New urbanism, same old Chinese

[Robin Garr]

New urbanism, same old Chinese in Norton Commons

LEO's Eats with Robin Garr

Tea Station Chinese Bistro's Mongolian Lamb


There we were, Mary and I, sitting and chatting as we waited for our apps in the comfortably cozy confines of Tea Station Chinese Bistro. We sipped Tsing Tao beers and gazed out at the main drag of Norton Commons, the new subdivision with the old-time look, trying to figure out why this village somehow feels both appealing and a little creepy all at the same time.

Norton Commons was Louisville's first large venture into the "New Urbanism" (or at least the first since St. James Court was developed in 1887). Hey, New Urbanism is cool! Something new, made to look old, compact and walkable, retro in style, quaint but, um, "safe."

So what's not to like?

"It's a little too much like Epcot," Mary mused. Yeah, I can see that. The grid is too neat, the streetscape too even. The streetscape evokes real urban neighborhoods with their front porches lined up in a row, but it does not look like St. James Court, the Highlands or Crescent Hill. Here a Georgian, there a Victorian, over there a veranda'd bungalow right out of the Deep South. It's sort of like a quick Epcot tour from France to Italy to China, stopping just long enough to indulge in a giant crepe or ice cream cone.

Or Chinese food! Which brings us back to Tea Station, a place that - sort of like an Epcot eatery - is a nicely decorated, upscale, family-style Chinese-American eatery in a setting that's slightly fancy without requiring dress-up attire.

Tea Station has new owners within the past year or so, but local Chinese restaurant veteran Roland Wong, now a managing partner, remains in the front of the house with his cordial presence setting the tone. The bill of fare now bears a fair resemblance to the huge but standard selection that you'll find in your typical chopsticks-house-next-door-to-a-Kroger.

In short, it's neighborhood Chinese, friendly and accommodating, but hardly challenging. If you're seeking "authentic" Chinese - beef tripe or sea cucumber or chicken feet - you'll want to look elsewhere. ...


Read the full review on LouisvilleHotBytes,
http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/?p=5321

See this column also in LEO Weekly:
http://www.leoweekly.com/2015/07/new-ur ... n-commons/

Tea Station Chinese Bistro
9422 Norton Commons Blvd.
423-1202
http://teastationbistro.com
Robin Garr's rating: 79 points

In short, it’s neighborhood Chinese, friendly and accommodating, but hardly challenging. If you’re seeking “authentic” Chinese – beef tripe or sea cucumber or chicken feet – you’ll want to look elsewhere.


Robin, did you ask them if they had it? Under the prior management there was an "authentic" menu, which unfortunately is only available in Chinese and not given to non-Asians unless you demand it. They did translate it for us, and after much arguing ("you don't like chicken on the bone" - wrong) I got a wonderful version of three-cup chicken.

We also have gone with someone with very strict dietary restrictions, and the chef came out an did a special dish just for her which included only items (and seasonings) that went along with what she is allowed to eat.

I don't know if they still do either with the new management, but while I thought the restaurant as a whole was a solid "meh" the ability to special order (and eventually get 'authentic' items) put it on our more regular rotation!

[Robin Garr]

Robin, did you ask them if they had it? Under the prior management there was an "authentic" menu, which unfortunately is only available in Chinese and not given to non-Asians unless you demand it. They did translate it for us, and after much arguing ("you don't like chicken on the bone" - wrong) I got a wonderful version of three-cup chicken.

Andrew, I remember that you mentioned this, and had hoped to take advantage of it. But honestly, everything about the place, from the "chopsticks-house" American menu to the Anglo server who didn't seem to have polished listening skills, led me to decide to say the hell with it. The whole atmosphere didn't invite that kind of thing. You even had to ask specifically if you wanted chopsticks.

We live near Tea Station (not in NC, but a in a nearby neighborhood) and frequent the restaurant often. Sometimes we use their delivery service. We have never been disappointed with their service, quality, freshness or flavor of food. The Singapore noodles are delicious. They also make a wonderful homemade garlicky type duck sauce that they serve with spring rolls or crunchy noodles at my children's request. I'm from Philadelphia and my husband from Boston. We always go to China Town in our respective cities for dim sum and other favorites. Since moving to Louisville about fifteen years ago we usually eat at locally owned ethnic restaurants in town and were delighted when Tea Station opened up close by...not too many on this end/Prospect.

this village somehow feels both appealing and a little creepy all at the same time.

