MIDLAND – There are a couple of eating adages the Anonymous Gourmet holds dear. At least occasionally.
   Always eat where local folks dine. Ask around when you travel and it usually pays dividends.
  In ethnic eateries,favor places where you see plenty of folks of that cultural persuasion –Hispanies in a Mexican restaurant ,for example.
  Establishments that have the AAA stamp of approval are usually a cut above the pack.
  Eat where truck drivers dine.
 Well, maybe not the last one.Famous Michigan author and food lover Jim Harrison said that minght still be true in Europe,but he recommends steering clear of the big rigs in the USA.
 Some Midland friends have been saying good things about Bamboo Garden 2600 N.Saginaw, and?the AG and his trusty dining companion decided to give it a try .
 We weren’t disappointed.
 In an era of the growth of buffet and take-out Chinese establishments. Bamboo Garden remains a spot for relaxed dining with a starting selection of entrees.
  Some of those maxims held true. During two visits the place was filled with Oriental diners,many speaking their native dialect.
  And the eatery is included in a book called “Where the Locals Eat”.
  And yes, Bamboo Garden has the AAA stamp of approval.
   Frank Zhong is an immigrant who made a good story. He came in t o this country from China in 1991 as a chef for the same eatery.There years ago,he became ovner,but he still spends plenty of time in the kitchen.
   Zhong was a master chefback home in the Sichuan province,learning many of his skills from his father, who also was a chef. Zhong was known for his artistie skills,such as carving the flesh of a rutabaga-like vegetable into the shape of a rose or a carrot into a crane.
   He has little time for that now,showing those talents only on special occasions.
   He says he is kept plenty busy,both in and outside the kitchen.Dow Chemical Co,and Dow Corning Corp,have plenty of oriental employees who appreciate his authentic meals.
   Sichnan cooking is known for its spicy nature and added twists,like using special peppercorns that add to the numbness.
   Zhong says he has had to dial down the spice-o-meterforU.S diners.
   Tip :If you visit and like unique dishes,ask for a Separate regional menu.
   It’s full of different meals,including a number featuring fish.
   It’s odd:most oriental menus here have few fish selections.While they are a staple back home.
   Bamboo Garden also features tofu with a number of seafood dishes,something his Japanese diners appreciate,he says.
  Zhong is especially proud of his tea-smoked duck at $11.50.
 “Very original,very complicated to make,” he said with a smile.”People here are willing to try more new things,different flavors.”
   As regular readers might remember ,your dining surrogate is a big- time fan of mo shu pork.
  As $7.95 with four hot Mandarin pancakes-which, by the way ,came to the table ina steamer to keep them warm, a nice touch-the dish was full of the subtle fresh flavors to make it a favorite.
   The Mongolian beef ($8.25) was true to its Sichuan roots with a bit more zip than the AG was used to ,but still it was tasty.
    If you’re looking for a complete meal, you can choose from 12 favorites, includeing sweet and sour dishes,almond and princess chicken and beef with peapods;choose from four soups,plus have an egg roll,and fried or steamed rice , all for $10.95.
   Zhong knows his way around a work and it shows.
   Frank(Fuhua) Zhong, owner/chef of Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant , holds a plate of Sweet and Sour Crisp Whole Fish,a specially dish avaitable only at is restaurant. Mapo Tofu Sichuen Style,lower left and Tea-Smoked Duck are two other items unique to the restaurant.

1985年4月12日,Detroit Free Press: "The Bamboo Garden bubbles with oriental delights"
Rating: Excellent.
1985年5月5日,The Detroit News: "Midland: A town unjustly slandered", " While in town, try the Bamboo Garden Restaurant".
1989年7月17日,Midland Daily News:  "Sample menu... Bamboo Garden",  " Pork and Kiwi".
1991年6月9日,Midland Daily News:  " A Tough of China"  中菜品味(史正良).
1991年12月24日,Midland Daily News: "Chinese chef’s flowers aren’t just for good looks"( 鈡富華 ).
1992年1月16日,The Saginaw News: "Chinese chef cuts a niche" (鈡富華).  
1992年3 月3日,Midland Daily News: "Cooking the Ziong way" ( 鈡富華 ).
1993年8月6日,Midland Daily News: "Cook stirs up an American nickname" (張正全).
2001年3月1日,The Saginaw News: "Bamboo Garden spicy and very satisfying" (鈡富華).
2004年12月8日,Midland Daily News: "Bamboo Garden... with Chinese vegetarian style" (鈡富華).