Chinese carryout spots
Proximity is essential. Even better if it's on a regular route home. But proximity won't always get you quality. And that's why it's sometimes tough to decide where to pick up the cashew chicken you're craving at the end of a long day.
So here's a list of reliable Chinese takeout options. They're based on suggestions from readers, coworkers and friends. We've given all of the restaurants on this list a test run. So next time you're in the area and need some sweet and sour shrimp, give one of these a try.
Hung Hua, 27925 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills. 248-489-2280.
Hung Hua is gourmet Chinese and a bit pricier than some of the other restaurants on our list. The carryout menu ranges from the elegant-sounding (baked spicy squid stuffed with shrimp mousse) to the usual (General Tso's chicken). When getting carryout on Christmas and Mother's Day, give yourself plenty of time. People tend to order a couple of days in advance. Sometimes on busy days, the restaurant stops taking orders so the kitchen can catch up.
The bill: Warbar soup, two spring rolls, Cantonese-style fried noodles with shrimp and string beans in spicy sauce = $33
Most popular dish: Hung Hua's two-course Peking duck
Most of the menus have all of the America-friendly Chinese staples, and usually include a twist or a good deal.
China Ruby, 157 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale. 248-546-8876.
If you make a second trip to China Ruby, try testing Tina Co's memory. It's so good she might remember your last order. In 1988, Co and her then-husband Cuong Luu opened China Ruby after they both worked in a Chinese restaurant in Ann Arbor. They started small, with a downtown Ferndale storefront that seats 25, and the model has worked. Most of China Ruby's business is made up of carryout orders, usually from regulars whom Co remembers well.
Though they're divorced now, Co says she and Luu, who does the cooking, are still business partners and best friends.
The bill: Four egg rolls and broccoli chicken and garlic vegetables = $21
Most popular dish: General Tso's chicken
