Tray's Garden Chinese Restaurant

Tray's Garden Chinese Restaurant, located at 441 TN-52 Scenic in Lafayette, Tennessee, is a Chinese restaurant that has recently undergone a change in ownership, leading to notable shifts in its atmosphere, menu, and overall customer experience. As a local Chinese eatery, Tray's Garden aims to serve the community with a variety of Chinese dishes, offering both dine-in and takeout options. However, recent reviews indicate a period of transition with varying opinions on the quality and service.

One customer shared their dining-in experience shortly after the new owners took over, on July 11, 2024. This review highlighted a "new bright atmosphere," suggesting a positive change in the restaurant's environment. The reviewer also noted that the food tasted "great," emphasizing the flavorful nature of the dishes they ordered. It was also mentioned that the restaurant no longer offers a buffet, which did not bother this particular customer. They recommended that others visit and form their own opinions, acknowledging the subjectivity of taste.

In terms of service during this visit, the reviewer mentioned that it wasn't "top notch" as they were not checked on during their meal. However, they expressed hope for improvement as the new owners and staff adjusted to being open and managing orders. A temporary inconvenience was the ongoing setup of their Coke machine, with drinks being served from 2-liter bottles in the interim. Despite a slight wait for the food, the reviewer believed it was due to everything being made fresh to order, which they considered a positive aspect. They specifically praised the flavorful nature of the three different meals their party ordered. The pork fried rice was noted for containing actual eggs and vegetables, a sign of quality ingredients. The General Tso's Chicken was described by the reviewer's husband as "hot & spicy, exactly the way it should be." The Pepper Steak was also well-received, with a good amount of steak compared to onions. Overall, this customer highly recommended trying Tray's Garden under the new ownership and expressed their intention to return.

In contrast, another, more recent review paints a significantly different picture. This customer expressed disappointment, stating that the food quality had drastically declined, going "from a 10 to a 2." Their primary criticism focused on the General Tso's Chicken, which they described as tasting like "sweet and sour with way too much sauce" that was "nasty." They specifically noted the lack of spiciness, with the sauce being "literally sweet and sour sauce with garlic" and even having an orange color, deviating from the expected flavor profile. The fried rice was described as "bland," requiring the addition of three soy sauce packets to achieve any discernible taste. This reviewer also mentioned being charged extra for modifications, such as a significant additional cost for a small amount of "boiled chicken" that was as bland as the rice.

This dissatisfied customer indicated a significant decrease in their patronage, from ordering weekly to only every six months, in the hope of seeing improvement, which they stated had not occurred. They urged the new owners to revert to the "old owner's recipes," criticizing the current trend of reduced portions and increased prices without a corresponding increase in quality. This reviewer expressed frustration and a desire for new owners who could restore the previous standards, noting that they now have to travel to another town for decent Chinese food.

To contact Tray's Garden Chinese Restaurant, you can call them at (615) 666-6688 or use the mobile number +1 615-666-6688. The address is 441 TN-52 Scenic, Lafayette, TN 37083, USA. These contact details can be used for inquiries or placing takeout orders.

Based on these two contrasting reviews, Tray's Garden Chinese Restaurant appears to be in a state of flux following the change in ownership. While initial impressions from one customer were positive, highlighting a brighter atmosphere and flavorful food made fresh to order, a more recent review expresses significant concerns about a decline in food quality, changes in recipes, reduced portions, and increased prices. The service also received mixed feedback, with an initial report of inattentiveness that was hoped to improve with time.

Given these divergent experiences, it is difficult to provide a definitive assessment of the current state of Tray's Garden. Potential customers should be aware of the recent changes and the varying opinions on the food. The positive comments about the flavorful Mongolian Beef, tasty Shrimp Fried Rice with ample shrimp and egg, and good Pot Stickers from a past review under potentially different circumstances might no longer be entirely indicative of the current offerings.

As a Chinese restaurant, Tray's Garden likely offers a range of familiar Chinese-American dishes. The reviews mention specific items such as General Tso's Chicken, Pepper Steak, pork fried rice, and fried rice, suggesting a standard menu. However, the preparation and quality of these dishes seem to have been affected by the new ownership, according to one long-time customer.

There is no promotional information available in the provided reviews. Customers interested in any specials or promotions should contact the restaurant directly.

In conclusion, Tray's Garden Chinese Restaurant in Lafayette, TN, is currently undergoing a transition that has resulted in mixed customer experiences. While the new atmosphere was initially seen as a positive change, concerns have been raised about the food quality, consistency of recipes, portion sizes, and pricing. Potential customers might want to consider the recency of the reviews and the specific dishes mentioned when deciding whether to visit or order from Tray's Garden. It appears to be a local Chinese restaurant with an evolving identity, and as one reviewer suggested, forming your own opinion based on a personal visit might be the best approach.