Hours: Sunday – Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to midnight

Credit Cards: All major accepted

Handicapped Access: Yes

Parking: Free after 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Saturday and Sunday all day

Early evening’s shadowed light filtered through the garden atrium adjoining the main dining room at Tung-Shing House and hinted at the memorable dining experience ahead.

I toured the 225-seat family Mandarin and Szechuan restaurant adorned with touches of Chinese decor, with manager and owner Tom Tong, who noted its 20 year history and popularity. He said their success was due in part to keeping up with the times and pointed to the new Sushi Bar manned by expert Chef Ahmun.

But the restaurant’s history of repeat customers comes mainly from the savory preparation and selection of soups, meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetable dishes.

Although Tong boasted of one popular signature dish of fresh ham with brown sauce (cooked overnight), garnished with watercress and served with traditional white rice ($14.55), I chose another favorite, the Peking style jumbo shrimp ($12.45).

Before I could dig into the pan-fried succulent shrimp sautéed with ginger and scallions in a flavorful light brown sauce, Tong had graciously set before me a sampling of appetizers including noodles in a slightly sweet hosein sauce prepared either with or without meat ($4.95), pan-fried dumplings, enough for two ($4.25), and one of the daily specials, clams in a pleasantly unusual black bean sauce ($5.95 appetizer, $8.95 entree).

Also available and traditionally popular amongst Asians was imported fresh eel sautéed in a light brown sauce with Shitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots ($13.95 entree). Tong said the selection was also a favorite in the Russian community.

Still, established selections such as Moo Goo Gai Pan, spareribs, or fish filet with vegetables, are weekly fare for Louise and Mario Buono who travel from the Greenpoint-Long Island City area to dine at Tung-Shing and shop in the area.  The couple are married 52 years and often bring their children and friends to dine with them.