Gen Hoe Restaurant Review

Welcome back!

Gen Hoe is an iconic restaurant in Geneva that specializes in authentic Chinese food. This year Gen Hoe celebrates its 40th anniversary. How has it been successful for 40 years? It all starts with lifetime owners, Tony and Jenny Lee.

Anyone that comes into the restaurant will surely recognize Mrs. Lee. She has been serving customers from the beginning when Gen Hoe was a takeout only shop across the street from their current restaurant. Today she can be seen talking to customers in the dining room or helping them with their takeout orders.

Mr. Lee continues to be the head cook enjoying every minute in the kitchen preparing his customers’ favorite dishes. He prides himself on cooking authentic Chinese cuisine with the freshest ingredients.

Gen Hoe and Mr. and Mrs. Lee have many loyal customers that turn into friends. Recently they held an anniversary party to celebrate their forty years in business.
The dining room was overflowing with happy guests as they were treated to some of Gen Hoe’s most popular dishes. There were trays of Sweet and Sour Chicken, Egg
Foo Yung, Chicken Fried Rice and everyone’s favorite, Egg Rolls. Other favorites served were Lemon Chicken, Gen Hoe Delight and Crab Rangoons. The buffet provided a chance to find a new favorite.

You can enjoy Gen Hoe’s hospitality too: inside or out. If you are dining in you will be treated to dinner in abeautiful dining room with great service. The waiters have all been at Gen Hoe for years. They can suggest a dish or drink that would compliment your meal. The service is wonderful and the portions are generous. Gen Hoe also offers takeout service with the same food quality as served in the dining room. And it is quick!

Dawn Vogelsberg is married to a lifelong Gen Hoe fan and former employee and is raising three children that either work at Gen Hoe or hope to.

This article first appeared in the January 2010 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Le Berry Bistro Restaurant Review

Perched atop the second floor of the Berry House in our historic downtown, Le Berry Bistro is yet another example of a long-established Geneva restaurant. Dining al-fresco with a view of Franklin and Third Streets has been a traditional treat for local restaurant goers for years.

With “Mom” out of town, my daughter Kate and I enjoyed dinner on an evening out. We began with appetizers of white bean and rosemary bruschetta and a seasoned olive oil goat cheese accompanied by a toasted baguette.

The entrée menu consists of the restaurant’s staples such as a pork tenderloin and a varied seafood selection as well as specials such as the Kobe burger. Kate chose the grilled shrimp and polenta with seasonal vegetables; and I had the swordfish with a roasted tomato basil viniagrette topping, roasted herb potatoes and seasonal vegetables. An appropriate wine selection complemented the meal. As we expected from a restaurant in Geneva, the food was creative and exceptional.

Whether you’re looking for a break in shopping in Geneva or an evening out, Le Berry Bistro offers good food, comfortable surroundings and a friendly staff.

Stephen Burnham is a Geneva resident and owner of the Paper Merchant in downtown Geneva.

This article first appeared in the November 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.