One of the best reasons to spend an evening in East Greenwich has returned.

For the last eight years, Jason and Chen Lin have provided award-winning, authentic Chinese food on East Greenwich's Main Street in Taste of China II. Then, in the Spring of 2002, the restaurant suffered a devistating fire.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the familiar restaurant is back. The huge lighted Chinese landscapes, the raspberry pink booths and glass topped tables, and even the framed newspaper clipping herolding the restaurant's original grand opening eight years ago are back.

But, more importantly, their great food and service is back.

And because their great food and service is back, the customers have returned. "They're very happy we're open again," says Chen.

Jason Lin is kept busy with orders for General Tso's Chicken

The Jason Lin pays special attention to even simple dishes like pepper steak. But when you order house specialties, he pulls out all of the stops, with wonderful mixes of vegetables and meats, and presentations that make them a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth.

"Our most popular dishes are the General Tso's Chicken and the Shrimp, Chicken and Beef in hot garlic sauce," he says. Both dishes are marked with hot peppers on the menu, which may freighten off timid diners, but Jason will adjust the spice hotter or milder to the customer's order. In the Winter, the restaruant's customers like to order the Three Taste Sizziling, a sizzling platter of shrimp, chicken, scalops, and a variety of vegetables.

When you go, start with their vegetable soup -- crisp Chinese veggies and tender tofu in a thick sauce in a pot big enough for two -- or maybe a half-dozen sweet pork ribs for an appetizer. One entree is usually enough for two people, so find something you can agree on. And since you're splitting it, go ahead and splurge on one of the specialties, like the house special "Blossom Basket" with jumbo shrimp, tender scallops, chicken breast, and vegetables in an intricate basket of noodles -- though you can scarcely consider it splurging since it's only $12.75, keeping the whole meal reasonably priced.

House Special Blossom Basket with jumbo shrimp, scallops, and chicken breast

If you can't decide, then try the Friday and Saturday evening buffet, where you can sample food from across the spectrum of authentic Chinese cuisine, from simple dishes like lo mein and sweet-and-sour chicken, to special dishes like shrimp with ginger and scalions. No matter what you choose, you'll agree that they deserve their awards from Rhode Island Monthly in 1996 and 1999 for Best Chinese Restaurant in Rhode Island.

Taste of China II is on East Greenwich's Main Street across from the old Kent County Courthouse (now East Greenwich's town hall). They're smoke free, handicapped accessible, and have a small lot next door for off-street parking. They also feature vegetarian foods, lunch and dinner specials, and take-out. Keep an eye out for their coupons in the Entertainment discount book and in their print advertising. Call them at 401/884-4660 and welcome Jason and Chen Lin back to East Greenwich.

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