Lan Ten Restaurant Bacolod

Saturday 16th May at 18:50hrs

So we decided to eat out last night, nothing expensive, nothing fancy, we had just over an hour and so it would also have to be something local.
We decided on a place we have never eaten at, or even considered before. This was on the grounds that there was a parking space. (parking spaces are always good) and plenty of people inside this slightly overbright eatery.
The elderly guard jumped up from his stool and held open the door for us, really you have to wonder why the businesses employ armed guards? After all if all they do is compromise their position by opening and closing doors and guiding traffic in and out of car parking spaces, would they not be better off with a doorman or a bellboy?
Lan Ten is a very brightly lit and spacious sparcely decorated chinese restaurant. Large tables appear randomly placed within the space and the plastic chairs suggest versatility rather than durability or comfort!
With several tables of people eating and 6 or 7 tables waiting for order or food it looked as though we maybe in for a rather long wait for service, we were pleasantly suprised though with two menus delivered almost instantly by the only "uniformed" waiter.
Being English my accent can at times be challenging to many locals but the waiter took the order with no problem and repeated it back correctly. Only one item ordered that was not available and that was a 12 oz bottle of Royale, "We have 8oz sir and both sizes in Sprite or Coke." stated the waiter, showing his knowledge of the availability or stock within the bar.
Now this is not a restaurant where you are going to take people to impress with your knowledge of the wine menu, it is definitely though a place for a family outing. The tables as stated were large and most were round, no tablecloth but the basic condiments you would expect were available on all tables.
Drinks were served very quickly, followed within about 5 minutes the Hot and Sour Soup. Now for those of you that eat Hot and Sour Soup regularly or are aware of the normal ingredients, this looked slightly strange with what appeared to be Pork Luncheon Meat strips in a slightly lighter coloured soup than expected. Vinegar rather than being brought with the soup had to be requested. The utensils and bowls were clean, and upon tasting, it was pleasant enough. The addition of Vinegar and white pepper however spiced it up nicely. The size of the portion however is definitely not for the individual and is most definitely aimed at family or group feeding. (The soup can alternatively be ordered as a vegitarian dish)
The plate of Garlic Rice and our Chicken and Vegatable Omelete soon arrived followed by the final dish a medly of mixed vegetables. With only what appeared to be one waiter and a full restaurant a couple of the girls who appeared to be from the kitchen helped with the serviing.
The food was what was ordered, it was first and foremost served very quickly it was hot on arrival, palatable on first to last taste, colourful and interesting to the eye, everything came in large family sized portions!
The food was reasonably priced for a family outing, but for single diners beware, you will have plenty of left overs or serious indigestion.
Our left over portions were uncerimoniously slid directly from the plate at the table into clear plastic bags, with a smile and a "thank you for eating here and please come again".
We were done and dusted and the security guard was swinging on the door for the second time for us, and all within 40 minutes.

So in short, a quick no nonsense restaurant, clean and well lit, large family portions at a reasonable price. Do not expect anything fancy and you will not be disappointed.

Advice,
They should maybe get rid of the television and play some background music instead. This would free the central tables more regularly for quicker turn around.

Maybe they should also consider some half portions on popular items so that their customers can order more variety.



In Calorific Contentment

David