Guest Author - Terri L Griffin

On Saturday night of our recent visit to Torrance, we found ourselves in a quandary. None of us could decide what to do for dinner. So we drove around, looking through strip malls and shopping plazas with only a vague list of restaurants as a guide. Finally we decided on Chinese and went in search of Fu Yuan Lo, a restaurant recommended by a friend in the area.

It was getting late and the kids were hungry. We found Fu Yuan Lo at #26-F Peninsula Shopping Center, in Rolling Hills Estates. It was after 8 pm and the lovely shopping area was quiet.

Fu Yuan Lo was pretty quiet too. The customary aquarium filled with gold fish and other swimmers greeted us. This feature is one reason that Chinese food is a family favorite. It is often the fish tank that amuses our kids when they finish eating before everyone else.

We were seated at a large round table. I immediately noticed that Fu Yuan Lo is a very American friendly Chinese restaurant. A fork and spoon accompanied each place setting and there was sugar on the table with the other condiments. I always want sugar for my tea and I usually have to ask for it.

We ordered Egg Rolls and Wor Won Ton Soup for starters. Both were very good. The Egg Rolls were crisp on the outside with hot, fresh tasting filling. The soup was filled with large shrimp, chicken, won tons and fresh vegetables. Everyone enjoyed it, even the kids.

Next came our entrees: Cashew Nut Chicken, Beef with Broccoli and Beef Chow Mein. The portions were very large and all three dishes were hot and tasty. I especially liked the Cashew Chicken. The chicken was cut into large pieces and cooked in a light sauce with vegetables and cashews. The broccoli was fresh and the beef tender. The noodles in the Chow Mein were just right, not soggy.

As usual the kids finished eating long before my husband and my dad, so the kids and I went out to look at the fish tank. When we returned to the table we found orange wedges and fortune cookies waiting for us.

Fu Yuan Lo is a great spot for a nice family dinner. The prices were moderate with entrees starting around $9.95 and appetizers and soups for less. The menu covers all the usual selections from Hot & Sour Soup to Mushu Pork to Fried Rice to several more exotic seafood dishes and the more American Sweet & Sour dishes. The food was excellent. The service was friendly and prompt and the atmosphere was pleasant and relaxing.