Sometimes I think I'm a restaurant critic.  After all... I eat and, believe it or not, occasionally have an opinion.  I think there's some kind of an old saying... something like "I eat and therefore I am."  I'll have to check with John Owen and see if that's right.

The restaurant that I have in mind, however, is not one to be critiqued except as it applies to applause.  I'm speaking of Chopsticks, located two properties south of the Westgate intersection, directly across 100th from Bartell Drugs.

As a matter of history, for those of you who are somewhat new to the area, the original Chopsticks was in a large building that was demolished to make room for Bartell Drugs.  It was a family operation and my family used to go there somewhat frequently.  We felt a pang of regret when it was closed and torn down after over 40 years in Edmonds.

However, not ready to simply quit the business, this fine Chinese family moved their restaurant across the street and opened up in the building where Bickford's (famous for its prime rib a few years ago) once was housed.  Their successful eatery has now been in the new location for seven years and counting.

The business (still a family operation) is being run by a brother and sister, Terry and Ling Woo, who are there during all hours of operation and not only manage the place but cheerfully serve tables as well. 

Two friendlier people you should never hope to meet.  If you're a regular there, they'll remember what your preferences are for a meal as well as your favorite beverage.  They'll make you feel like family.

We don't frequent the place often for dinner (back in the "good ol' days" it was called supper) but I can vouch for their fantastic, large lunch specials menu where you can enter with a football player's appetite and still be unable to consume everything. 

You'll likely end up taking a box of delightful leftovers home for supper.  More importantly, the food is top quality. 

Their cooks stay with them forever.  One of them has been part of the "family" for 17 years.  You won't find better Chinese cuisine anywhere. 

The best part?  You can enjoy a lovely lunch with your choice of chicken, beef, pork or prawns for just $6.25.  Try to beat that anywhere!

The Woos are there every day but Monday when they take one day off.  They take a vacation only once a year, the first week of July, for only seven days when they also close the restaurant.

I can't say enough about Chopsticks.  I think you'll agree that it is a very special dining experience as you are surrounded by regulars ... the good people of Edmonds.

Another advantage?  Your place mat will establish if you were born in the Chinese calendar Year of the Rat... the Horse... the Snake or whatever.  How can you get by without knowing that? 

I only wish I had been born in the year of the Dragon rather than the Dog.  Aaaaarrrrrrrrgggggh!