This is a place that we have heard about but never got around to checking it out. But now that we are doing a Chinese Restaurant Series it only made sense for us to visit Fort Lauderdale’s Most Iconic Chinese Restaurant. Rainbow Palace has been around since the early 1990s and I have to say that I’m truly amazed that it took us this long to visit. They are one of those best-kept-secret places you want to share but you really want to keep it all to yourself.
As we entered the host immediately greeted us. You cannot help but notice the wall full of prominently displayed industry awards. Over the past 30+ years, they have managed to rack up at least 20 AAA 4 Diamond Awards as well as making Open Table’s Top 100 Restaurants in America.
The host guided us through the extensive dining room to our table. In true classic etiquette, the host pulled Doris’ seat out for her, and let me tell you, she was surprised, elated, and pleased when he presented her with her napkin she whispered to me that this was the kind of service that has long been abandoned and forgotten and which she would enjoy repeating. Eddie, our server, promptly greeted us as we sat and presented us with the wine and cocktail menu. The wine list was not overwhelming but they have been known to have one of Fort Lauderdale’s best wine lists.
For our drinks, Doris ordered the 3 Olives Cherry Vodka chilled, straight up, and was served in a martini glass garnished with a maraschino cherry. I opted for their Mai Tai which I had read so much about. I am going to say that I’ve had a lot of great Mai Tai’s over the years but this one was one of the best, which wasn’t a surprise since it features my favorite rums: Bacardi Gold, Meyer’s Dark, and Bacardi Light.
For our appetizer, we had the Sesame Scallops Grand Marnier which are 2 Jumbo sea scallops dusted with water chestnut flour, wok-fried, then sautéed in a delicate Grand Marnier sauce with sesame seeds. These scallops are so big and delicious that they could be an entrée in most places.
When our server Eddie returned to our table to take our main course order he recited for us the specials of the day. I immediately knew that the Sweet and Sour Chicken Special was a must to experience. With several large chunks of golden crispy white meat chicken, onion, pineapple, and bell pepper it was light, delightful to eat, and very pleasing to the eye. The Shrimp Gwin Jin which was 4 Jumbo Shrimp grilled in a wok, and sautéed in rice wine, garlic, and Teriyaki Soy Sauce to create an unmistakably savory smoky flavor. We also had an order of the Seafood Fried Rice that consisted of shrimp, calamari, and scallops sautéed with diced fresh garden vegetables, Jasmine rice, and seasoned with a touch of ginger. All of the dishes by far exceeded any expectations that I had entered.
This is a Hong Kong-style Chinese food restaurant. Throw away all your Oriental Cliché ideas of what Chinese restaurants are supposed to be. The food arrives at your table on a gueridon cart via a runner. The dining area is large but broken up into smaller sections, the service is classic and on point. The wine list again is one of the best in Fort Lauderdale and the food is out of this world with only the BEST and FRESHEST ingredients used in its preparation. To top it all off, the place is maintained impeccably clean.
The service was exceptional and I can’t wait to come back, SOON!
