I have been waiting for quite some time for a more upscale good Szechuwan restaurant to close in the area. While there's plenty of representation for other non-spicy centric options in the area, Lao Sze Chuan and TL's Four Seasons is probably the closest you can get around here for similar cuisine. Fortunately Chef Ping, Yu's Mandarin, Asian Bistro, MingHin, Jin 28, and Noodles Delight offer options for some more upscale banquet type options as well -- and can all co-exist because their offerings are all a bit different. The dining room has about half a dozen large tables here, large enough to accommodate about a dozen or so comfortably each. The service is fairly quick and friendly, so is the serving time when you're not coming during peak dining hours. Parking isn't too bad as the different options within the plaza seem to get busy at different times. Price is a bit higher than the chop suey style spots that you find nearby but is actually quite competitive for this quality and style of cuisine. This premium is worth it for many to avoid the hassle of making a trip to Chinatown and more casually enjoying a meal in a fairly spacious setting. As my visits were about 3 weeks after opening, the business was busy but not overly so as some who experienced a visit right after opening.
If you are dining here, I would highly make two recommendations when ordering. First is to try something else than the usual Orange chicken, Beef Chow Fun, Beef Noodles, egg rolls, or similar dishes that you'll generally order at any Chinese restaurant nearby. These are all done fairly well and you'll be satisfied ordering them, but their Szechuan style dishes are clearly a level of quality and sophistication above the standard options. Second is to please try everything at the full original spice level instead of asking for low spice. At least for me, the 1 spicy has barely any heat and 3 spicy is fairly mild. However, I feel that if you don't allow the chef to use the full array of spices, herbs, and oils available -- you're missing out on getting the full experience and depth of flavor that's created when you combine all these ingredients.
There are lots of great options to try here, but here are my quick thoughts on some dishes that people looking for authentic options will be looking for:
Handmade dumpling with chili sauce - Very good version of this dish, the skin is nice and silky, with a very flavorful filling and good chili sauce.
Shrimp with lemon sauce - For non-spicy eaters, this is very crisp and the flavor of the lemon comes out very well.
Pork in peking sauce with buns - Good alternative to mushu, the pork is very tender with a good level of fattiness. This meat could go on anything and be delicious.
Xiaomijiao falls in love with chicken - Highly recommended if you love pepper and peppercorns. This is unapologetically flavorful and has excellent wok hay.
Pan seared scallions in garlic sauce - larger, tender scallops which have a nice light garlic sauce to them. Not as common of a dish to find in this area.
Dan dan noodles - Good comfort food, not the best version I've had. A bit too strong on the sesame paste instead of chili oil, but this can also be a personal preference.
Grandma's Style Braised Pork Belly - tender and fairly sweet and flavorful, an enjoyable comfort food.
Pork Stew Vermicelli - also very sweet and maybe even more tender.
Stir fry carp fish fillet with celery - Very good version of this dish. Garlic and onion really come out very well and the crisp fish is delightful to eat.
Twice cooked pork - Quite generous on meat portions, this version is slightly oily for me though the flavor is pretty good. With a bit more spice and less oil though, this could be very good.
Spicy cumin lamb - Super tender and the cumin is not overpowering. One of the better versions I've had in the area and good enough to save a trip to TL's Four Seasons. Fairly generous amount of meat provided and the fat is rendered out quite nicely.
Soup Dumplings (Xiao long bao) - Pretty Good. This is very difficult to find around here and this more than satisfies a craving. The only criticism may be that the soup amount seems uneven between different bao, some which are very soupy and others which are a bit dry.
Glutinous Rice Cake with Brown Sugar - For any mochi lovers, this is perfect. Comes out nice and warm with a good crunch from the sugar. The perfect comfort food dessert.
Sauteed Szechuan String Bean - Always a winner, this is another good version of the dish. One of the tastiest ways to get your vegetables in.
Overall, well worth the visit if you live in the area and even if you live further away like Des Plaines, Vernon Hills, or Schaumburg. Make sure you try the more authentic offerings for a delightful culinary adventure and explosion of flavor. Even if you can't eat spicy or you want to try the less adventurous Westernized options - the cooking here is still good on those items as well. read more