Caravelle Chinese & Vietnamese

If you're looking to feed a crowd of people something other than the usual Tex-Mex or Italian, consider Caravelle. Its modest strip mall location conceals a massive high-ceilinged dining room decked out in entirely too much pastel pink, accented with giant chandeliers and gold dragons. The extensive Chinese-Vietnamese menu offers a little something for everyone, from expected dishes like Peking duck and an especially delicious version of orange chicken to slightly more exotic offerings such as cheese lobster and green bean tofu (don't miss the addictive deep-fried shrimp balls). The bring-your-own-booze policy makes it an especially attractive option for large groups. Service is definitely authentic -- that is to say, somewhat sluggish, with definite potential for a language barrier -- but it's a small price to pay for huge platters of food this tasty.