J Sky

This restaurant is a local jewel. It serves the most authentic Cantonese dishes in Eastern Queens. Be sure to try the fish fillet, beef stew casserole, lamb chop, lamb stew. A dish can also be made to order. Friendly, down to earth service.

My Husband and I came here last week for a quick bit with our kids. We used to come here when it was «Yummy Kitchen» and really liked the food, the flavor, and the friendly staff (you can see one of my old reviews). We didn’t recognize anyone behind the counter, and all the food mgmt certificates have different people listed, so we are assuming it’s new mgmt and new owners. I don’t know if the new mgmt inherited the place, but most of the interior looks the same. The front fountain is gone, as is the fish tanks that boasted fresh seafood for the place. Unfortunately the dining experience was left much to be desired.
First, we were waiting quite a while before someone took our order over 15 mins. There were only 3 other tables with diners, and each table only looked like thay had 4 people. I looked at the counter and no one even glanced our way. This place needs to either get their staff act together, or in a pinch ask their family to help out (as my husband did for his dad growing up). I also come from a family of folks who waited tables, washed dishes, and worked kitchens, and you don’t keep a customer waiting.
We had the veggie lo mein, Shrimp w/​walnuts, and the braised fish/​tofu casserole pot («Bahn Nam Bo»). The shrimp was mealy and soft, I can’t describe it otherwise. Those who grew up in an Asian household know what I mean… the secret to that firm bounce-​back texture («Cheui Haau») from many Chinese shrimp dishes comes from properly chilling or starching the shrimp before cooking, but seems like the chef failed to do that here. The fish pot was disappointing too. The fried fish lacked texture, fell apart completely in the pot, as did the tofu (was any of this stuff chilled before cooking?) I’m wondering if the fish was an indicator that frozen fish was used and not fresh?
I only give this place 2 stars, because at least the lo mein wasn’t a complete wash.
I’m hoping this was just a soft opening period for them to work out the kinks (although they say they’ve been open for a while now?). We’re gonna think twice about coming here again, until they get their act together.