Have You Considered Joining a Temple?
Written: May 21 '04
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Pros: Healthy food, nice decor, they take reservations
Cons: Surly service
The Bottom Line: A good alternative for healthy Chinese food.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Golden Temple |
Golden Temple has been a mainstay in Washington Square in Brookline for as long as I can remember. It is best known for its unusual decor and its claims on healthy food. The other thing to know is that Golden Temple serves Chinese food, although it is not the authentic, ethnic cuisine you might get elsewhere. Rather, it is what happens when Chinese food becomes westernized and healthy. While you may not get an authentic, ethnic experience, you also won't get MSG hallucinations and cotton mouth for 2 days following your meal.
CUISINE
The cuisine is best described as healthy Chinese. The menu gives a rather lengthy explanation of how the restaurant makes healthy choices in preparation and how they will accommodate special requests, such as low salt. The comprehensive menu has lots of familiar Chinese dishes including lo mein, fried rice, lobster sauce, moo shu and just about any other dish you can think of. As to the traditional dishes, it should be noted that this is Boston-style Chinese food so many preparations come with dark sauces that have a lot of soy sauce in them.
There are also a considerable number of house specials. Some of these are so far from Chinese ethinic food, such as zinfendel shrimp, it is hard to remember which cuisine inspired the menu. Prices are higher than typical Chinese restaurants in the area with dinner entrees starting around $10 and going up to $25 for dishes with seafood or lobster. There are no lunch specials on the weekends.
In addition to entrees, there are quite a few appetizers to choose from. There are the basics including chicken fingers and pork ends but they are significantly less greasy and more tasty than other restaurants. There are some desserts but we never have room to try them. Fortune cookies come with the bill.
DECOR
The decor is modernish and is designed, I think, to resemble the underside of a ship. The backlit ceiling curves down and looks almost like an inverted backbone. The restaurant is rather dark with candles lighting the tables. Fresh flowers adorn the tables and other areas. There are a lot of granite surfaces and the large restaurant has an intimate feel due to the low lighting and low ceiling. Somehow, the noise level is low too. It all comes together and the decor makes it one of the nicest Chinese restaurants to visit in the area. The restaurant's center has booths but there are tables as well.
The front of the restaurant is a bar and they have a full liquor license. We have never stopped in the bar but is usually looks full.
SERVICE
The wait staff provides everything you need and they do it with a scowl. After several visits, I can genuinely say that sometimes I actually feel unwelcome in this restaurant. Sure, the waiter provides menus, water, tea and brings the food but he makes me feel like I am putting him out everytime he does it. Many of the waiters are of Chinese descent - so this may be a cultural thing. Still, a little smile might get them a larger tip and draw in some more business.
AMBIANCE
Golden Temple is definitely more upscale Chinese than other restaurants. Most people are dressed nicely, but not formally. You could wear jeans but might feel a little underdressed on a Saturday night. In addition to small groups and couples on dates, there are often large groups of people celebrating events, such as retirements or adult birthdays. I see children in the restaurant but wouldn't call Golden Temple a family restaurant.
LOCATION
Golden Temple is located on Beacon Street in Brookline's Washington Square. There is some on street meter parking in the area. The Boston T's green line (trolly) stops just outside the restaurant. They also offer valet parking during peak dining hours.
OTHER THOUGHTS
Vegetarians will have lots of options.
Handicapped: There are a few stairs to get in the restaurant. After that, everything is on one level.
Family Friendly: I didn't see high chairs and don't know if they exist. There is no child's menu.
They take credit cards.
They deliver to the local area.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I generally like Golden Temple. The food is different and it is a healthy alternative to satisfy that Chinese food craving I get every once in a while. I wish the the service was friendlier but somehow the cuisine draws me back. It is a good place to try if you are in the neighborhood.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? TRY THESE BOSTON AREA RESTAURANTS.
BOSTON: Radius; Caffe Vitoria; Excelsior.
BROOKLINE: Mr. Sushi; Fugakyu; Takeshima; Tsunami; Anna's Taqueria; Zaftigs Delicatessen; Bangkok Bistro.
NEWTON: Appetito; India Paradise; Blue Ribbon Barbeque; Ice Cream Works; Baker's Best; Bill’s Pizzeria; Cafe Nicolas; Union Street.
CAMBRIDGE: S&S Restaurant; The Japanese Mall; House of Blues.
WEST ROXBURY: Café Misono.
BRIGHTON: Tasca.
ESSEX: Woodman’s.
SAUGUS: Kowloon.
CHAIN RESTAURANTS: Not Your Average Joe’s; Bertucci’s; Legal Sea Foods; Cheesecake Factory; Rainforest Cafe; Fire & Ice.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations I like the healthy chicken and tofu dishes. They will honor special dietary requests.
Best Suited For: Large Group
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modernmarvel
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