Little Ollies: good Chinese food in Cherry Creek

Little Ollie's proves that you can get some very tasty food in upscale Cherry Creek without destroying your credit. From its location on the corner of Josephine and Third Avenue, this Asian-American eatery has been making that point night after night for 12 years.

It's no hole-in-the-wall, either, with tired décor and tables jammed together. Instead, you'll find a sleek restaurant that feels spacious and clean. The outer room, with its wood trim and high ceiling, wraps around the inner room and connects to it by sliding windows. The black marble of the table tops sparkles.

It's neither the most adventurous nor the most authentic Oriental fare to be had in the area: Dishes such as the sweet and sour pork and the kung pao chicken (both $12.95) have definitely been Americanized. You can start your meal with a reliable wonton or hot and sour soups. Patrons favor the lettuce-wrapped vhicken ($9.95) as an appetizer here. The barbecued port tips, a good-sized portion of lean pork slices in a sweet and spicy sauce, are a pretty good deal for $7.95. The tang of fresh ginger balances all that thick sauce.

Those of a more traditional bent can order the Peking duck for $19.95. You can put a little more on that credit card by ordering filet mignon sautéed in Chinese red wine, or you can try the sea bass dishes, steamed or crisp-fried, for $25.95, but that's as high as it goes.  A more reasonably-priced seafood entrée is the Yushan Shrimp ($14.95). Served with red peppers, snow peas and mushrooms, it's slightly hot and very good.    

Although Little Ollie's doesn't offer an extensive menu, they take pride in reminding you that, if you don't see your favorite dish, you should ask your server if the chefs can prepare something special for you.

It's that desire to please  — along with good amounts of fresh and well-prepared food — that keeps packing in all those people night after night. 

Chinese; Kung Pao; Hot and Sour; good food; Peking duck