For those who think of Chinese food only in its takeout form, Ming's Caf?(c) is the perfect reason to reconsider.
Located at 3268 Main St., Ming's Caf?(c) is located near South Campus, right next door to college landmark PJ Bottoms. Upon entering Ming's, there is the feeling of having entered some sort of parallel universe - one in which the word "busy" is not part of the lexicon.
Soft Oriental music floats through the air like a lullaby as patrons sip their favorite tea and survey the room's decor. Ming's Caf?(c) is an art gallery of sorts, featuring beautiful Chinese-themed artworks by Chinese artists. There are paintings of children playing and giant Chinese symbols, along with framed American still-lifes and simple scenic photographs.
A Chinese curtain hides the door to the restroom, while low-hanging lamps are scattered throughout the dining room. Behind the counter is a shelf filled with teapots, sculpted fruit, and decorative jars.
The caf?(c)'s gentle style and calm atmosphere make it easy to relax. Come alone and sit by yourself at a two-person wooden table, or bring some friends and sit at one of the larger four-person tables.
As pleasant as the ambiance is at Ming's, the food is even better. Grab a menu and the search for the perfect meal begins. Ming's Caf?(c) boasts over 60 different dishes.
The menu is typical, offering the Classic Wonton Soup to start, or maybe some Peking Style Dumplings. Then choose your favorite Chinese dish, be it the Sweet and Sour Chicken or the Moo Goo Gai Pan.
Ming's offers soups, salads and five appetizers, as well as seven different seafood dishes, four vegetable platters, four types of noodles, eight poultry dishes, eight meat dishes, and of course eight different ways to eat your fried rice.
For those bold souls who like to go the fiery route, Ming's also has 25 different dishes that are labeled as spicy; each one marked on the menu with a little asterisk. Of course, the spiciness of each dish can be made to order.
Ming's is a great place to go for dessert, as well. They offer two dessert trays and some tasty varieties of cookies in the glass case at the counter. Pair it with some fresh-brewed coffee, which is served in a wonderfully large cup.
All in all, Ming's Caf?(c) is the perfect place for some peace and quiet. It's a great place for dinner with friends or to grab a bite while studying. The owners and employees are helpful and kind, but not pushy. The only time my work was interrupted was when I was asked if I needed some more light.
For those nights better spent at home, Ming's offers traditional takeout. The portions are generous enough for sharing, and very reasonably priced.
Prices range from $1.50 for a basic egg roll, and range from $5.75 to $9.95 for most meals. The most expensive items on the menu are the seafood platters, which start at $9.95 and go to $13.95, the price of the fish filet with julienne vegetables. This one is worth every penny for seafood lovers.
Ming's Caf?(c) is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.
