China Village, 60693 U.S. Hwy 285, Bailey, CO, (303) 838-3308
By Patty LaTaille
Whenever I mention China Village as my favorite restaurant to visit on trips to and from the Front Range, the inevitable response is: “Chinese food? In Bailey? Where?”
Yes, you bet your sweet bippy there is good Chinese food in Bailey! My favorite Chinese restaurant in the state of Colorado is right in this geographically challenged location. I’m super picky about Chinese food – having been raised outside of New York City, with my favorite food being rice – the basis for most Asian cuisine.
So instead of cruising right by on U.S. Hwy. 285, take the time to stop at China Village for the Quick Lunch – served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They serve the standard combination platters with the option of tofu, beef, pork, chicken or shrimp, plus soup (wonton, egg drop or sweet and sour), a crispy veggie egg roll and steamed or fried rice. All for eight dollars or less. The egg drop soup is thick and creamy, while the hot and sour is just right – not to tart or generic.
If you’re traveling around dinner time, plan to have an ample, reasonably priced dinner, with enough food to take home for another couple of meals. The chefs are of Asian descent and fix fabulous food quickly and serve it attractively. Big platters of steaming vegetables mixed with your choice of meat swimming in delicious sauces are served steaming hot and promptly to customers waiting in the red vinyl booths. Or you can order take-out, which is also quick. I have yet to see a major crowd scene here.
The Cashew Chicken is so perfect that I tend to order that one dish almost every time I have the pleasure to eat at China Village. The veggies are fresh and served al dente with a satisfying crunch. Picture a colorful mix of broccoli, bock choy, snow peas, shitake mushrooms, celery, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, carrots and tender chicken, covered with a generous handful of large cashew nuts.
My husband Jack ordered the Three Meats with Hot Pepper and was pleased with the chicken, shrimp and beef combination. His dish was mixed with fresh onions, carrots, green peppers, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, red chilies and peanuts.
We both found the sauces to be light, which allowed the flavor of the fresh ingredients to come through. The steamed rice was just right, while the fried rice had a tiny bit of egg in it and wasn’t too greasy.
China Village has an extensive menu of both food and drinks, with hot tea, soft drinks, and wine and beer available. Sake and plum wine are also offered, along with domestic microbrews and Asian imports for beer drinkers.
The atmosphere is low key. Authentic Chinese tapestries adorn the walls, next to a locals bulletin board filled with business cards and trucker caps. Bathrooms are devoid of any adornment, dingy and stall-like, but relatively clean. Never mind the plywood reinforced windows and the general atmosphere of a mini truck stop crossed with an oriental theatre – the food here is the real deal. You’ll find quality, authentic Chinese meals with no skimping on the variety of vegetables or meats.
Picked For: Generous Portions – CRISPY egg rolls – Ease of Access – Reasonable Prices
Open 7 days a Week: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily
