Triple Delight at Mark's Kitchen: Shrimp, Scallops and Chicken

Triple Delight sits at the top of the price list at Mark's Kitchen. At $14.50 on our menu page, it's the most expensive single dish you can order. Only the Family Meal, which feeds four, costs more.

So is it worth it? That depends on one thing: how much you like seafood. Here's what to know first.

What's in Triple Delight

The menu lists it under Chef Specials as shrimp, scallops, and chicken with mixed vegetables.

The three proteins are the "triple" part. The scallops are what make it stand out. They don't show up anywhere else on the Mark's Kitchen menu.

Prices can change, so confirm when you order.

A Quick Guide to Scallops

If you've never had scallops, here's what to expect. They're shellfish, like shrimp, but softer. The taste is mild and a little sweet, without a strong fishy flavor.

There are two main kinds. Small bay scallops are about the size of a fingertip. Larger sea scallops can be as big as a golf ball. Stir-fry dishes often use the smaller kind, but the menu doesn't say which is used here.

Cooked right, a scallop is tender and juicy. Cooked too long, it gets chewy. That's one more reason this dish is best eaten fresh.

What the Menu Doesn't Tell You

The menu doesn't name the sauce, or say which vegetables go in. Across Chinese-American takeout, Triple Delight is often made with a light brown or white sauce. But every kitchen makes it its own way.

If the sauce matters to you, or there's a vegetable you can't stand, ask at the counter before you order. It's a fair question for a $14.50 plate.

Triple Delight vs. Mark's House Special

These two Chef Specials look alike at first. Both put three proteins on one plate. Here's the difference.

Simple version: Triple Delight leans toward the sea. The House Special leans toward the land. Our must-try dishes list has more on the House Special.

Is It Worth $14.50?

Here's how Triple Delight's listed price stacks up against other plates on the menu.

Scallops usually cost more than chicken or beef at the wholesale level. That helps explain why this plate sits at the top.

If you love seafood, the extra 55 cents over the House Special buys a second kind of shellfish. If you're mostly hungry, the 3-item combo gives you more food for less.

Who Should Order It

• Seafood fans. Two kinds of shellfish on one plate is the whole point.
• Anyone who wants to treat themselves. It's a step up from the everyday orders.
• People who don't want fried food. It's built around stir-fried proteins and vegetables, not batter.

Who Should Skip It

• Anyone with a shellfish allergy. Shrimp and scallops are both shellfish. Pick a different dish, and tell the crew about your allergy. The kitchen is shared.
• Diners on a tight budget. A 2-item combo is listed at $10.95 and comes with sides.
• People who don't like the texture of scallops. They're soft and a little sweet. If that's not you, the House Special swaps them out for beef.

What to Pair With It

Triple Delight is light and built around tender seafood. It pairs best with sides that add a different texture.

• Egg rolls for crunch. Our menu page lists two for $4.50.
• Hot & sour soup for a peppery start, listed at $5.50.
• Vegetable chow mein, listed at $8.95, if you're sharing and want noodles on the table.

Skip pairing it with another heavy, saucy dish. You'll lose the clean taste of the seafood.

Eat It Fresh

Shrimp and scallops cook in a couple of minutes. Cook them again and they turn tough and rubbery. That's why Triple Delight is a better dine-in or eat-it-now order than a plan-for-leftovers order.

If you do have leftovers, warm them gently in short bursts. Our reheating guide explains how.

Can Triple Delight Go in a Combo?

The combination plates say you can pick "any" entree. Triple Delight is listed separately under Chef Specials, though, and it costs more than most dishes.

It may cost extra in a combo, or not be allowed. Ask at the counter, or call (559) 454-1438 before you go. Our combo guide covers the standard combo choices.

Questions Worth Asking First

At $14.50, it's fair to ask a few questions before you order.

1. What sauce does it come in? Light or brown, mild or spicy?
2. Which vegetables are in it?
3. Can I make it spicy?
4. Can it go in a combo, and does it cost extra?

Triple Delight FAQ

What is Triple Delight at Mark's Kitchen?

A Chef Special made with shrimp, scallops, and chicken, plus mixed vegetables, according to the menu.

How much is Triple Delight?

Our menu page lists it at $14.50. Confirm the price when you order.

Is Triple Delight spicy?

The menu doesn't mark it as spicy. If you want heat, ask for it, or look at the dishes in our spice guide.

Does Triple Delight have beef?

No. According to the menu, it's shrimp, scallops, and chicken. If you want beef, try Mark's House Special.

Is Triple Delight good for takeout?

It works, but it's at its best eaten soon. Shrimp and scallops firm up as they sit and toughen when reheated. If you're driving far, a sauced beef or chicken dish travels better.

Should You Order It?

If you love shrimp and scallops and plan to eat it right away, Triple Delight is the most special plate on the menu. If you'd rather have beef or save a few dollars, the House Special or a combo plate is the better call.