Big Bro and I built up an appetite walking around Chinatown and as hungry as we were, we couldn't make up our minds where to eat: there were way too many choices.
We do have our "usual" spots, but we sorta wanted to try something new. After asking some vendors from the plaza across the street, this place came well-recommended.
We've known about this place and it's popularity for years: yes, this is where they filmed a scene of RUSH HOUR. Not really sure why as many times as we've been through Chinatown, we've never made a stop.
I guess it was time.
It was a weekday mid-day late afternoon, so there were plenty of tables open. We were seated by the door next to the stairs (the doors are new, it wasn't there when the movie was filmed.) We were handed menus and hot tea immediately.
There were way too many things we wanted to try, but given there were only 2 of us, we thought 3 dishes woulda been too much already. We ended up with three anyway!
CHICKEN WITH CURRY SAUCE: A must-try for me at anytime I'm trying a new Chinese restaurant. (Back story: I have a go-to spot in the South Bay who has set the bar on this dish, and I know I shouldn't, but I always have the need to compare!) The sauce was perfect and they were generous with the amount of chicken. The only downside are the amount and the sizes of the sliced fillers (onions, carrots and bell peppers.) The bell peppers definitely altered the curry taste a little bit. Good overall, but could be better.
CRISPY DUCK (HALF): This was EXCELLENT. It really lives up to its name - every part of the skin was crispy and no part of the meat was dry. It was also seasoned well. I didn't feel the sauce was needed, but it did add to its flavor. Highly recommending.
SAUTEED FOUR DELICACY: Big Bro and I wanted to try something different - away from the usual Chinese-American style. Our server mentioned that Foo Chow (aka Fuzhou) is a specific region in China who have specialized dishes. He guided us to the "Foo Chow Specialties" portion of the menu. He did warn us that many of those listed items are specific to certain palates, so not to be surprised if we learn it might not be for us. (I appreciated the honesty.) That said, we ended up with this dish, and truthfully, we enjoyed it. The sauce was very subtle which paved the way for the mushrooms, abalone, scallops and broccoli to shine in their individual flavors. I took every part of this dish and had them as single bites and it was delish - that's how it should be eaten!
FOOD: 4.5.
SERVICE: 3.5. Not a lot of interaction but our servers were there as needed. There wasn't a lot of wait either, which is always a plus.
VALUE: 5. They're generous! I did mention it was plenty of food for two - we had enough leftover for a second meal for both of us.
PARKING: Street only (that I'm aware of.) There are plenty of paid parking lots all over the area, some as cheap as $5 for the whole day.
OVERALL: 4,25,
Other than the added double doors, the decor hasn't changed much (in comparison to what you see in the movie.) More patrons came through during and toward the end of our meal, so that says something.
If you happen to be a fan and plan on coming through, you won't miss it: there's a gigantic sign facing the street outside telling you who and where they are.
Great first run. I'm curious about those other specialties. I'd definitely try some of 'em next time I come through. read more