An Ottawa Chinese restaurant best-known for its egg rolls is opening its dining room for the first time in more than two years.
Golden Palace on Carling Avenue opened for in-person dining on Monday. It had been open for takeout only since the beginning of the pandemic.
Manager Sam Wong says having guests back inside the restaurant is like having family home for dinner.
“I feel joy, it makes my heart very full, really enjoyable,” Wong said. “Lots of smiles on their faces, they have missed it. It’s a family atmosphere here.”
The restaurant opened in 1960 and is best known for its famous open-ended egg rolls. Many customers have been coming for generations.
Some patrons like Harold Levin have been coming for over 60 years. His wife booking a table as soon as they found out indoor dining was now an option.
“We made sure we wanted to come back the day they opened,” Levin said. “It’s really wonderful. I’m tired of the masks, I’ve had four shots, I feel secure I feel safe.”
Wong hopes to see many more of his regulars. He has seen families grow up coming to the Golden Place, children and grandchildren keeping up the tradition their parents and grandparents started.
“Coming to work is like coming to see your family a lot of friends from many generations here.”
The Golden Palace is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
