Hundreds line up for return of Golden Palace half-price egg roll event
Ottawa's oldest Chinese restaurant is serving up its famous egg rolls for half-price again.
- Sign up now for our daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
In celebration of its 64th anniversary, Golden Palace restaurant is serving up 6,400 egg rolls for the hundreds of people who lined up down Carling Avenue to have a taste, an annual tradition going back 14 years.
A little rain and wind on Saturday morning didn't stop people from waiting starting at 6 a.m. for Golden Palace to open its doors at 11 a.m.
In addition, the first 64 customers who braved the rain were given a $25 gift card.
The event was supposed to take place earlier this month, but inclement weather pushed the date of the annual event to April 20.
It's become a tradition for Ann Hughes and her family, who made the drive from Kanata bright and early to purchase a dozen egg rolls.
"Get up at five o'clock to be here for 5:30 or 6 a.m. to be sure you’re first or second in line," Hughes said.
Hughes and her sister Cathy Harper have been patrons of the restaurant since they were children.
"Dad would come home on the weekend and have Chinese food and the staple was the egg rolls – everyone wanted the egg rolls," Hughes said.
"I think it’s the continuity of being handed down from generation to generation so the recipes pretty much stay the same. They don’t get changed a lot."
The fried rolls have been a secret family recipe since the restaurant opened at the same Carling Avenue location in 1960. Everything is prepared fresh and never frozen.
"This is the only really good Chinese restaurant that’s left," said Evan Richins, who was also waiting to get a dozen egg rolls.
"There aren’t many left and half off – I’ve loved egg rolls my whole life. I can eat them forever."
In the 64 years since the restaurant has been open, staff say they’ve seen generations of families come through the doors and grow with the restaurant, loyalty they say, they're grateful for.
"It gives us goosebumps, we’ve been dealing with five generations," said Sam Wong, the restaurant manager for Golden Palace.
"Imagine that, five generations of families. When you come to work every day it’s like family. You see, babies, parents and grandparents."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.