By Joe Sheehan
yccs@seacoastonline.com
October 09, 2008 6:00 AM

WELLS — One of the newest Oriental dining establishments in southern Maine has already been judged one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in America.

East Restaurant in Wells has garnered top marks in every category in a national competition sponsored by the Chinese Restaurant News, a trade publication of the Chinese food industry.

The ornate pagoda-styled facility on Route 1, built by Lee Hansen Construction Company of Wells, earned perfect scores in décor and atmosphere as well as in service and the large variety of food. The restaurant's overall cleanliness was especially praised by secret shoppers from the trade paper.

Owner Ri Teng Li will travel to San Francisco in early January to receive the distinguished award before a national audience consisting of Chinese restaurant owners from nearly every state in the nation as well as food critics and writers.

In its relatively brief existence, East Restaurant, combining Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine,has become an area favorite, not only because of its moderate prices but also because of the civic involvement of Li, who has personally and financially contributed to a wide variety of community improvement undertakings such as Rotary Club involvement as well as scholarship donations to Wells High School and Wells and Ogunquit Senior Center.

One of the most impressive features of East Restaurant is its menu of 423 items, most of which were displayed and offered during East's introductory open house earlier this year. From the American favorite crab Rangoon to yaki udon, Japanese fried noodles, diners have full Oriental meal options.

According to the Top 100 report, all dishes are "presented beautifully" and in very generous portions.

The report continued that luncheon and dinner customers will "enjoy the soft oriental décor as well as the prompt and unobtrusive service."

Ri Teng Li brings two decades of restaurant experience to his latest establishment having owned and operated Yum Mee in Wells as well as successful operations in Portland, Gorham, Biddeford and New York City.

Coming to the U.S. in 1985, virtually penniless, he began working for a friend who had previously migrated from China and had opened a restaurant in New York City.

Today, in addition to East, Li owns a gift shop in Portland as well as one on the second floor of East, and another restaurant in Kennebunk.