East Manor Restaurant & Caterers
46-45 Kissena Blvd., Flushing: 888-6950/8951

Cuisine: Oriental with takeout section and free delivery (over $10)

Hours: Seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Catering: Yes, with accommodations for hundreds

Parking: Private parking lot to rear (do not park in adjacent shopping center)

Cash Only: Temporarily

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

For years we have been watching the redevelopment of the former AT&T garage on Kissena Boulevard as it has evolved into restaurant and catering halls. The latest re-incarnation is a sister restaurant to the East Buffet & Restaurant still on Main Street in Flushing. The recently opened Kissena site is a manor specializing in catering for large events.

The Kissena restaurant is divided into several smaller areas for the convenience of its patrons. The large main area features dining family style and Dim Sum for lunch. Another area features a $19.95 buffet starting at 5 p.m. A third area with its own entrance is for takeout.

The takeout area has its own menu including Congee in Clay Pots ($1.50 to $8.95), BBQ selections, Chicken Wings and whole roast duckling or pig at $13/pound- over rice at $9.95.

Other popular items include soups (Wonton, Egg Drop) and Egg Rolls. Vegetarian and seafood dishes are listed. The Chef’s specials are for any style lobster ($13.95) and General Tso’s Chicken ($12.95). Combo Platters with soup and rice offered between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. are priced from $4.95 to $8.25.

The Kissena entrance doors open onto an enormous dining area where we tried the luncheon Dim Sum specials. The house specials range from the familiar Har Gao (East shrimp dumplings) to Ginger & Scallions Ox Tripe. Prices depend on the number of items in the steamer basket. The special price when we visited was $1.85 for four dumplings (usually $2.55). Sweet Dim Sum includes a luscious Mango Mochi (3 pieces) made on the premises.

The lunch menu has soups for one to 10 people including Shredded Pork with Pickled Cabbage Soup, Mai Fun, for $4.95 and BBQ selections, Ho Fun, in soup (roast pork, duck, chicken or spare ribs) for $4.50. The House Special Noodle Soup is $12.95 (for 10). Most dishes are eaten family style at the large tables (seating 10) under the light of a colossal chandelier. Other luncheon items include Pan Fried Noodles and Chow Fun from Buddha’s’ Delight (assorted vegetables) with pan fried noodles ($7.95).

Teas offered include Oolong, Jasmine etc. Or, you might enjoy one of the latest fads, Pear Tapioca with tea ($3) or a Milk Shake with Pear Tapioca ($8).

When we visited the East Manor on Kissena, we were lucky to be able to discuss the menu with our server, Simon, who is familiar with the menu. Trying new, interesting dishes makes it worth a visit no matter which of its areas fits your taste and it’s open from morning ‘til late night/early morning.