Lunch with the Press: August Moon

By TEDDYE SNELL

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS May 14, 2008 10:49 am

— Got a yen (pardon the pun) for Chinese food and not much cash? Pop into August Moon at 1622 S. Muskogee Ave., and have owner Jenny Chau fix you up.
While the restaurant has few frills besides a large, flat-screen television mounted on one wall, the food is served fast, hot, and always with a smile.
Chau never fails to remember a face, and most often, much more. She greeted me by name, and asked after my two children, although I had not been in the eatery in several months (they now offer delivery for an additional charge of $2.50, which is the option my husband prefers).
“How’ve you been?” she asked “Your kids? They’re all right? I remember you have one boy and one girl, yes? I remember because, like my kids, they’re 11 years apart in age, only yours are older.”
That kind of service is rare in what many would consider a “fast-food” restaurant.
I had my favorite, “No. 14,” which is chicken chow mein with rice and crispy noodles. I have been ordering this ever since August Moon opened 18 years ago, and it never fails to please. The dish contains diced chicken sautéed with Napa – or Chinese – cabbage, carrots, onions and celery in a light, white sauce (which is kind to me while I’m on the Alli diet), and crispy noodles made from egg roll wrappers, along with an ample portion of fried rice for $4.89.
The egg rolls are fantastic, and cheap, too. You can order them for 95 cents apiece, or do like I did and get five for $3.99, and save some to warm up in the oven later.
I also enjoy the five-flavored chicken, which is a bit spicier. This entree can be ordered with your choice of meat: chicken, beef or shrimp, which is cooked with fresh sliced onions, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and snow peas in a five-flavored sauce (it tastes a bit sweet, hot and spicy). This, too, comes with an ample portion of fried rice for the same price of $4.89.
While I’ve only mentioned two entrees, the menu offers myriad choices – 52 to be exact – for even the pickiest eater in your bunch. Be sure and ask about the specials, too. Monday, the chef specials included a choice of combo lo mein, General Tso’s chicken or sesame chicken with a drink for $5.99.
While August Moon doesn’t offer a buffet, it is open Saturdays and has a delivery option, both new developments.