China Palace in Hesperia remains a culinary tradition
China Palace Restaurant has been a popular dining destination in the High Desert since it opened in 1994.
Located next to the Hesperia Marketplace sign on Main Street and 11th Avenue, China Palace remains an established tradition ─ a culinary icon, if you will.
That said, a relatively new owner and brand new manager joined the veteran chef and waitstaff, and are cooking up an exciting future.
Start with an important goal
To describe Chine Palace in one word is easy: Atmosphere.
From the beginning, China Palace was destined to be a place where people could relax and while they enjoyed a wonderful meal.
From the time patrons step into the restaurant, they are made to feel welcome. After choosing a table or booth, they could choose to order from the menu or select their favorites from a tempting buffet of delicious Asian dishes hand-made and hand-cut from fresh, never frozen ingredients and prepared with no MSG.
The affordable prices helped establish the restaurant’s fine tradition.
Maintaining their reputation
China Palace has had just three owners since 1994.
Luis Jimenez took the helm in 2020. Despite the ups and downs of the economy and the lockdown, Jimenez is proud that his restaurant never closed for an extended period.
He led his staff as they pulled together to follow the necessary regulations to remain open during this time. They added the outside canopy for diners and expanded their curbside take-out and delivery options.
Ready to celebrate the big 3-0
Today, Jimenez is moving forward again with some exciting changes as China Palace Restaurant’s very special 30th anniversary draws near.
He envisions an expanded menu serving the current Asian appetizers and entrees plus new Asian dishes, but that’s not all. Including favorite Latin dishes is also part of the plan.
What’s in a name?
Jimenez is considering two possible name changes: “Rincon Latino” ─ Latin spot ─ or, keeping his eye on even more dishes from around the world, “China Palace International.”
From mild to spicy or a happy mix of each, expect an exciting variety of flavor profiles. Everyone will enjoy many more options.
It still takes a team
Jimenez recently expanded his team to put these changes in motion. His new manager, Alfredo Ortiz, joined China Palace in March.
Ortiz brings more than 17 years of experience in Taco Bell management where he worked in product development, marketing and product testing.
He is very enthusiastic about new menu items that will create the “international” flavor, pun intended, to China Palace.
The rest of the team ─ the “seasoned” staff ─ includes 15-year veteran chef Andres Maravilla, who knows the secrets to creating good food. Servers Myra and Maria are also experienced at both presentation and prompt attention to detail.
Building on tradition
Jimenez is determined to raise the bar while maintaining superior quality.
The comprehensive menu means diners will need to allow time to savor all the options. Currently there are nine sections from appetizers to vegetarian with at least six variations in each except for soup, which offers wonton, egg drop and hot and sour. Shrimp may be added to any of the soups for an additional charge.
Two signature dishes are included, as well. China Palace chow mein and China Palace fried rice include chicken, beef and shrimp and are definite crowd pleasers.
The Seafood section includes shrimp with lobster sauce, Kung Pao shrimp and spicy Thai shrimp and fried fish fillet.
Dessert options are many as well.
More to come
The changes are just beginning at China Palace.
If you have a large family or corporate event coming up, call to discuss their catering menu with appetizers, seafood, beef and pork, chicken and vegetarian.
As we said above, China Palace Restaurant is considered by many to be a Hesperia tradition. You should plan to enjoy that tradition and experience its future, too.
When you go
China Palace Restaurant, 15555 Main St. Ste. #F, Hesperia. 760-978-2298. Open seven days a week 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Family takeout specials that serve 4-6 people. Facebook, Yelp. Online menu. Catering menu available.
Dining Around
If you would like your restaurant profiled in Dining Around or want to tell readers about your favorite eatery, please contact Kathy Young by text/voicemail at 760-953-8682 or email kaynhuey@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: China Palace in Hesperia remains a culinary tradition
