Sunday, March 19, 2006

By Gail Gerson-Witte

  Ling Ling Riverwalk has maintained its celebrated position as the leading area Chinese eatery, with consistent and delectable dishes, very bighearted portions, smooth service, attractive decor and incomparable private parties. The take-out kitchen is a most popular feature, and the outside catering staff is superb. Considering the consistently perfect preparations and superb raw materials, the easy prices on all services offered, are like a gift. Located minutes from Routes 78 and 287 and the Hillsborough Botanical Gardens, the well-informed manger, Walter Cheng, will arrange special menus, supervise the "Take-Out a Party" feature, or suggest from the many taste sensations, offered by the amazing chef's dream team. He designs menus according to any and all tastes and budgets. The success here, stems from uncompromising quality and the little warm things that Walter and his skilled staff, does for every guest who enters their welcome doors. Special requests or diet needs are accommodated as well, as everything is made to order. The Daily Specialties change weekly and the spectacular varieties of meat, chicken, fresh fish, seafood and vegetable dishes keep their loyal legions of followers coming back for more.

  There are luxurious noodle creations, along with an impressive choice of special soups such as the Hot and Sour Seafood Soup, prepared with a generous portion of fresh vegetables, shrimp, scallops, and fish fillet, in a delightful, clear seafood broth. The variety of wonderful appetizers like the Chicken Soong and the scrumptious Vegetable Tofu Skin Roll, ($5.95), are well suited for vegetarians. The delectable Szechuan Dumplings, ($4.75) and the tasty Teriyaki Beef skewers, ($4.25) are great starters. Voted, "Best Chinese restaurant in Central New Jersey," by readers of New Jersey Monthly and given high marks by both the Courier News and Star Ledger, you will be impressed with the daily parade of culinary souvenirs.

  Food and fun doesn't get much better than the generous entrees prepared with seasonings and style. The Peking Duck weekly special is a treat for your palate and the mouth-watering Three Glasses Chicken, ($14.25), is tasty and liberally portioned. You will surely find the distinctive Squirrel Fish a flavor explosion and the exclusive, very tender House Special Filet Mignon, ($19.95) is lusciously addictive. Noodle soups, ($7.95-$9.25), are wonderful for this time of the year and the fashionable Heart-Healthy Menu, is all the rage. One can say everything best over a good meal, and Ling Ling Riverwalk's tasting menu revealed that this a spot for those who dote on the trendy and who love cuisine with character. The homemade delicious desserts at this chic, cosmopolitan eatery enforced the view that the prices, portions and preparations will keep you coming back to try new tastes, again and again.