Chinese food is at the top of the list of my favorite cuisine, but I am particular about which restaurant it comes from. In Central Massachusetts, two Chinese restaurants stand apart from the rest for fabulous food and hospitality as well. They are Kenny’s in Gardner, and Lucky Dragon in Winchendon.
Kenny’s Chinese Restaurant – 491 Chestnut Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440
Do not be fooled by the name. Kenny, who is the owner, is indeed Chinese and not only does he serve up the ultimate in delectable food; he is one of the kindest Gardner businessmen you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. Kenny’s Chinese Restaurant is warm and friendly, but not a fancy dining establishment by any means. No matter, though, the quality of the food makes up for this debit.
Kenny takes the time to get to know his customers and knows what you will be ordering before you know what you will be ordering. In fact, Kenny knows my husband and I so well; if we forget something when placing an order by phone, he will remind us.
Pricing at Kenny’s is definitely fair and reasonable considering Chinese food can run slightly high in Central Massachusetts. Lunch specials (served all day) are $4.50 with a typical offering of three items such as boneless spareribs, chicken fingers and pork fried rice.
For $19.95, Kenny’s Chinese Restaurant has a fabulous chef specialty called “Treasure Island.” This savory dish has lobster, scallops, shrimp, crabmeat, chicken, pork, beef, and is sautéed with Chinese veggies and a brown, exotic sauce. The dish, served on a steaming bed of pork lo mein, is for two people, and an excellent choice at Kenny’s. Catering is also available. www.Kennyschinese.com
Lucky Dragon Restaurant – 222 Baldwinville Road, Winchendon, Massachusetts 01475
With a lounge and function room for banquets, the Lucky Dragon Chinese Restaurant (Route 202) has a motto, “Service with a smile,” and they stand by that motto. Prices are competitive on most standard Chinese food dishes, but prices rise a bit on Moo Shi and seafood dishes for instance.
Lucky Dragon has a wonderful array of noodles including pan-fried, rice (Mei Fun) and flat rice (Chow Fun). Noodle specials, served with seafood, vegetables, pork, shrimp, chicken or beef, run $9.95 – $13.95. If spicy is what you hunger after, Lucky Dragon offers Moo Shi dishes with a Peking sauce, which will quell the spicy craving.
In the chicken category, Lucky Dragon Chinese Restaurant, which is located directly across the street from Massachusetts Lake Dennison State Park, serves a fantastic chicken with black bean sauce. The chicken with garlic sauce is another favorite of mine. Chicken dishes will cost $9.25 – $9.75.
If you are following a diet or want to stay within the boundaries of a healthy eating plan, Lucky Dragon will steam vegetables, shrimp, chicken and broccoli to accommodate your need. If you plan to be in the Central Massachusetts area, check out these Chinese food restaurants in Gardner and Winchendon.
Sources:
Author’s Personal Experience
www.Kennyschinese.com