We've enjoyed Tea Station but had the exact same feeling. We nicknamed Norton Commons "Stepford". It is very comfortable but my wife noted it feels like you're on a movie set. A welcome oddity is the absence, at least where we've been, of utility poles. All of our neighborhoods would be more pleasant if we could figure out how to swing that change.

Aside from your restaurant review (which I agree with ) I also agree with Mary's assessment of NC in general- almost creepy and Twilight Zoneish. And until there is available housing that the blue collar workers that keep the stores, shops, restaurants going can afford, it will never be a real neighborhood. Just some kind of artificial enclave keeping some folks safe from the nare-do-wells.

Sorry. I slipped into something too political and inappropriate. My bad.

I agree with much that is stated in the above about Norton Commons. But its hard not to recognize the overall success of the development. If one drives through and around the area (and I have many times quite closely), one observes a model that respects green space along with mixed architechural designs built with decent quality materials. The overall ambiance and price range is not for me, but I give them a thumbs up for doing what they did as well as they did.

[Robin Garr]

I agree with much that is stated in the above about Norton Commons. But its hard not to recognize the overall success of the development. If one drives through and around the area (and I have many times quite closely), one observes a model that respects green space along with mixed architechural designs built with decent quality materials. The overall ambiance and price range is not for me, but I give them a thumbs up for doing what they did as well as they did.

Yes, I mostly agreed with this. That's why I tried to write a nuanced snark rather than a full-on snark.

One fascinating thought occurred to me later, after publication: I'm pretty sure that it would now cost significantly more to buy an original house of similar size, and perhaps with a bit more yard, in Crescent Hill or the Highlands than in NC.

"nuanced snark".....good one!

To your credit, Robin, this counts as an "outside the Snyder" review.

I agree with much that is stated in the above about Norton Commons. But its hard not to recognize the overall success of the development. If one drives through and around the area (and I have many times quite closely), one observes a model that respects green space along with mixed architechural designs built with decent quality materials. The overall ambiance and price range is not for me, but I give them a thumbs up for doing what they did as well as they did.

That's true. It's pretty, it's innovative and design wise it's clever. But when the cheapest house starts (now) at $300K it can't really be inclusive. (Prior to the "bust" the least expensive home was closer to half a million. Not too many food servers or clerks able to afford that.)

But when the cheapest house starts (now) at $300K it can't really be inclusive. (Prior to the "bust" the least expensive home was closer to half a million. Not too many food servers or clerks able to afford that.)

Just out of curiosity (no axe to grind, no social commentary) what do the condo's and apartments cost? Most of the stores and restaurants have apartments above the retail stores, for owners and/or workers, they recently built some (I think) condos, and there are huge apartment structures being built now. I'm wondering if they recognized a lack of more reasonable accommodations, or if these are in the same rough price range as the homes?

an editorial comment:

People are writing about NC as if it's a "new thing." PUD's started in England just after WWII, and soon migrated to the US. I studied them in college in the '60's! Maybe there aren't many examples in Louisville, but they've been around for some time, and NC is a decent example of the ilk!

Robin where do I start? As one of the earliest residents in Norton Commons I take total offense to your choice of language. Apparently so do many others on the Residents and Businesses of Norton Commons page on Facebook as well as another LHB person, AnnaMarie who lives in Norton Commons express her feelings.

Creepy...really!!!! You guys obviously haven't walked down Frankfort Avenue late at night. I often do and one night around 2:00am as I was walking from Bourbon Bistro to Volare to my car I see this guy pedaling his bycyle down the street dressed like a bum crazily swerving wearing a miners helmet light for his light. He then pulls directly behind me and starts shouting. I keep my head turned so not to make eye contact and then I hear him say "Cousin Jerry!" Sounds vaguely familiar. So I turn my head, it's my Cousin Andy Blieden owner of ButcherTown Market and very active in the building, rehabilitation and rebirth of that area. Goes to show you that if you don't know the facts it's easy to come to the wrong conclusion. Certainly not creepy.

So now that I've addressed creepy let's move on. There is another point I heard here that I constantly hear that is a common misconception. Let's start with the basic concept behind Norton Commons. The whole idea behind Norton Commons is to be a melting pot of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. There is an entire building of condos in Norton Commons that lease in the $600 range based on financial assets. There are lots of apartments now too and yes some are luxury apartments. There are also other condos and apartments at price points all over the place.

