Lucky House a hidden Chinese gem

Why: Lucky House is tucked away in an old strip mall next to state Highway 500 and Gher Road. It is easy to miss unless you are looking for it. The restaurant offers a full selection of Chinese favorites seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

What I tried: My dining companion and I started our meal with the house appetizer plate, which includes two crispy-fried spring rolls, eight barbecue pork slices, four crab puffs, and four battered and fried shrimp. A few things that stood out about the appetizers was the generous amount of filling in the crab puffs, the very lean and juicy pork, and the additional layer of crispy coating on the spring rolls, which gave them a one-of-a-kind presence. We also tried the wonton soup and the hot and sour soup. The hot and sour soup had a traditional appeal, and the wonton soup was an ambitious version that included extra large wontons stuffed with big, tasty meatballs, carrots, onions, water chestnuts, broccoli, shrimp, barbecue pork, snow peas, chicken, lettuce and green onions in a delicious broth.

I settled on the No. 1 deluxe combination, comprised of chicken chow yuk, mar far chicken, barbecue pork and pork fried rice. My dining companion settled on the Szechuan beef. We thoroughly enjoyed our selections. I found the chicken chow yuk exceptional. The chicken was extra tender and the mildly salty and sweet sauce paired nicely with the combination of chicken, snow peas, broccoli, zucchini and water chestnuts. The mar far chicken is made of bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sesame batter and deep fried. These were tasty when dipped in the sweet sauce that was served with the appetizer plate. They were also good doused in soy sauce. My dining companion was satisfied with the Szechuan beef, which contained a lot of beef. He noted to be careful to avoid the red peppers, which were plentiful amid the beef and vegetable mixture.

Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Soups include egg flower, tofu with vegetables, vegetable, pork noodles and seafood. Among the appetizers are pot stickers and fried wontons. All the main selections are available with either shrimp, chicken, beef or pork. Beverages include milk, juice, soft drinks, Thai tea and a Shirley Temple.

Atmosphere: The restaurant has a humble storefront that takes up just one space. Inside, the quaint dining room located toward the back of the space is tastefully decorated with Chinese decor elements, and pony walls allow a more intimate dining experience than just an open dining floor. Walls are painted in a light shade above an oak wainscot. Tables are tastefully dressed with jacquard linens and paired with contemporary style chairs upholstered in teal vinyl.

Other observations: The service is very polite and friendly. The dining is cozy and clean. Food portions are large, and there are a lot of options. Delivery is available within a two-mile radius for orders of $30 or more. To-go order are also available.

Cost: Appetizers are $4.25 to $10.50. Soup is $3.50 to $8.50. Sweet-and-sour dishes cost $8.50 to $10.95. Egg foo young options are $7.25 to $9.25. Chow mein, lo mein and chow fun ranges from $7.25 to $11.50. Rice and noodle dishes are $1.50 to $11.75. Poultry and beef selections start at $9.95 and top out at $11.75. Pork selections are $7.75 to $9.25. Seafood options are $11.25 to $12.75. Vegetarian dishes are $6.75 to $8.95. Family dinners are available for a minimum of two orders and cost $12.95 per person. These include soups, appetizers and entrees. Combos, which include pork fried rice or steamed rice plus one appetizer and one entree, are $10.95. Deluxe combos cost $9.50 to $10.95. A dozen fortune cookies are $1. Beverages cost $2.50 and $3.25. The lunch menu offers combinations that range from $5.25 to $8.25.