There’s been a grand ‘re-opening? of sorts at the area’s finest New York style Chinese buffet. If you haven’t visited Empire Wok in the Oxford Mills Shopping Center lately, you owe it to yourself to go there for lunch or dinner.
Since February, owner Frank Zhu has quite literally fired things up with a new stir fry grill.
‘We’ve had a lot of new customers since adding the stir fry,? Frank said with a smile. ‘Everybody says it’s a great addition because they get to pick the meat, veggies and sauce. They have fun watching when it’s cooked.?
Part of the fun is watching Frank, donned with his red chef’s hat, prepare your food with an open fire and deep cast iron wok. As the flames get higher the food sizzles and smells great. The meal is your own creation. You fill your plate with what you want — choosing from fresh chicken, pork, seafood and vegetables. Then, you can create your own sauce, which Frank stirs in as he fires up your meal.
In addition to the stir fry grill, Empire Wok now also has all-you-can-eat char broiled steaks with the dinner buffet.
Regulars also know the buffet selection is the best around. The buffet has over 80 items that change daily, including snow crab, shrimp, pork, beef and chicken dishes in delicious Peking, Szechuan, Hunan, Canatonese and even American style. Not only can customers fill their plates from the buffet, they can order their meals from the menu.
The family-owned business has been in Oxford for a little over two years, but Empire Wok has been in business for 12.
‘I have fun cooking and making friends here,? Frank said. ‘It’s fun to see kids when I am cooking — they love it. They laugh and act surprised. I like this community. We’re always busy. The business and the area is growing.?
Empire Wok can satisfy the hunger of just one person or an entire party. Customers can call in advance and reserve the party room.
‘If it’s not available, that is not a problem. We will make room in the dining area,? Frank said.
The stir-fry comes with the buffet at no extra charge, which includes dessert and fortune cookie. The lunch buffet is regularly only $5.99 per person (kids 3-6 years only $2.59, 7-12 years old only $3.59) For those with a small appetite ask about the $3.99 lunch. The dinner buffet is only $8.99 Sunday through Thursday; only $9.99 Friday and Saturday. (Look for their coupons in their ad for added savings!)
Empire Wok is located in the Oxford Mills Shopping Center, on the west side of M-24, south of Drahner Road.
They are open seven days a week starting at 11 a.m. From Sundays through Thursday they are open until 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays they stay open until 11 p.m.
Stop by and see Frank and Empire Wok’s smiling staff of seven.
‘I love this business. I love people and I love cooking for them,? Frank said.
Need a carry out or want to reserve the party room? Call 248-969-3388.