u/Pleasant-Message1179

With the recent closing of Fort Wayne's best Chinese restraurant, Hainan House located at 1820 Bluffton Road, I felt it would be worth posting the last meal served for the last of it's kind in the city.

A little background on my experience at Hainan House:
My first time there was about a year ago, it was amazing in the literal sense. The atmosphere, the decorations, the smell of the food, and most importantly and most memorably, the kindness and care of the family serving us amazed me. We were treated with genuine care.

The service by (please correct me if I am wrong) the father at the table was great. He was so kind and gentle with a smile that would warm your heart. The mom at the register and taking calls for takeout.

The Last Meal:
My brother, my wife, and I heard Hainan House was closing and we knew we had to go. We originally were going to go on Friday, 7/24, but we ended up going on Thursday. We are glad we did! They ended up closing earlier than expected as they ran out of food. When we got there it was packed. There was a line through the back sitting area of the restaurant waiting to be seated or for takeout. We waited to be seated for about an hour.

Due to the wait I ended up having to take my wife home early, but I was able to come back and eat with my brother. During the time I was taking her back, my brother remained waiting and the son came out and looked at who was remaining and seated the last family who was waiting and then said the restaurant was closed, but my brother was behind them. The son noticed him and asked in a lenient tone how many were with him? He said 2, just him and I. The son went back to the kitchen and called in Chinese, then came back to my brother and said they can seat him. What a blessing it was.

I was able to return and sit with my brother in the corner table of the dining room. We knew they were running out of food and the hostess said they still had chicken, so we asked her what she would recommend based on what was left and she recommended the Three Delights and Kung Pao Chicken. We learned they were out of beef and seafood later, although they had just enough for a Three Delight dish. We also ordered the Plum wine.

The food was delicious, and the wine was great, truly a perfect ending. We sat there remembering the times coming here and praising the food and the design of the restaurant; there are not to many 1980's decor Chinese restaurants around anymore. We believe they are special, they certainly are to us. I have included photos of our meal and the dining room before we left.

My brother and I were the last table there, looking at an empty dining room knowing this is the end of an era. At the end of our meal we got the check and made our way to the register. We greeted and thanked the mom. She was happy and said she was ready to retire. We wished her well and thanked her again for everything.

We left with hope remembering and talking about Solomon's words to each other, "Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this." Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬

We are so thankful to the family behind Hainan House, you treated us and everyone so well. From my heart, and I am sure many others, thank you.