I’ll never forget the first time I found my favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant. You know the place I’m talking about. It’s all about the food, convenience, comfort, and, most of all, consistency. No, this isn’t where you go for a business meeting. You go there because it’s quick, convenient, and your personal favorite spot for any number of reasons.
My first hole-in-the-wall restaurant find was in Seattle, Washington. I didn’t live there, but we had just given birth to a preemie and were all but living at the University of Washington Medical Center. It didn’t take long before we needed a break from hospital food from time to time. A short walk later, we found it; a tiny Thai restaurant. It had nothing particularly special about it other than the line of patrons waiting to get in. It had an open kitchen and a few two-seat tables. And then we saw a couple of diners completely immersed in their eating experience and oblivious to the world around them. With one hand, they ate, and with the other, they wiped away the tears and sweat from their glowing faces–the food was spicy. That was clear. What can I say? It looked like a food experience that we just had to give a try. After trying their Pad Thai, we knew we’d be back again the next day. And, it turns out, every time we were in Seattle.
Ever since then, I’ve had my favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and Lake County is no exception. I don’t know what it is about Chinese food, but it happens to be all things good for me. For a long time, Chinese food has been my go-to food when I just want comfort food.
Welcome to Asain Dragon in Lakeport. It has all requirements for your next favorite hole-in-the-wall Chinese food. It’s not much to look at on the outside; in fact, you’ve probably driven by it several times and not noticed it. It’s small; probably only twenty or so people could eat there at a time. It’s casual, for sure.
But the best part is the food. Go there for your next lunch hour and enjoy their Bento Box. It’s reasonably priced and comes with a hot and sour soup and salad to start. But the fun part is choosing two entrees to go with the lunch.
My favorite is Szchezuan Chicken. Its sweet, spicy sauce combines a medley of chicken and finely chopped vegetables. It’s light enough to fill you but not put you to sleep when you go back to work. For a lighter, vegetarian option, try their Vegetable Deluxe. It’s balanced in flavor and, like all their dishes, not too oily. Also, give their Mongolian Beef a try for a more savory, spicy option. Whatever your favorite Chinese dish is, you’re more than likely to find it here. And It’s all served with a beautiful presentation. And at Asian Dragon, their spicy food is spicy. You may not be crying or wiping your brow, but you’ll definitely taste the heat if that’s your cup of tea.
Give Asian Dragon a try. It’s a great break in your day, rarely crowded, locally owned, and has been around forever. Plus, the food is oh-so delicious and comforting for all you Chinese food lovers out there!
Asian Dragon
851 S Main St, Lakeport, CA 95453
Hours: 11:00 – 9:30, 7 Days a Week
