A Chinese Restaurant With Friendly and Patient Waiters

Lakeview Gardens  

If you enjoy Chinese restaurants you may have figured out that they rarely go out of business. But you may not know that the chefs do move around a lot. The orthopedic hospital in Monterey Park is crowded with Chinese chefs, injured, running across heavily trafficked Garvey Blvd. from their old job to the new one across the street. This causes a consistency problem that makes it difficult to have confidence in the food from week to week as well as traffic jams near the restaurants. 


Pam Hai-owner/manager, Jason Hai-owner/chef and 
Annie Li-hostess display 3 of Jason's special dishes
Featuring Mandarin Szechuan Cuisine, Lakeview Gardens near the theater in The Countyline Plaza at Agoura and Lakeview Canyon in Westlake has neither of those problems. The owners Pam and Jason Hai are always on the premises. Jason has 20 years experience in the kitchen while the effervescent and assured Pam supervises the helpful and cheerful dining room staff to perfection. These friendly and efficient waiters have been on the job since inception and the service is crisp. Pam and Jason have created an attractive low key dining room with pastel walls, oriental art and subtle lighting. Mostly booth seating creates a comfortable and casual but quiet dining environment that is superior to most Chinese Restaurants. . 


Specialties of the Chef are: (L-R) Chicken with String Beans (7.95) 
Sweet and Pungent Shrimp with Broccoli (13.95) Green Jade Shrimp (13.95)

All the food has an extremely fresh, clean and non-oily taste. In addition to all of the basic dishes including the ubiquitous Kung Pao Chicken (7.95) and Mui Shui Pork (7.95). Jason prepares wonderful house specials. My favorite is Crispy Shrimp (12.95). However the best way to go the first time around is to choose from one of the three house special dinners  (10.95-12.95-14.95) They include premium soups, 2-3 appetizers plus a choice of 8 entrees at each level. The dinners are great values. Further if you have a special craving that is not on the menu, Jason will prepare it for you. Peking Duck (24.95) is available on one day’s notice.

Always try to go to a Chinese restaurant with minimum of 4 people. That way you can have a family style tasting menu. Children are welcome and comfortable because of the casual feeling. They more or less eat free since you only need to order dinners for adults and share. The portions are substantial.

Try to eat with chopsticks. Somehow Chinese food seems to taste better with chopsticks. If you are uncomfortable using them, have the waiter show you how to hold them. Then take a pair home and practice picking up a martini olive. When you are adept, go back to the restaurant and show off your skills. Order lots of white rice to make the tastes go farther. That is what the Chinese do. Then you will have enough for a full family dinner the next night. Tsingtao beer goes well with the food. Takeout and delivery are available.

Try to go during the week. If you want go on a weekend, make reservations in advance. They are very busy for good reason.

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Lakeview Garden, 4703 Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake 805-557-0198   818-991-3850