The traditional Chinese New Year happens later than usual this year because it is based on a lunar calendar so I wondered if the timing had any insight into the winner of tomorrow’s Super Bowl. Hmmmm, would a Dragon prefer a win by the 49’s or the Chiefs? Not sure there is angle here. Okay, time for a hyper local recommendation.

Having lived in Manhattan for a quarter century, I can promise that the ubiquity and dependability of the local Chinese popular restaurants made it the perfect go-to for beleaguered mealtimes, whether need from home, work, post or pre show or whenever. There are subtle differences but pretty dependable. How are they in my area? There are three I am familiar with in the Fruitland Park/Leesburg area, in reverse preference.

China Garden, Leesburg – claims to be “New York Style” but I have news for you. They’re not. A little close but not quite. Most importantly, they do not deliver which is half the attraction of Chinese restaurants in Manhattan.

China Wok, Fruitland Park – has the advantage of being the closest to my home and is dependable. It is pretty good, but nothing spectacular. 

China 1, Leesburg – is the best. I judge this by ordering the same thing in each of these three places. I often enjoy Pepper Steak. You know, the sliced beef in a brown sauce with sliced bell pepper and onion. At China 1 the beef outnumbered the bell pepper and onion, quite the opposite of the other places. So this whole review is based on one meal at each restaurant. I can get away with it. It’s my blog.

Happy Chinese New Year.