Having lived out in the 'sha for the past three years I am often frustrated by what seems to be a lack of good dining and/or take out options.  Thankfully we have found a few:

 -- Le Gong Gourmet, 2140 W Saint Paul Ave, Waukesha, WI, (262) 896-6688

 I'm very picky about my Chinese food and Le Gong meets my criteria. Prior to discovering Le Gong in the Fox Run Shopping Center our favorite place was Emperor's Kitchen, which is good, but the restaurant interior is a tad grimey. (Maybe it's because the menus severely need to be replaced or that the staff shouldn't wear white shirts because they always show stains from carrying the dish buckets).

 Le Gong Gourmet is clean with terrific food that hasn't disappointed. The chicken dishes are made with all white meat chicken that is clearly breast meat (I haven't found a "mystery morsel" yet), they are flavorful and spiced accordingly. The Crab Rangoon and Egg Rolls are also delicious and when you order take out they automatically provide you with small cups of the sweet & sour sauced used in the restaurant, not the flavorless packets of Duck Sauce you get elsewhere.

 -- Great Northern BBQ Co., 2177 Silvernail Rd, Waukesha, WI, (262) 446-3657 http://www.greatnorthernbbqco.com/

Likewise, I'm picky about my BBQ and hadn't really found a good rib place locally. Famous Dave's is OK, but it's a chain -- and it always makes my husband ill that evening. The Great Northern BBQ people know what they're doing -- we recommend the Beef Brisket, the Ribs and the Fried Chicken. All four of the sauces that accompany the meats are delicious including: Texas Pit, Northen, Root Beer and Fire. For the sides, the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy is delicious and even the Cole Slaw has a bit of kick to it. My husband says the Pecan and Key Lime pies are good ends to the meals.

 -- La Estacion, 319 Williams St, Waukesha, WI (262) 521-1986

La Estacion has been a staple in our weekly diet since it was the old Jalisco's in Waukesha on White Rock Road. Their Tacos de Lomo a la Parilla is what originally hooked me (steak tacos with the right amount of sweet onion, cilantro and guacamole). Make sure to ask for corn tortillas and limes on the side to dress the tacos. We've never had a bad meal there and the staff has worked there for many years. We refer to our favorite waitress, Dolores, as our son's abuelita as she will most likely see him grow up from birth to adulthood because we visit there so much. My parents, who used to drive us to the Mexican enclave of Detroit late on weekend nights to enjoy authentic food, stop at La Estacion on their way back to Madison even when we're not in town. In addition to the Tacos de Lomo, I recommend the Three G's margarita , made with Tres Generaciones tequila -- it's not on the menu, but it is mighty tasty.

If you have any favorite Waukesha restaurants please share!