There are American Chinese restaurants in New Jersey that cater to the American palate, as well as those that specialize in just one of the diverse cuisines of Asia. Recently, Mr. Chung’s Contemporary Asian opened up in Morristown, offering dishes from a variety of countries. Can one restaurant do justice with dishes from so many different areas?
Fried noodles, peanuts, fortune cookies nor tea were served. Instead, a complimentary bowl of edamame was presented, which had a surprisingly sweet taste. The menu says that they are prepared with lime salt, but they tasted as if they were cooked in sweetened water. Once sprinkled with table salt, they were enjoyed. Fried spring rolls filled with shredded Japanese pumpkin, chicken breast and mixed greens were crispy and delightfully different. Hoisin-lacquered BBQ spare ribs had a lip-smacking sauce, but were tough and served lukewarm. A sangria duck was also tepid with breaded and fried duck slices that were dry, and the accompanying sangria sauce was cloyingly sweet. It reminded us of thickened Manischewitz wine. However, the rib-eye chow fun was steaming hot and chock full of fresh vegetables, including mushrooms, string beans, scallions, onions, pea pods, a colorful mixture, and one of the better versions of this dish that we have had in a long time. Dessert, cheesecake fried spring roll with a white chocolate sauce was actually fun to eat with its crispy exterior and oozy cheesy filling.
Portions were generous but prices are higher than the typical New Jersey Chinese/Asian restaurant, and our bill with tax and tip was almost $72. Menu options run the gamut from wonton tortellini soup, Penang curry chicken, crunchy calamari salad, vegetarian options with organic black tofu, Hawaiian mahi mahi, Korean BBQ churrasco and Pad Thai. Ishiyaki, where the food is cooked on a hot stone at your table, is offered for chicken, steak, shrimp or pork chops.
The space is large with red walls and cloth napkins, black chairs and booths and white tablecloths. Chopsticks were MIA and not offered. Chinese paper lanterns hanging from a high, black ceiling, fish tanks and a large painting of koi, all add to the Asian ambiance. The bill is presented on an ipad and the receipt e-mailed.
Can one restaurant do justice to dishes from many different areas? Mr. Chung’s may or may not be your cup of tea. If you like American Chinese food then the answer may be yes. If you like authentic Asian cuisine, then the answer is no. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Chow fun
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
Mr. Chung’s Contemporary Asian
78 Speedwell Avenue
Morristown
862-260-9558
BYO
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