Joy Luck

Overall: 4 stars. Arrived at by balancing out a high recommendation from foodie friends, welcoming by owner and extra effort describing the dishes (my first visit), good smells, they carry my fave rye bourbon, bad carry out experience (food sitting behind bar), strange new noodles not quite to my liking and outstanding pork buns.

One of the owners greeted me, was very personable and explained the menu, listening carefully to my likes and preferences (no spicy, no fatty meats). I settled on the Beef with Rice Noodles and pork buns for an appetizer. I wouldn't get the beef again, the rice noodles were too thick for my taste and kind of gooey. Overall, taste of dish was quite good, though, plenty of beef and a few (needed more) nice garnish-type raw veggies that lightened it up and contrasted crisp with gooey.

Pork buns were outstanding. The filling was ground meat, not sure how seasoned but I'd go back just for them. Next time I'll try the gai lan or bok choy as my main dish.

The woman who came from the back and straightened out my order apologized as I was leaving. That apology was very important to me and is the reason I'll return for more pork buns and some of whatever dish has more of that filling in it...

The food and presentation is superb. The service is a little less so.

I was accidentally served another table's appetizer because a table had moved. I have been to this restaurant and had talked to the owner on one occasion so I thought I was being thanked for being a return customer as the server said, "this is for you," with as flourish. Then they realized their mistake and were affronted that I had touched the food. It was just a misunderstanding until the attitude of the server and the bartender turned it into an ordeal and kept rudely telling me and that "the owner said I had to pay for it." This was going to be my new favorite restaurant but after being berated and charged for things I didn't order, I will NEVER return.