Sponsored by
Wonder-ful Leyland Wonderland
Sport, broadcasting and eating are my three favourite pastimes and last week I had the opportunity to review a meal.
I rang Wonderland in Lancaster Gate, Leyland, the day before my proposed visit and the lady at the other end of the phone was very pleasant and I booked Mrs S and myself in for 8.30pm.
Easy to park outside the restaurant we were shown to our table by a waitress who could have been a bit more friendly, but to her credit she was very efficient and sat us down and took the drinks order.
A glass of rose wine and a pint of lime and lemonade (I don't drink, it's a long story don't ask!) and time to look through the menu.
My first impressions were that the restaurant is very smart, very clean and the menus are well looked after and you don't leave greasy fingerprints on them when you handle them.
To me it's a real turn-off being handed grubby menus and it's all attention to detail.
With background music playing the whole ambience of the place felt good.
The menu is extensive but we opted for Wonderland Buffet 'B' at 16.80 per person.
Creamy sweet corn soup with chicken served in clean crockery with those fancy spoons (must find out where you buy them from!)
House hors d'oeuvres which consisted of spicy salt and pepper ribs, sesame prawns on toast, crispy chicken roll, satay chicken skewer and seaweed.
The ribs lived up to their name and after eating them I needed a swift drink and could have eaten a few more. All the vegetables were fresh and the satay chicken was outstanding.
Stir fried chicken with chilli and black bean sauce, sweet and sour pork, stir fried mixed vegetables, yeung chow fried rice...
I put up the white flag at this stage as I had eaten enough and was very content, but my wife Carole wanted a dessert and ordered a toffee banana (3.80) which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Carole had been to the gym earlier in the day and had put herself through a punishing schedule ahead of the meal.
I had a sheltered upbringing really and must thank Carole for introducing me to 'foreign food' as I used to refer to it.
I have visited many different restaurants over the years and Wonderland to me, ticked all the boxes, for cleanliness, nice surroundings, good atmosphere and excellent food.
Sting in the tail? Go on I hear you say, there has to be one surely? Well, yes, feeling full and having a good natter with Mrs S, the waitress brought over a plate with wipes and fortune cookies.
I cracked open mine quickly (I am like that, Christmas presents early) and read that I was going to have a good year! July and it's looking good so far.
Then Mrs S opened her fortune cookie only to find it empty. She looked at me and her face was a picture, penny for her thoughts?
The big question to me with any restaurant is would I go back?
Definitely, for business or for pleasure. I have driven past Wonderland on numerous occasions and always thought, 'I must go there for a meal.'
I am glad we did.
Next week Swanny gives his opinions on the Rose and Crown Inn in Ulnes Walton.
Factfile
Name: Wonderland Chinese Restaurant
Address: Lancastergate, Leyland, PR25 2EX
Tel: 01772 622299 or wonderland.chinese@hotmail.co.uk
Opening hours: Open seven days
What's special: 20 per cent discount available on takeaway orders. Special lunch menu between noon and 2.30pm
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Weather for Chorley
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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