[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S993-S994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING EAST RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I wish to recognize a small business 
in my home State of Maine that has risen to the top during its very 
short existence. East Restaurant & Lounge, located in Wells, was 
recently named one of the top Chinese restaurants in America--the first 
time a Maine restaurant has been recognized with such a distinction.
  Opened in June 2008 by owner Ri Teng Li, East Restaurant & Lounge has 
quickly impressed its clients with delicious Chinese, Thai, and 
Japanese cuisine. Mr. Li previously owned and operated the popular Yum 
Mee Restaurant in Wells, and East Restaurant allows him to keep long-
loved classic dishes from the prior establishment while greatly 
expanding his menu. With more than 400 items, ranging from Peking duck 
to sushi to Pad Thai, as well as an expansive and impressive buffet on 
Sundays, East has something for everyone. The restaurant also has a 
spacious lounge, where guests can relax after work and enjoy a 
specialty cocktail. And East offers catering services for a variety of 
events.
  Perhaps most notable about East Restaurant is the building. It is 
housed in a striking and eye-catching structure, with a stunning 
interior full of beautiful decor, from ornate chandeliers and 
staircases to gorgeous glass doors. There is also a gift shop on the 
restaurant's upper level, with unique and rare gifts that include 
charming jewelry.
  Despite its youth, East Restaurant has rapidly accumulated regular 
customers and well-deserved accolades. Most recently, Chinese 
Restaurant News, a San Francisco-based monthly publication dedicated to 
the more than 45,695 Chinese restaurant owners and operators across 
America, named East Restaurant as one of the top 10 Chinese restaurants 
for overall excellence in the United States, a truly remarkable feat. 
Restaurants were evaluated for eight categories, including decor and 
atmosphere, food quality, and sanitation. And because of its 
astonishing appearance, East Restaurant was recognized as the No. 1 
establishment in the best decor category. Mr. Li was recently presented 
with the awards at a ceremony in Las Vegas earlier this month.
  Mr. Li is an entrepreneur who has consistently aimed to improve each 
of his new ventures. He came to the United States in the mid-1980s with 
minimal knowledge of English and knowing hardly anyone. He began 
working at the restaurant of a friend of his in New York City, and 
through hard work, determination, and perseverance, Mr. Li realized his 
dream and opened his own restaurant. After moving to Maine, he 
established several other restaurants and now operates one in the 
neighboring town of Kennebunk, as well as a gift shop in Portland.
  A civic-minded restaurateur, Mr. Li has constantly found ways to give 
back to the community. An avid contributor to the local Rotary Club and 
the Wells & Ogunquit Senior Center, Mr. Li has also donated to 
scholarship funds at Wells High School, where his daughter attends.
  Mr. Li's marvelous story is a reminder of the benefits and rewards of 
commitment and resolve. His dedication to providing quality food in an 
inviting and distinctive atmosphere is commendable, and the results 
have been astounding. Congratulations to Mr. Li and everyone at East 
Restaurant & Lounge on their well-deserved acknowledgement, and I wish 
them many more years of success to come.

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