, egg drop, hot and sour and chicken with corn), fried rice (in all its incarnations), noodles (lo mein, chow mein, chow hofun and rice), and even egg foo young (which I have not seen in ages!). 

They offer all the usual proteins (chicken, pork, beef and seafood) as well as an entire "health food" section which features all vegetarian options.

The Chef's Specials are where Chinese restaurants can differentiate themselves from all the others. The Wor Shu Opp (honey cured Long Island duckling, barbecued to honey brown, sauteed with Chinese vegetables, mushrooms, snow pea pods and bamboo shoots, $11.75) and salt baked shrimp ($10.25) are my top choices.

Despite Chung Sung's highly affordable pricing, the luncheon specials are undoubtedly the best bargains on the menu. Available from 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM everyday except Sunday, they range in price from $4.95-$5.75 and come with steamed or pork fried rice, egg roll and choice of soup. I had the General Tso's chicken with steamed rice, egg roll and hot and sour soup ($5.75). The portions were extremely generous (enough for two lunches) and the sauce very thick, sweet and gooey. I would have liked to taste more heat but that could be remedied with chili oil. The egg roll was decent and the hot and sour soup just needed a bit more acid and salt (I added sherry vinegar and some soy sauce). Regardless, for less than six dollars it was one of the best meal deals around.

Wash it all down with a cold can of Coke, orange soda, mountain dew or sprite ($0.80). There's something to be said about the pairing of greasy Chinese food (unless you order from the "health food" section) and a Coke, it just works. Sparkling water or club soda would also be good.

The decor is limited. It's a bare bones type of establishment that is typical of old school Chinese restaurants although there is plenty of daylight during the lunch hours. There is metered parking out front although the "free parking" button gives you ten minutes for no charge if you're just picking up food to go. If you're in the area and in search of a cheap, fast lunch option, head to Chung Sing for one of their luncheon specials. The menu is designed so that you have complete control over exactly what you order although it's not a mistake that the most popular dishes are listed first in each section.