Ahhh, so this is where the AZN youngins go before/after boba?!
Not sure if that's a typical Saturday night at TLT & Grill but I felt like auntie at the club. Usually, it's reverse because I eat earlier than seniors...at 4 pm.
Then, again...these youngins are probably 40 in reality cuz Asian don't raisin!
Visited TLT & Grill for Shaokao, Northern Chinese BBQ Skewers...the ideal drinking food: low carb and protein heavy. They're open for takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and limited outdoor dining (3 tables).
Come early because TLT & Grill already had a waitlist 30 minutes into opening. Plus, food takes a loooong time. I polished off a bottle of soju before the first round of skewers arrived. Maybe that's the intention so you have mad drunchies and order more?!
M E N U
Via QR code (also place your order via QR code): Chinese BBQ Sticks, Salads, Family-style Seafood, Meat, Rice, and Noodle Dishes. The bill adds up quickly so beware.
Soda, beer, and soju available. No full liquor license.
With the mask mandate lifted, staff still wore masks which I always appreciate.
F O O D
All the skewers are seasoned the same with a cumin and red chili pepper spice mix. If you want a specific spice level (mild, medium, spicy), you can tell the server directly after you place your order via QR code.
There's a shaker with cumin seasoning and chili powder on each table if you want your skewers more seasoned.
***BBQ skewer spread: https://bit.ly/39syI2L and https://bit.ly/3vCOzEJ
* 牛肉串 Beef ($2.75)
* 烤牛筋 Beef Tendon ($2.50)
* 烤板筋 Beef Back Strap ($2.50)
* 烤鸡翅 Chicken Wings ($3.50)
* 烤鸡胗 Chicken Gizzard ($1.50)
* 烤鸡皮 Chicken Skin ($2.50)
* 烤鸡心 Chicken Heart ($1.50)
* 烤羊腰 Lamb Kidney ($3.50)
* 烤羊蛋 Lamb Testicles ($6.50)
* 烤肠 Sausage ($1.99)
* 台湾烤肠 Taiwanese Sausage ($3.50)
* 烤五花肉 Pork Belly ($2.75)
* 烤黄花鱼 Yellow Crocker ($1.99)
* 培根金针菇 Bacon Mushroom ($3.50)
All the skewers were SOLID (except one). They were cooked well with the proper texture. Well-spiced with an earthy heat and subtle smokiness. I appreciated that they weren't heavily seasoned, as I sometimes find Northern Chinese BBQ skewers to be cumin heavy.
Favs: Chicken skin, beef tendon, chicken gizzards, lamb testicles, and yellow crocker (you can eat the head, bones, and all).
Least fav: Beef back strap. I've only seen this offcut at pet shops as a dog treat so I was curious to try it. Not a fan of the stringy, chewy texture.
* 锅包肉 Sweet & Sour Pork Tenderloin ($18.99): https://bit.ly/38zYWjc
Lightly battered, the sweet & sour pork was crunchy and lean. A bit on the dry side because of the cut. I liked the tangy sweet & sour sauce but for the price, I would skip this next time and just order more skewers.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and helpful. We arrived before opening time and they kindly sat us outside.
Food service is slow...but I anticipated this after reading the reviews so we came early.
The skewers arrived in waves, and it took 25+ minutes for the first wave to arrive. I saw tables seated after us wait over 30-40 minutes for their first wave of skewers so don't come hangry!
A M B I A N C E
Casual and lively.
P A R K I N G
Easy parking in the plaza.
Overall, I enjoyed my meal at TLT & Grill. Most of the negative reviews are for the slow food service so def an underrated place, as far as the food goes.
TLT & Grill is the only place for shaokao with outdoor seating (that I could find) so def coming back...with a pack of peanuts in tow! read more