Another benefit of the mixed pricing is you see entire generations of families living in Norton Commons. It's not unusual to see the adult kids move in followed by their parents. There are even cases of cousins, aunts and uncles too! Some even start family businesses.

As a "journalist" you would think you would take the time to learn more about something than just to go off into a rant. I would also expect you, despite your obvious prejudices to choose your words better.

For those in the thread who say they can't afford to live in Norton Commons. If you can't afford to live somewhere that's no reason to knock it. There's plenty of places I can't afford to live and I certainly don't knock those areas. Keep in mind that many of us live, work and play in our home areas and take great pride in where we live. Respect my turf. I respect yours.

In the end Robin completely discredits his review by his strong feelings against Norton Commons. There is no doubt his bias flows through to his review. If Robin you would take the time to explore Norton Commons further you would find that there are plans for a Chinese Street Food Restuarant to open which mitigates any reason for Tea Station not to focus on their core menu items which they do so very well with like everyone else an occasional off evening.

I have offered this before and I will offer it again. Anytime anyone wants to come out and learn more about why Norton Commons has grown from 10 homes when I moved in to over 1,000 units today in just 10 years I'd love to show you around. But I will tell you now it is more than the bricks & motar...it's the people, the people from all walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds, and all ages. Robin where do I start? As one of the earliest residents in Norton Commons I take total offense to your choice of language. Apparently so do many others on the Residents and Businesses of Norton Commons page on Facebook as well as another LHB person, AnnaMarie who lives in Norton Commons express her feelings.

Creepy...really!!!! You guys obviously haven't walked down Frankfort Avenue late at night. I often do and one night around 2:00am as I was walking from Bourbon Bistro to Volare to my car I see this guy pedaling his bycyle down the street dressed like a bum crazily swerving wearing a miners helmet light for his light. He then pulls directly behind me and starts shouting. I keep my head turned so not to make eye contact and then I hear him say "Cousin Jerry!" Sounds vaguely familiar. So I turn my head, it's my Cousin Andy Blieden owner of ButcherTown Market and very active in the building, rehabilitation and rebirth of that area. Goes to show you that if you don't know the facts it's easy to come to the wrong conclusion. Certainly not creepy.

So now that I've addressed creepy let's move on. There is another point I heard here that I constantly hear that is a common misconception. Let's start with the basic concept behind Norton Commons. The whole idea behind Norton Commons is to be a melting pot of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. There is an entire building of condos in Norton Commons that lease in the $600 range based on financial assets. There are lots of apartments now too and yes some are luxury apartments. There are also other condos and apartments at price points all over the place.

Another benefit of the mixed pricing is you see entire generations of families living in Norton Commons. It's not unusual to see the adult kids move in followed by their parents. There are even cases of cousins, aunts and uncles too! Some even start family businesses.

As a "journalist" you would think you would take the time to learn more about something than just to go off into a rant. I would also expect you, despite your obvious prejudices to choose your words better.

For those in the thread who say they can't afford to live in Norton Commons. If you can't afford to live somewhere that's no reason to knock it. There's plenty of places I can't afford to live and I certainly don't knock those areas. Keep in mind that many of us live, work and play in our home areas and take great pride in where we live. Respect my turf. I respect yours.

In the end Robin completely discredits his review by his strong feelings against Norton Commons. There is no doubt his bias flows through to his review. If Robin you would take the time to explore Norton Commons further you would find that there are plans for a Chinese Street Food Restuarant to open which mitigates any reason for Tea Station not to focus on their core menu items which they do so very well with like everyone else an occasional off evening.

I have offered this before and I will offer it again. Anytime anyone wants to come out and learn more about why Norton Commons has grown from 10 homes when I moved in to over 1,000 units today in just 10 years I'd love to show you around. But I will tell you now it is more than the bricks & motar...it's the people, the people from all walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds, and all ages. A real cross section of America and perhaps in many cases what we used to refer to as the American Dream!

[Robin Garr]

A rant so nice, you posted it twice?

Thanks for your input, Jerry. I'm not sure what I could add to make it more perfect.

I believe the software sometimes does the double post, as I have seen a few posts from Robin that get the double dip.