"For more than 20 years, Lee's Hawaiian Islander has been drawing patrons to its spacious dining rooms. Outfitted with a waterfall, quiet decor and diffused lighting, the interior of Lee's Hawaiian Islander lives up to its name. With a host of exotic island drinks to set the mood and an attentive staff, Lee's offers a most complete menu dotted with Polynesian, Szhechuan, Hunan, Cantonese and Lee's own specialty dishes. There are even a few American entrees listed on this extensive menu.
Tom Louie, a co-host of Lee's has recently introduced many delightful specialties that have won instant praise and immediate popularity. Among them are Fish Oriental, with a choice of five different cooking styles, Sar Char Beef and Char Chicken.
A variety of new selections are introduced at Lee's famous smorgasbord.
The PuPu Platter offers a combination of hors d'oeuvres including plump shrimp toast, tender steak tidbits on a stick, fantail shrimp, spareribs, miniature egg rolls and chicken drumettes. It's a generous platter.
Barbecued lobster is a specialty of the house and although it's priced "seasonal", Dan Yee, host-owner of Lee's, says the price rarely varies more than a dollar, depending on the fish market, and is always moderately priced. This is a nicely spiced dish and one is included to enjoy the sauce clinging to the outside of the lobster shell as well as the succulent meat of the lobster. Accompanied by green scallions and ginger, it is a recommended dish.
Chicken is prepared many delightful ways, starting with Gung Bo Guy Ding, with red chili peppers and scallions and a spiced sauce and General Zuo's, a wonderful Szechuan concoction. But a moist chicken dish featuring sesame seeds, suggested by Dan, is one of many surprise delights on the menu.
Servings are huge and those who opt for the PuPu Platter will find themselves asking for a takeout container for their main dish.
There is a complete list of popular dishes, so there is no need to incur a big bill at the end of the meal. Lee's also has a luncheon menu on which the same PuPu Platter is offered and combination plates, including a choice of three soups, all popular priced. Hot tea and cookies are served with all luncheons.
Take-out is naturally a bustling business at Lee's. Moderately priced, it lists house specialties as well as standard fare and diners are invited to order take-out from the regular menu as well.
Parties can be easily enhanced by ordering Lee's Hawaiian Islander Polynesian Party Tray. It serves 10-12 people and includes a variety of five appetizers (100 pieces). This tray comes with a chafing dish and sterno with just a $6 refundable deposit on the chafing frame".
Lee's Hawaiian Islander is located at 635 Lexington Ave., Clifton, at the foot of Piaget Avenue. It is open seven days for both lunch and dinner. Call 478-1977.