Imperial Wok Returns With the Dragon

SOMERS, N.Y. – Somers’ Imperial Wok was a 20-year landmark at the entrance to Heritage Hills, until a 3 a.m. kitchen fire forced its closing 15 months ago. Now, to the delight of Asian food lovers, Imperial Wok is back in business, and it promises to be better than ever.

“The menu is about 90 percent the same but it has changed a little,” said manager Russell Chow. Most of the food is southern Chinese cuisine, Hunan and Szechuan, and there is a sushi bar. 

Chow’s favorite dish is a new one on the menu: dry crispy beef. He is also proud of the Mai Tai cocktail on the bar menu. “It’s all fresh – fresh lime, fresh lemon.”

Chow feels the new decor is warmer and cozier. “We opened up the space a little and made it more modern. We changed the colors. Our old customers are coming back and they’re very impressed.”

The damage from the fire did not seem severe at first, Chow said, “but it was far more serious than we thought. It was an accident. It started in the kitchen, between the walls. 

“There was a lot of smoke damage in the dining room and we needed a new roof. We also have new electrical, a new sprinkler system, new plumbing and new sheetrock. In fact, it’s an 80 percent replacement.” And, most important, he added, “No one was hurt.”

The management and the two master chefs, Mr. Chen and Mr. Chen, are eager to fill the desires of every patron.

“Many items may not be on the menu, but as long as we have the ingredients, we can make it,” Chow said. “We know our food. If you’ve had something somewhere else and you want it again, just tell us.”

Imperial Wok will deliver within a five-mile radius and will also cater private parties.

“We’re open 364 days a year,” Chow said. “We only close on Thanksgiving because that’s the day everyone stays home to eat turkey.”

Imperial Wok, 13 Heritage Hills Drive, Somers, is open Monday through Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are accepted. Online ordering will soon be available.

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