This is the only authentic Hunan food I've had in the US, so mentally I compare it in 2 ways - to the Hunan food I've had in Shanghai (which, admittedly, is not in Hunan) and to Sichuan food available in the US.
Easterly is nearly as good as the Hunan food I've had in Shanghai, which is a huge accomplishment! Anyone who has been to China knows the Chinese food is so much better there that it's depressing eating at most of the places here.
Compared to Sichuan food, which I think is more common than Hunan here, Hunan is less greasy, doesn't have the numbing spicy (mala) taste, and tends to use more vinegar and pickled things. It's pretty similar to me spice-wise, although my coworker from Guangzhou looked like she was going to die from the heat.
So on to the experience. I came in a large group (10), which is definitely the best way to eat Chinese food. You can order more food, try more interesting things, and, especially since 7 of my dining companions are Chinese, we got tons of great stuff I never had before.
I'd like to go dish by dish, but unfortunately for me my aforementioned Chinese coworkers ordered... in Chinese. So I don't know the names of anything we ordered. Check my photos if you want pictures though. I will say, the catfish dish (it's in a lot of photos) is seriously amazing, with a sweet and vinegary and spicy flavor that was addictive, and a silky, soft texture that had me drooling. I could have eaten an order myself.
Throughout the meal, most dishes were medium spicy, and if I'm being picky, a bit greasier than what I had in China. But still, this is almost as good as that, which is a glowing endorsement.
The service was typical (efficient but impersonal), and you should feel free to call out the waiters if you want something. This isn't rude in China, and it will get you extra napkins or whatever much quicker than waiting for them to check on you. I actually think this makes more sense, as you can get service when you need it rather than having the wait staff come bother you on the off chance you need help.
Pricing here is a little higher than people are probably used to, it was about $25/person for us with tax and tip, which isn't cheap for lunch. That said, we did order a ton of food, so you could probably get out for $18-$20 if you don't starve yourself beforehand and then stuff yourself during. They take credit cards but I would assume, in typical Chinese fashion, they only let you split it 2 ways.
Bottom line, this place was awesome, I loved every dish we had, and it wasn't too pricey. If you want real Chinese food this is one of the closest places you'll find in the Bay Area.
But it's still much better in China! read more