dinner at Ya Ching

Saturday night. They weren't all that busy, even though there was obviously a graduation at the KICC, and a prom somewhere close. After thinking about our meal for nearly two days, I still don't know exactly how to evaluate it. It really was an east-west fusion and not in the least what we expected. Hubby did not like the decor and I really liked the decor. Has anyone else been there?

[Robin Garr]

Saturday night. They weren't all that busy, even though there was obviously a graduation at the KICC, and a prom somewhere close. After thinking about our meal for nearly two days, I still don't know exactly how to evaluate it. It really was an east-west fusion and not in the least what we expected. Hubby did not like the decor and I really liked the decor. Has anyone else been there?

I haven't been back since an early review visit, but it wasn't really inspiring then ... not <i>bad</i> by any means, but just didn't really ring my chimes.

Also, I'm not sure again whether this is a fair way to judge, but I've had samples from Yaching's at events like WorldFeast, and wasn't particularly impressed.

What Robin said. Their food was boring for me.

I guess my trouble is coming from the fact that since it's a Louisville Original, I really want to like it! But hubby found the pork tough and my stirfry was . . . meh.

Hubby had Rosemary pork over mashed sweet potatoes and broccoli. Nothing partiularly Asian about the dish from what I could tell.

I had a rice noodle stirfry with sprouts and shrimp. Noodles were slightly overcooked, but I've found with rice noodles the line between perfect and slightly overcooked is pretty narrow. It was helped by the addition of some hot pepper oil, added at the table.

All in all . . .meh.

[Robin Garr]

I guess my trouble is coming from the fact that since it's a Louisville Original, I really want to like it! ... All in all . . .meh.

The people who run it are very nice, and they built quite a loyal following when they ran the Chinese fast-food joint in the old Galleria food court. But I'm afraid there's a real difference between running a little fast-food place and a more upscale sit-down dining room. We've seen this with quite a number of lovable little places that didn't do so well when they grew. Greek Paradise comes to mind, although on the other side of the coin, Melillo's made the jump to a "real" restaurant and got even better, so it can be done.

It really was an east-west fusion and not in the least what we expected. Hubby did not like the decor and I really liked the decor. Has anyone else been there?

It really is an odd menu, although I find it perfectly fine, if not inspired. The decor is kind of cool, too, although I don't find myself blasting downtown to go there. Good place if you're in the neighborhood, though.

I have only been there once for dinner, but I go for lunch all the time. This is one of my "can only get an appetizer because the entrees cost too much" places, but that's okay, because the appetizers are good and the perfect size for me for lunch.
I like the shrimp summer rolls, the lettuce wraps, and the black tea smoked chicken. When they have chicken noodle soup as their soup of the day, it is really good. Once, I had the shrimp fried rice (the waitress almost died because I actually ordered an entree). I could have done without the shrimp, but the rice was delicious. The tomato mozzarella salad is good,as is the chicken pesto salad.
I like it because it is not "chinese food" per se. I would never consider going to someplace for Chinese fast food, but I will go to YaChing's, where I can get something light.
I have often wondered, though, how they have survived, because the prices are pretty expensive (especially for lunch), there aren't that many people who go downtown for dinner (although this could be changing), and you can walk in right at noon and be seated. But, I'm glad they are still there and within a short walk from where I work.

Hmmm. We got an order of the spring rolls which I believe were 2 for $7 which I thought was pretty pricey for two Spring rolls. They were good, if not inspired, not greasy, but not enough to make a lunch out of either.