2 /5 Robert Morgan: A Disappointing Takeout Experience in Okeechobee
As someone who genuinely enjoys Chinese cuisine in all its forms — from traditional regional specialties to American-Chinese comfort classics — I always approach a new takeout spot with an open mind and an eager palate. Unfortunately, my recent experience at this particular establishment in Okeechobee left much to be desired.
Let’s start with the basics: I spent just under $54 on a variety of dishes, including a large orange chicken, a large house lo mein, a combo platter (presumably General Tso’s chicken), two extra egg rolls, and what was supposed to be a standard assortment of takeout staples. The combo was to include fried rice, an egg roll, and a single crab rangoon. Oddly enough, I was also charged $3.95 for a beef dish I neither ordered nor received — a detail I only caught once I got home and reviewed the receipt.
Packaging and presentation were unfortunately the first red flags. All items were crammed into a single flimsy plastic bag, each in leaking Styrofoam containers. By the time I got them home, the sauces and juices had mixed into a chaotic mess, coating the food — and my passenger seat — in a sticky residue. The crab rangoon, in particular, was a casualty; completely soaked and robbed of its subtle flavor. Ironically, the egg rolls may have benefitted slightly from the sauce-saturation, as they were otherwise bland, consisting mostly of cabbage with no discernible pork or seasoning.
The house lo mein was perhaps the most jarring surprise — not only was it made with spaghetti noodles, but it also contained only chicken, despite being labeled as a “house special.” No pork, no beef, no shrimp. Just a tangle of uninspired noodles that lacked both authenticity and flavor. The chicken fried rice was equally disappointing, lacking the distinct wok-kissed texture and seasoning that defines even the most basic version of the dish.
That said, not everything was a misfire. The orange chicken and the General’s chicken were actually quite good — crispy without being overly battered, with sauces that hit the right notes of sweet, tangy, and spicy. The kitchen clearly has potential when it comes to their proteins, and I appreciated that the General’s chicken was made with a respectable level of heat, as requested.
Unfortunately, these two bright spots weren’t enough to redeem the overall experience. Between the questionable packaging, missing items, lack of attention to detail, and misrepresentation of dishes, I can’t say I’ll be returning — at least not for a full meal. If anything, I might consider grabbing just the orange chicken or General’s chicken to go… assuming I bring my own containers.
Okeechobee isn’t exactly brimming with options for Chinese food, which makes this all the more disappointing. I truly wish the experience had lived up to the potential hinted at in those two dishes. Sadly, it didn’t. Two stars — and that’s entirely thanks to the proteins.
