Gourmet Carousel

Gourmet Carousel, situated at 1559 Franklin Street in San Francisco, is a Chinese restaurant that offers a variety of classic dishes in what one reviewer described as a "no frills" setting. While the menu appears promising to some, recent customer feedback presents a somewhat mixed picture regarding the quality of certain dishes and the overall dining experience.

Details regarding the specific environment or ambiance of Gourmet Carousel are limited. The description of it being a "no frills Chinese restaurant" suggests a casual and perhaps unpretentious setting, focusing more on the food itself rather than elaborate decor. One reviewer mentioned being curious to experience the latest iteration of the restaurant after many years, implying it has been a part of the local dining scene for some time.

In terms of services, Gourmet Carousel offers both dine-in and likely takeout options, given its nature as a traditional restaurant. One reviewer noted that the service was "quickly served," which could be appealing to those looking for a fast meal. However, another reviewer had a less positive experience with the service, describing the hostess/waitress as "unfriendly." This inconsistency in service perception is something potential customers may want to consider.

The food at Gourmet Carousel appears to have both highlights and lowlights according to recent reviews. A standout dish is the Crispy Fried Chicken, which was described as "flavorful with surprisingly light & crispy skin" and "very good." It's worth noting that this dish requires a 30-minute preparation time, as indicated on the menu, suggesting it is cooked to order. Another dish that received positive feedback was the Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings, praised for being "perfectly crispy and cooked" with a delicious sauce and flavoring, making it a "must try" according to one reviewer.

However, not all dishes met expectations. The Bitter Melon with Beef was described as "not bad," but the presence of "a large puddle of oil on the bottom" is a concern regarding the preparation. The Special Clay Pot, which contained meats and seafood, was deemed "mediocre." The Shrimp with Lobster Sauce was particularly disappointing, being described as "very salty" and resembling "scrambled eggs + shrimp instead of the expected creamy sauce." This suggests potential inconsistencies in the preparation and quality of certain seafood dishes.

Another dish that received negative feedback was the Beef Eggplant over Rice, which was described as "a little disappointed and lacked flavor." The beef was also noted to be "a little chewy," although the eggplant itself was "cooked well." This mixed review of a single dish further illustrates the potential variability in food quality at Gourmet Carousel.

A significant drawback mentioned by one reviewer was the "very difficult parking" situation around the restaurant's location. This is a practical consideration for potential dine-in customers who may need to factor in extra time for finding parking in the Franklin Street area.

Currently, no specific promotional information, such as discounts or special offers, was mentioned in the provided customer reviews. Local users interested in any potential promotions at Gourmet Carousel are advised to contact the restaurant directly at (415) 771-2044 or +1 415-771-2044. They may also inquire about any daily specials or seasonal dishes that might be available.

In conclusion, Gourmet Carousel in San Francisco is a no-frills Chinese restaurant serving a variety of classic dishes. While it has received praise for certain items like the Crispy Fried Chicken and Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings, other dishes such as the Shrimp with Lobster Sauce and Beef Eggplant over Rice have been criticized for issues with flavor, preparation, and texture. The service experience also appears to be inconsistent, with one reviewer finding it quick but another describing the hostess/waitress as unfriendly. Additionally, parking in the area may be challenging. Potential customers may want to consider these mixed reviews when deciding whether to dine at Gourmet Carousel. If specific dishes like the fried chicken or wings appeal to them, it might be worth a try, but awareness of potential inconsistencies and service issues is advisable. For the most current information on their menu and any potential promotions, direct contact with the restaurant is recommended.