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The people have found Manchurian Rice Co., pictured with red awning, Harbor East’s newest restaurant—and that’s despite road construction, orange barrels, and other street barriers.
When I stopped by the Asian grill at 1 p.m., a long line of diners was ordering or waiting for food. The atmosphere was chaotic. But, hey, it’s only day two for the restaurant and its cooks.
The menu is posted above the counter like a fast-food place and divided into categories: teriyaki grill, vegetarian, noodles, fried rice, beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, salads, and soups. I ordered chicken fried rice, $6.99, which turned out to be a generous portion loaded with chicken.
Other dishes include spring rolls (two), $2.99; kung pao chicken, $7.99, broccoli shrimp, $9.99; hot and sour soup, $3.99; and much more. Sake (hot or cold), beer, wine, sodas, and water are also available.
I haven’t found a website, Facebook page, or Twitter account for Manchurian Rice Co. Maybe those are in the works. The restaurant is located at the corner of Central Avenue and Aliceanna Street, where Harbor News used to be. Its phone number is 443-438-3528.
Owner Alex Smith was expediting food orders, so I didn’t want to bother him. I’ll check in with him later about hours and days of operation. I also want to find out more about his next project, a Greek restaurant at the corner of Central and Lancaster St.
There was also no carryout menu. “It’s only our second day,” the cashier scolded me, as if I had demanded an order of Peking duck or asked for something else preposterous.
But I wasn’t there to review the restaurant. I just wanted to see what it offered and what it looked like. The walls are a cheerful burnt orange with some Asian artwork. The downstairs, where the cooking and ordering take place, has about six tables, but there is more seating upstairs. There are also outdoor patio tables.
From today’s hungry crowd, it looks like the place opened just in time.
Photos by me
