Chinese in a big red barn. When you’re in Green Acres this totally makes sense.

The plates are chipped. The banquettes might have been taken from a 1974 Winnebago. The wallpaper is simultaneously flowery and mirrored. The windows look out on a half-dirt parking lot shared with a bar called the “Cum In.” And yet, when we’re in the mood for a heaping plate of bad-for-you Chinese food, this place is at the top of our list.

It’s called Ching Hua Garden, but for years locals have called it “Green Acres Chinese” … not sure if this is because it sits in the part of Spokane Valley that used to be Green Acres, or because the restaurant rests behind a façade that looks like it came straight off the set of Eva Gabor’s 1960’s hit TV show.

Whatever the reason, we like it. And although 9 out of 10 cardiologists will disagree, when it comes to deep-fried, gravy-soaked Chinese, Green Acres is the place to be.

You’ll find Ching Hua at 18203 East Appleway Avenue.