Lantern Palace – Wamberal
“Oohhhh look, there’s flame in the Satay Chicken!”
The Satay Chicken arrives in a plate looks just like a shallow Chiffon cake tin, with violet flame slowly burning in the center. The satay chicken taste rather piquant and unusual with strong sherry flavour used for the burning flame. We looked at each other speechless, we knew this meal is going to be as interesting as the one we had in Forbes.
It is Chap Goh Meh, the Pom thought is a nice idea to celebrate with a decent Chinese dinner, so off we go to Lantern Palace, a massive Chinese restaurant that really resembles an emperor palace from the outside, sitting right on top of the hill in Apollo Resort.
It’s Monday night, the whole place looks rather quiet and deserted when we arrived, only a guy waiting for his food at the take away counter through the side door. “We have a reservation for a table for two please,” as we approached the waitress, only found we are the only customers in the restaurant. At first I thought we have arrived too early as the restaurant is still very dark inside, maybe they are still setting up ready for business. Then I realised this will be as bright as it gets with only a few ornamental Chinese lanterns hanging on the ceiling which obviously insufficient for a massive dining hall that can fit over 100 patrons easy. It didn’t take long for us to start feeling agitated with a mosquito lingering around at our table, trying to feast on our blood.
I am really not sure whether I should admire or cringe with the over-the-top oriental interior; from the full wall panel of golden figures and horse carriages, portraying a scene during the Ming Dynasty period, to the center stage of two massive golden figures of a dragon and a phoenix on each side, down to the chinese guzhen soothing music being amplified from a CD player on the stage to set the mood.
I have a quick look of the menu, and rather bemused when I saw “sweet and sour” is a category on its own. I am also intrigued by some of the dishes with fancy names like “the volcano spare ribs“. Yep, I’ll order that! 
We’ve ordered some spring rolls for entree, which obviously just been taken out of the fridge and re-fried, with the center still cold, totally a food safety hazard zone. I wasn’t in the mood to raise my voice, but I promise myself this is the first and the last time to dine in this restaurant.
The rainbow steak first to arrive. Deep fried battered beef strips is crunchy and heavily coated with sweet rose “special” sauce. I am always skeptical about those “special” sauces on the menu. The Pom seems to think the rainbow steak is his favorite dish among them all.
Looks like the whole “flame” thing is the signature novelty of this restaurant. Apart from the Satay Chicken, the Volcano spare ribs comes wrapped in tin foil with a little dent on top… and a glowing flame of course. The volcano pork spare ribs are also coated with “Lantern Palace special spicy sauce”. The taste is similar to the rainbow steak, sweet and a little spicy. It is flavorsome nonetheless.
The meal has been a rollercoaster ride so I thought is best for me to stick to the safety option for the dessert – Strawberry cheesecake for me, while the Pom is feeling lucky and take his gamble on the Fried Ice Cream. The cheesecake is soft and creamy drizzled with strawberry sauce, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. I rather enjoyed my cheesecake bought from the cake shop tasted just like one from the cake shop, while the Pom is still trying to chip into his solid frozen fried ice cream.
The novelty “flame”, and the “special” sauce, makes a lasting impression in my culinary experience.
Lantern Palace 871 The Entrance Rd, Wamberal, NSW 2260 P: (02) 4384 5646 W: http://www.apolloresort.com.au/restaurant.html Open 7 days a week ---- Lunch 12.00 to 2.30pm : Dinner 5.15 till Late
A Table For Two (ATFT) is Billy Law's food blog that features best eats in Sydney and around the world with drool-worthy food photography to salivate your appetite. I also throw in a smidgen of my food and travel photography for good measure. Billy Law also happened to be a contestant on MasterChef Australia 2011. 
Aaaah! Nothing like a “traditional” Chinese meal in Australia…although I must say I do have a soft spot for fried ice cream! Beautiful pics as usual Billy!
Peter G’s last blog post..What’s in a word? And some new toys.
The photos of the satay chicken are to die for….despite the fact that it might not have tasted that crash hot! Hmm, seems like you have a track record for eating at “interesting” Chinese restaurants, Forbes and now this
Maria (a different one)’s last blog post..Results – Baked Custard and Prune Tart
Oh one must admire over-the-top decor like that, but perhaps not the crazy strawberry syrup drizzled cheesecake! I think I would’ve stuck to the fried ice cream – it matches the decor!
Helen’s last blog post..Lowenbrau Keller, The Rocks, Sydney
Helen, I don’t remember much (try any?) of the cuisine when we ate here in 1987 for a cousin’s wedding reception.
@Peter G: Hmmm I think I am MSG overloaded for now and not in a rush to go back for more.
@Maria (a different one): hmmm tell me about it. I think I should start a new category of “interesting” chinese restaurants
@Helen: lol, I actually never liked fried ice cream, they are just too weird, and not really a big fan of the thick coat layer of flour.
@Dawn: Wow, I would really like to see that place with a wedding on if you have any photos!
OMG I remember eating satay chicken like that in my chilldhood! It was clearly buried in the dark recesses of my food soul but you have summoned this dastardly memory up from the deep [shudder]
I ate here after many years of driving past and going “I should really eat there” and found it a disappointing experience. Honey chicken is like chickadee schnitzels cut up with honey on the side. IMO honey chicken should be cooked and lathered in the stuff to absorb it and give you a mouthful of honey goodness, that really didnt cut it here.
Ate here had the chicken and ham rolls they had mould on them. Had satay chicken and other crap. Ended up spewing my guts up for 2-3 days sick as this place sucks so had the food tasted disgusting im sure it was off / racid meat. I never went back stay the fuck away.
Hi there,
I like the pictures too. Just wanted to let you know that the Lantern Palace is now under new management, so a fresh look might be the next thing.
Cheers
Had a wonderful meal at the Lantern Palace this Saturday night.
The new owners have done a lot with the place and the staff were friendly and helpful.
The menus have changed since the last time I ate here 2 years ago. Food seems less gimicky and more like the traditional food you get in Southern China.
I was really happy with my dining experience, and the new owners have won Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year so they were giving out free drinks to celebrate!