Chinese Gourmet Express

Welcome to Chinese Gourmet Express, a Chinese restaurant located within the food court of the Northridge Fashion Center at 9301 Tampa Ave FC-7 in Northridge, California. As a Chinese restaurant operating within a mall environment, Chinese Gourmet Express aims to provide shoppers and visitors with quick and convenient access to a variety of Chinese dishes. Customer reviews offer some insights into the food quality, pricing, and service experienced at this establishment.

One customer stopped by Chinese Gourmet Express seeking a quick and affordable snack while waiting in the mall. They opted for the egg rolls, finding the price for two to be decent. However, their assessment of the egg rolls themselves was merely "okay," and they noted that the accompanying sweet and sour sauce did not enhance the flavor as hoped. This suggests that while some basic snack options might be available at reasonable prices, the quality may not always be exceptional.

The same reviewer also pointed out a specific policy regarding drink refills, noting a sign indicating that free refills are not offered. They expressed disappointment with this policy, especially in the context of a food establishment within a mall food court, contrasting it with the expectation of free refills in other similar settings. This information is important for potential customers to be aware of when considering their beverage choices and the overall cost of their meal.

Another customer shared a significantly negative experience primarily focused on the service they received. This individual described a "horrible woman" serving the food. The interaction began with the customer inquiring about trying the spicy orange chicken, as samples were being offered. They reported receiving a "dirty look" in response to their request to compare it with the regular orange chicken sample that was offered. This initial interaction suggests a lack of attentiveness or willingness to accommodate a simple customer request.

The negative experience continued when the customer inquired about the availability of spicy beef, as the server indicated it was running low. Upon asking how long it would take for more to cook, the server reportedly responded with a rude tone, stating, "I don’t know." The customer felt that the server should have checked with the kitchen staff for an estimated time instead of giving a dismissive answer. This lack of proactive service and the rude tone contributed to a poor impression of the staff.

The situation escalated when the server began preparing the customer's plate despite the uncertainty about the spicy beef. The customer, concerned about their other food items getting cold while waiting, asked the server not to prepare their plate until the spicy beef was ready. This reasonable request was allegedly met with another "dirty look" before the server finally went to ask the cook about the wait time. The customer rightly pointed out that this inquiry should have been made when they first asked about the spicy beef, highlighting a significant lapse in service protocol and customer care.

The reviewer concluded by stating their perception that the server "really hates her job," based on her demeanor and interactions. This strongly negative feedback regarding the service is a crucial point for potential customers to consider, as it significantly impacted this individual's overall experience at Chinese Gourmet Express.

Based on the limited information from these two reviews, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive description of the environment of Chinese Gourmet Express beyond its location within a mall food court. Food courts are typically characterized by a casual and bustling atmosphere with shared seating areas. Customers can likely expect a functional space designed for quick meals rather than a more formal dining ambiance. The focus is generally on convenience and accessibility for shoppers.

The primary service offered by Chinese Gourmet Express is the preparation and serving of Chinese fast food. The negative review highlights potential issues with the quality of customer service provided by at least one staff member. The other review mentions the availability of egg rolls as a quick snack and notes the policy regarding drink refills. It is reasonable to assume that typical food court service involves ordering at a counter, receiving the food quickly, and either eating at the counter or in the shared seating area. To confirm if they offer any additional services, such as catering or online ordering, potential customers would need to contact Chinese Gourmet Express directly at (818) 886-3108 or +1 818-886-3108.

Features of Chinese Gourmet Express appear to include a menu with standard Chinese fast food fare, such as egg rolls and potentially orange chicken and spicy beef (although the quality and availability of the latter were questioned in the reviews). The pricing for at least some items, like the egg rolls, was considered decent. However, the overall quality of the food is uncertain, with one reviewer finding the egg rolls just "okay." The lack of free drink refills is a notable feature of their beverage policy. The availability of samples, at least for the orange chicken, suggests an attempt to attract customers, although the handling of sample requests was a point of contention in one review.

Promotional information for Chinese Gourmet Express is not mentioned in the provided reviews. It is common for food court vendors to offer combo meals or special deals to attract customers. Local users interested in any such promotions should check for signage at the location or inquire at the counter when ordering. Contacting the restaurant directly might also provide information about any current offers.

In conclusion, Chinese Gourmet Express in the Northridge Fashion Center food court offers a convenient option for those seeking Chinese fast food while shopping. However, customer reviews present a mixed picture. While some basic items like egg rolls might be reasonably priced, the quality may be average. A notable policy is the lack of free drink refills. Furthermore, there is a concerning report of rude and unhelpful service from at least one staff member. Potential customers should be aware of these points when considering dining at Chinese Gourmet Express. It might be prudent to assess the food and service firsthand before making a decision for a full meal. Checking for any visible promotions at the location might also be beneficial.