La Riqueza
87-84 Parsons Blvd. Jamaica
657-6355

Cuisine: Chinese and Spanish

Hours: Open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. seven days a week

For the past seven years "La Riqueza Restaurant" has been offering a blend of authentic Chinese and Spanish cuisine to the residents of Jamaica.

As a result, this perfect union has successfully garnered a clientele that never tires of the menu.

"The funny thing is that menu offers a vast selection of dishes," said Gloria Benitez, part owner of the restaurant. "One day you can order Chinese food and another you can order Spanish. We make it impossible for our clients to get tired of the menu."

Benitez and her partner, Tommy Tong, have successfully created a menu that is written in both English and Spanish and lists the most popular Latin and Chinese dishes available.

Beginning with some Spanish favorites, such as the Bistec Especial (Seasoned Steak), Bistec de Jamon Con Pina (Ham Steak with Pineapple), Chuletas de Cerdo Fritas (Fried Pork Chops), Pollo Asado (Roast Chicken), Camarones Entomatados (Shrimp with Tomato Sauce), Filete de Pescado Empanizados (Fried Filet of Sole), and Camarones Ajillos (Shrimp with Garlic Sauce).

The Spanish menu also offers a list of Rice specials that include Dominican Style Chicken and Rice, Yellow Rice with Chicken, Yellow Rice with Shrimp, Squid with Rice, Spanish Sausage with Rice, and Chicken with Rice and Sea Food.

The Chinese menu includes some common plates as the Pepper Steak with Rice, Lo Mein with Sweet Plantains (Choice of Vegetables, Roast Pork, Chicken or Beef), Chow Mein with Rice (Choice of Vegetables, Roast Pork, Chicken or Beef), Shrimp with Deviled Sauce and Rice, Fried Chicken Wings with Rice and Salad, and Shrimp with Lobster Sauce and Rice.

These were just a sample of the meals available at the restaurant and understandably selecting a dish to eat took some time.

Finally, I decided to order the Bistec Especial (Seasoned Steak). The steak was broiled with onions and came served with salad, white rice, and a slice of lemon ( $6.50). The steak was thin, moist and extremely delicious.

After my experience, I understood why the restaurant is called "La Riqueza", which means "Abundance." With such a rich selection of Chinese and Spanish dishes, the name is well deserving.