Martin Lacy heads East for his toothsome twosome...

York gained three new Chinese restaurants in 1998, all of them adding something positive to the eating out scene, but the Lee Garden just won my vote.

The food was excellent, with an emphasis on fresh fish. Daily specials include the likes of Dover sole, sea bass and monkfish and there's a healthy feel about the whole menu.

There's also a spicy feel to some of the food and on our visit we tucked into a hot and spicy banquet - Peking hot and sour soup; aromatic crispy pork, Mongolian-style; kung po chicken, char sui Sze Chun and beef in Oriental spicy sauce.

The food was delicious and filling and really deserved the term 'banquet'. And the Lee Garden deserves another accolade for breaking away from the traditional Chinese restaurant decor of dark reds and gold brocade. The dining area is light and airy with trendy modern fittings - more bistro than Cantonese chop suey house.

Great food and a relaxing, comfortable place to eat.

Restaurant:The Lee Garden Cantonese Restaurant

Address:53 Blossom Street, York

Telephone:(01904) 623317

Reviewed:19/12/98