I Love Chinese Food
I Love Chinese Food... If there is one cuisine that I could eat all the time, it is Chinese. Having had the fortune to visit and eat in China and Taiwan, I know great Chinese food. Unfortunately, most of the Chinese food served in America is a distant relative to the real thing. But, being a lover of Chinese food, even bad Chinese food is better than none at all. Maybe I am addicted to one or more of the usual ingredients like garlic, ginger, or soy sauce.
Of all good Chinese food, authentic Hunan and authentic Szechuan are by far the best, and also the most difficult to find in America. Its out there, but often it is found on back streets, remote locations, and places you might never expect to find a gem. Usually the real thing can be found in larger cities with large Chinese immigrant populations like the San Francisco Bay area, San Diego, and on the East coast, New York city, and Washington DC. I was pleased and amazed to find two great places in Indianapolis IN. I hear Chicago has several.
Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Shanghai all share a common culinary root and are easier to find in America if you look. This includes Chinese BBQ, Noodle Soups, and Dim Sum. If I am looking for this kind of food, look for the roasted ducks hanging inside a heated display case. I am not a big fan of duck, but I know that if I see the hanging ducks, the food is probably good at worst and often fantastic.
I also have had great success in restaurants that advertise themselves as a "Noodle House." Every one I have ever tried has been a hidden gem, often unknown to those outside the Chinese community. I think they keep these places to themselves so they can always get a table when they want one.
Of all good Chinese food, authentic Hunan and authentic Szechuan are by far the best, and also the most difficult to find in America. Its out there, but often it is found on back streets, remote locations, and places you might never expect to find a gem. Usually the real thing can be found in larger cities with large Chinese immigrant populations like the San Francisco Bay area, San Diego, and on the East coast, New York city, and Washington DC. I was pleased and amazed to find two great places in Indianapolis IN. I hear Chicago has several.
Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Shanghai all share a common culinary root and are easier to find in America if you look. This includes Chinese BBQ, Noodle Soups, and Dim Sum. If I am looking for this kind of food, look for the roasted ducks hanging inside a heated display case. I am not a big fan of duck, but I know that if I see the hanging ducks, the food is probably good at worst and often fantastic.
I also have had great success in restaurants that advertise themselves as a "Noodle House." Every one I have ever tried has been a hidden gem, often unknown to those outside the Chinese community. I think they keep these places to themselves so they can always get a table when they want one.
70-79, M
