Doc Chey's, the Ultimate Asian Noodle Diner

ORLANDO, FLORIDA—Imagine walking into a dimly lit noodle diner with hip jazz music, flavors of sweet coconut, ginger and garlic drifting in the air and dozens of mini high definition TVs on the walls. No, it's not the set of Star Wars, but Doc Chey's Asian Diner. Doc Chey's Asian Diner opened in Orlando Florida in fall 2005 to the public's delight, introducing Pan-Asian food to the public and bridging culture gaps, one noodle at a time. What is most impressive is not only on the surface but the quality outside mirrors the quality inside each selection on the menu.

The current interest in casual dining is met at Doc Chey's by filling the demand in the Pan-Asian market. I'm an Asian culture explorer of sorts and the favors and style of Doc Chey mirror any cosmopolitan city hip diner. The menu boasts bold traditional favors from China, Japan, and Thailand. The health conscious menu guides you on a taste and sight journey of inviting textures and colorful well seasoned dishes. Salads, soups and entrees such as The Marco Polo harmonize firm shrimp, tomatoes, red peppers, greens, onions, eggplant and udon noodles in a zesty Thai sauce. The dishes are prepared and presented nobly. Calorie counters will be impressed by the selection, taste and health benefits Asian food offers. (This isn't medical advice so please consult your doctor or better yet, bring him/her to the restaurant for their opinion.)

I tried the daily special of Tilapia with Spicy Green Beans and Brown Steamed Rice. The thinly sliced, breaded fish was seasoned lightly and firmly laid on the vegetables, blanketing bright vibrant crisp steamed green beans with fresh minced garlic. The dish looked like a beautiful full moon eclipsing a bright sun. There are selections of green teas available to end the meal in a very satisfying way.

"I like the trendiness of Doc Chey's, the fast service and that it's guilt free healthy eating", said Danny Hernandez, President of A Slice Of New York & Borinquen Restaurant, on Doc Chey's opening day.

Established in 1997, starting as a noodle diner (see history at www.doccheys.com), now it sports seven diners in Atlanta, GA and Asheville, NC. Doc Chey's is a positive force in the restaurant industry that, "affects the quality of life" says COO Dick Rivera of Doc Chey's. Mr. Rivera was COO of Darden Restaurants and of T.G.I .Fridays. Other members of D.C.'s team are CEO/founder Rich Chey and John Metz, Jr. Metz will provide D.C.'s with culinary and operational direction. He is also co-owner of Aqua Blue Restaurant &Bar, Hi Life Kitchen & Cocktails.

Since joining D.C.'s Rivera finds a sense of immediacy in the hands on daily operation at Doc Chey's. He's proud that the customers will be making a good decision in visiting the restaurant. He says also that it seems people are looking for a void in a framented causal dining experience. He doesn't discount his past experience behind the "boardroom table" with the other companies but he is "having the most fun I had in a long time". I'm glad someone is having fun while serving good food.

It's refreshing to see how the ethnically diverse, multi tasking chef and servers and hosts and even the managers seem to flow and harmonize. I strongly encourage you to pick up your favorite chop sticks head to Doc Chey's to sit and relax in a cozy atmosphere of ambient music and good food and be part of something big, at Doc Chey's.