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Asian Cuisine in the Heartland

30/05/2011Print  |  Back

 

 

 

Located in bustling Omaha, Nebraska, Grand Fortune Chinese Cuisine embodies the same pioneering spirit that the city has become known for over the years. Offering a menu that goes beyond Americanized Chinese dishes to also address authentic Cantonese and Szechuan favorites, the restaurant prides itself on its wide range of quality dishes. Owned by Tina Hong and her husband Rui Shen Hong, Grand Fortune is also known for offering exceptional service and a comfortable dining environment.  

 

Foodies walking into Grand Fortune will immediately notice the cream color scheme and the exquisite hanging Chinese fans. Some might even feel a sense of calm wash over them as they appreciate the simplistic décor and the way in which it combines traditional Chinese decorating concepts with contemporary style. Spacious without being cavernous, the 3000 square foot restaurant is large enough to host big parties and cozy enough to appeal to those just looking to relax after a hard day’s work.

 

Grand Fortune boasts two separate menus, one that focuses on authentic Cantonese and Szechuan fare and another which includes Americanized Chinese dishes. The restaurant’s signature dishes include Honey Walnut Shrimp, Black Pepper Steak, and Hong Kong Style Chow Mein. Of those dishes, Honey Walnut Shrimp is the most popular. Made with deep fried jumbo shrimp, and topped with the chef’s special sauce and honey walnuts on top, it invigorates the taste buds with a sweet and sour flavor. Black Pepper Steak is another one of the restaurant’s stronger dishes. Juicy and tender, the succulent steak is served sizzling on a griddle and topped with a delicious sauce that results in a surprisingly bold burst of peppery flavor.

 

During weekends and holidays, the restaurant also offers freshly made dim sum. A hit with the regulars, the shrimp dumplings, steamed rice noodle rolls, and tuna cake taste even better when paired with Grand Fortune’s special sauce. Patrons looking instead to try some vegetable-centered dishes will want to try the Asian Chicken Salad. Using only the freshest produce possible, the chef transforms fresh produce into a unique and sensuous salad. Tantalizing taste buds with each bite, the Asian Chicken Salad incorporates nuts, chicken slices, and a special Chinese sauce together in a way that brings out each ingredient’s flavors and then balances them so that none overpower the others.

 

Hectic as it can get in the kitchen, the dining area can get really busy too. But, no matter what, Tina Hong and the wait staff are always there to deliver friendly and attentive service to the restaurant’s customers. Over the years, she’s learned a lot about how to best serve customers and is always on the look out for more ways to improve service even further. “I make sure to remember people’s names, their favorite dishes, and what flavors they tend to like more so that I can also recommend dishes to them,” says Hong. “Having the opportunity to serve customers has also allowed me to get to know people of all different backgrounds leading to a cultural exchange of sorts. This job has extended my horizons and helped me better understand other cultures.”

 

Sanitation is important at Grand Fortune. The restaurant is cleaned twice a day with each employee being responsible for a specific area. Everyone helps each other so that every nook and cranny is spotless. “Teamwork is a point of focus because we believe that the only way to ensure that everything goes smoothly is to make sure everyone works together and supports each other,” explains Hong. Grand Fortune’s staff is a veritable United Nations and includes people from all around the world including Japan and Tajikistan. To further encourage team spirit, the Hong’s frequently organize happy hour meetings with the staff. These meetings are a chance for every employee to voice their opinions on restaurant matters while also getting to know the others better.   

 

But, things weren’t always this rosy. When Hong first arrived in the U.S. in 1992, she had to get a job at a textile factory in California in order to make ends meet. She worked there for three years until her husband, Shen, moved to the US to work in a restaurant in San Jose.  After a year, Hong managed to convince her husband that they should move to Omaha to start Grand Fortune Chinese Cuisine. "I told him that the market in California was saturated and that we’d be facing less competition in Nebraska where we could join my brother and sister.  He loves the restaurant industry so he agreed and we moved over together where we became a husband and wife restaurant management team."

 

While working to satisfy the customers, the Hongs also look to identify other ways in which they can better serve their community. One idea which the two agreed to implement was to offer catering. By offering catering seven days a week, they are now better able to serve area businesses. Time consuming to say the least, they have a busy schedule, starting their day at 7 am and working late into the night. But, it’s worth it for the Hong’s as their hard work will allow their son and daughter to attend college. “They come and help us during the weekend, but even if they didn’t we’d still be really proud of them,” Hong boasts.

 

Online reviews of Grand Fortune have been overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer raved, “Everything at Grand Fortune is just so good. I recommend trying the dim sum!  I couldn’t have enough of their yummy shrimp dumplings!” According to Hong, the reason behind choosing a restaurant for its quality offerings is much like the reasoning a shopper has when they decide to buy a quality piece of clothing. “Selecting a piece of clothing involves more than looking at the size and color,” Hong explains. “You have to look at the brand and everything that goes into producing it.  Everything, including the material and effort, is of the highest quality."


 

Grand Fortune Chinese Cuisine

Location: 17330 West Center Road, Suite 106, Omaha, NE 68130

Phone: 402-697-9888

Cuisine: Szechuan, Cantonese

Offers: Dine-in, Take-out, Delivery, Catering

Signature Dishes: Honey Walnut Shrimp, Black Pepper Steak, Hong Kong Style Chow Mein, Amazing Chicken…

Year of Establishment: 2001