Living west of Portland and loving Chinese food, I've
sampled most of the restaurants. Chen's Dynasty on
158th recently closed down. Canyon Pearl on TV Hwy.
has many good items. But by far, my favorite for
Chinese is Wu's Open Kitchen.

Wu's has three locations and I've been to them all. A
unique feature is their glass windows into the kitchen.
Diners can view their food being prepared from their
tables. Sometimes, the view into the kitchen can
entertain children long enough for their parents to
get a good meal.

Terrific service is a hallmark of Wu's. I've been there
for lunch and dinner when there are lines out the
door. Service never suffers. Once recently, when
a bus person couldn't understand a take out order I
wanted to place, she immediately got my server. With
large groups, the orders have always been correct.
Food is served hot as it's ready. If your table
orders several dishes, they may arrive one at a time
to be shared from the center lazy susan.

Starting with the hot & sour soup is a must for me. The
soup isn't so hot or peppery that the vegetable tastes
are obscured. Plenty of large sliced vegetables and
tofu are covered in the steamy broth.

Favorite of my husband, the sauteed string beans make a
great vegetable dish to share with the table. You
can order them vegetarian. Otherwise, they come with
meat flavoring. We also like to get an order of pot
stickers. Served 6 to a plate, these pork dumplings
can be doused with hot sauce or a vinegar and onion
dip.

Entrees that I particularly enjoy are the orange beef and
the five flavor prawns. The orange beef has strips
of orange peel and peppers sauteed in with the lean
beef slices. It's somewhat hot, but with the beef
and orange flavors coming deliciously through the
heat. The five flavor prawns are so tasty. I
introduced a friend to them and she got another order
to take home. I'm not sure what the flavors are but
they are really wonderful.

Sometimes we're not hungry enough for the huge portions
to order a separate vegetable dish. On those occasions,
we get shredded beef with hot spicy sauce. It comes
with carrots, onions and other vegetables mixed in.

From the menu items I've featured, you have probably
guessed that I like spicy Chinese dishes. I plead
guilty. Wu's has plenty to offer those who want
less heat. They have a wonderful sizzling platter
with fresh veggies, beef, chicken and shrimp in a
light brown sauce. It comes on a metal plate which
crackles as it's served. If you like your food mild,
hot or in between, just ask your server. They're
happy to adjust the spice to your request.

Wu's menu is extensive. They have many other vegetable,
seafood and poultry dishes in addition to the ones
I've listed here. Lunch specials include soup, egg
roll, fried won tons and tea. Dinners include green
tea. Wu's has an alcohol license and can serve beer,
wine and cocktails. Too busy to watch the chefs?
Call ahead and take your food home to eat.

Inside, the decor is Asian in royal and dark tones.
Small round tables and booths line the restaurant
with large round tables for groups in the center.
The Aloha restaurant was converted from another
owner and isn't as pretty as the other two.

Downsides? The only downside I can think of to Wu's is
that it usually costs us around $5 more per couple
to eat here than other competing Chinese restaurants.
It's a small price to pay for the better food.

Bottom line on Wu's Open Kitchen is that they serve fresh
food prepared to order. You can be entertained as you
watch the chefs cook your food. The decor is restful
and the food is delicious. With their great service,
I've never had a negative experience at Wu's. Give
them a try the next time you're west of Portland.



Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations If you want some fun while you eat, sit close to the glass kitchen windows. You can watch the chefs cook up your food. The hot and sour soup is superb. Not too much pepper masking the tastes of the veggies. Orange beef is very good here. Enough spice and flavor of the orange without overpowering your palate. My favorite dish is 5 flavor prawns. I'm not sure what the 5 flavors are but they are delicious!
Best Suited For: Large Group