Left: China Express' Chicken with Lychee and Pineapple in a sweet and sour sauce. Right: China Express' decor does not boast the typical chinese decor. This is a fabulous mix of western and chinese decor. - photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

China Express is one of the restaurants in the famed dining area in The Market Place on Constant Spring Road, nicknamed, The Courtyard.

The restaurant opened in 1998, and since then the establishment has become very popular with Kingston's dining public. Business has definitely improved. "When we started, we were a very small dining area. Now it's like three times what it was," says Mrs. I.C.M. Wong, co-owner. She explained that the restaurant's decor is not the typical Chinese restaurant.

"We have more than a Chinese setting. It's a mixture of western design as well, it's more modern," she says. The food however, remains the same; delicious. Mrs. Wong spoke of their Capital Sauce as one of the many culinary delights. "Our Kailung Steamed Chicken is also very popular. Its like a combination of chicken, mushroom and Chinese sausage. It's not too heavy and goes down just right," she said. For the sweet-toothed among the dining public, their talk-of-the-town dessert is aptly titled "Something To Die For". The recipie has milky chocolate in it; enough said!

The restaurant seats nearly 100 customers and for those who don't have the time but still want to enjoy of the fare, they can use the takeout section, which, unlike other restaurants is outside of the dining area, making for quick and easy pick-up. For those who want a little more privacy, accommodations can be made for that as well.

Restaurants

Where to eat ...

These are the restaurants in their categories, that are participating in this year's Gleaner-sponsored Kingston Restaurant Week (KRW). The package includes discounted and fixed prices for a choice of appetiser, main course and dessert. Remember, beverages, GCT and gratuity are additional.

DELECTABLE:$2,500

Café Aubergine

Columbus Restaurant -Jamaica Pegasus

Hilton Palm Court

Jewel of India

Mac's Chop House

Norma's on the Terrace

Red Bones Blues Café

Regency Room - Terra Nova

Strawberry Hill

SAVOURY: $1,300

Bamboo Village

Carlos Café

Cuddy'z

China Express

Grog Shoppe

Guilt Trip

Habibi Latino

Hotel Four Seasons

Jade Garden

Kabana

Melting Pot - Knutsford Court Hotel

Morgan's Harbour Hotel and Marina

Prendy's on the Beach

Restaurant Cocoro

Rib Kage Bar and Grill

Susie's Bakery and Coffee Bar

TGI Friday's

Whitebones Seafood Restaurant

Acropolis Gaming Suites

TASTY: $1,100

Golden Bowl

Golden Gate Restaurant

Lyme Key Restaurant and Bar

The Reef Seafood Restaurant and Bar