By Guest Writer Lisa James
Old-timers will especially appreciate the new ShiShi Chinese American Restaurant & Lounge at 17 W. 4th Street (in the Louisiana Grill building where people were surprised to find alligator bites on the menu). But you don’t have to be an “Old-timer” to appreciate ShiShi – however, if you dine there with one – be prepared to hear some reminiscing.
As someone who had their first “real job” at Dell’s Hamburgers in the 1970s and worked at Burches and Bistrin’s in the 80s and then hung my own shingle in a suite in the Woolworth Building in the 2000s – many of us “downtown old-timers” hold onto some shared nostalgic memories.
Many of us will regale the next generation of Kim’s Chinese Restaurant – a very large cinderblock building on S. Pacific Hwy with an iconic neon sign, decked out in Chinese décor that served as a busy meeting place and bar. Some past employees thought it opened around 1949 and seated up to 850 people, yet it would often have a waiting list. That site is now the Compass at Margaritaville Hotel and Bar.
The consistent thing you’ll hear repeatedly is the fondness for their famous “pink sauce” and a quick google will take you to a few people claiming to have the recipe and telling stories or photos of their souvenirs.
Well folks, guess what you’ll find on the menu at ShiShi??? Yep, mar far chicken, fried shrimp, fried wontons and pink sauce brought to your table in the same style plastic condiment bottle (only it’s cold because clearly, they refrigerate it, unlike how it just sat out on every table at Kim’s).
You’ll also find a friendly welcome and extensive menu at very reasonable prices with large portions. I’ve already visited three times and have never been able to finish a meal while dining, enjoying it again the next day at home.
The pea pod chow yuk is attractive with bright vegetables, the egg flour soup is soothing, and the hot and sour soup a little heartier. The pork fried rice is perfectly balanced (and a little squirt of pink sauce makes it irresistible). A real standout is a special with lobster, shrimp and scallops stir-fried with fresh vegetables over your choice of rice for $28! Meals will come with your choice of hot tea, soup, or salad. They have family meals starting at $10 per person. There is also an American menu with chicken or shrimp salads, burgers, fish & chips, a BLT and more, making it very family friendly.
You can order take-out online, have it delivered, or of course dine in. The hours are accessible Monday-Saturday 11:00 am to 9:30 pm – closed Sunday, with ample parking on their corner lot. It’s nice to have a welcoming restaurant when you need a late lunch around 3pm. I’m eager to go back for the cream cheese crab puffs or pork eggrolls.
See their full menu at https://www.shishichineselounge.com
SHISHI CHINESE AMERICAN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE | 17 W 4th Street | 541-500-1087 | shishichineselounge.com