Happy Cuisine Chinese & Japanese Restaurant recently held its grand opening in McCordsville, one of several growing communities that surround Indianapolis. Since I’m often in the area, I decided to check it out.
Immediately, I noticed why this restaurant has the word “happy” in its name. Upon entering, I was greeted warmly by an Asian gentleman cleaning the floor, working to keep the place in its immaculate and spotless condition. He welcomed me in the friendly, enthusiastic manner business owners have when they still appreciate each customer who comes through their door.
Several patrons were already seated, and appeared to be “happy” with their cuisine choices. At the counter, a friendly young lady patiently answered questions I had about the menu.
Seating is offered at spacious tables or comfortable booths. A television is available for viewing pleasure (it was certainly a pleasure watching the Chicago Bulls square off against the Atlanta Hawks as I waited for my order.)
Happy Cuisine has many of the traditional Chinese favorites, including chicken, beef or pork fried rice, General Tso’s chicken, and various types of chow mein, lo mein, Mei Fun and egg foo young.
Examples of signature selections include the Hunan Triple Delight, which is shrimp, chicken and beef in a hot flavorful sauce; and the Happy Family, an amazing combination of lobster, scallop, jumbo shrimp, chicken, beef and roasted pork sautéed with mixed vegetables in a unique brown sauce.
In addition to its Chinese entrees, Happy Cuisine also has a full Japanese sushi bar. This is interesting, considering the historic rivalry between China and Japan over the status of superpower of Asia.
The sushi bar has numerous sushi rolls available, including the Spicy Girl, which is deep fried white and yellowtail fish inside, with a spicy eel sauce and masago scallion; and the Crazy Tuna, which includes spicy tuna inside, topped with white tuna, avocado and tobiko.
Each day, Happy Cuisine has lunch specials between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., when pepper steak, sesame chicken, Szechuan chicken, shrimp with lobster sauce and many other items (24 altogether) can be purchased at a reduced price.
Of course, anyone who reads this column already knows I usually go with a simple, “safe” choice when I’m trying a restaurant for the first time, and this visit was no exception. I had purchased an order of the chicken and rice with broccoli, along with three pork egg rolls.
It was a decision I did not regret, as the chicken dish was cooked to perfection and covered in a tasty sauce, and the egg rolls were flavorful and prepared just right (sometimes they can be made too crispy or too greasy.)
In addition, Happy Cuisine is generous with its portions, so you will be satisfied, and won’t be tempted to drive through a cheeseburger joint shortly after you leave.
What seals the deal for the restaurant, however, is its friendly service. The servers and chefs could very well be whispering things in Mandarin Chinese about what you chose to wear that day, but who cares? At least to your face, you are treated like an emperor from the Ming Dynasty. Any and everything you need to have a good dining experience is provided.
I will definitely return to the restaurant in the near future to experiment with other selections. If you are ever out in the “far East” and need a little happiness or a smile, try Happy Cuisine.
