20 May 2017 Tailgating Party by Denville Meat Shop

Tailgating Party by Denville Meat Shop

May 20, 2017 By

I’ve written about Denville Meat Shop (see past post here) in the past and how amazing it is on all levels: to-go foods, meats, service, classes, etc….the past weekend, I was privy to its delicious, meaty catering via a tailgate party at MetLife Stadium.

The private tailgate party served about 15 of us with lots of leftovers. Denville Meat Shop owner, Jeff Orel, personally manned the grill, which was a treat, and served a variety of meats: ribs, brisket, steak, pulled pork, sausages, hot dogs and burgers. There was also potato salad and coleslaw. Note that the package of store-bought cookies and the bags of burger and hot dog buns in the photos were brought by me and NOT short cuts by Orel.

Not sure how this was possible, but the brisket was perfectly tender and juicy, not an easy thing to do via catering. The ribs were meaty and flavorful; the burger meat with bacon-packed; the hot dogs snappy and some of the best I’ve had; the steak was expertly-grilled and med-rare; the pulled pork was juicy with great porky flavors.

Denville Meat Shop offers tailgating packages, so don’t feel like this amazing lineup can’t happen to you too! Orel also offers a variety of catering options and even ‘rents’ himself out as a chef for private events – he was, after all, an executive chef before opening the shop.

Just a great experience with some amazing foods that my group is still talking about!

Denville Meat Shop – 28 Diamond Spring Rd, Denville, New Jersey 07866.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Food & Wine Events, Other Neat Things, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
21 April 2017 Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ Charleston

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ Charleston

April 21, 2017 By

Pork Over Grits

I’m a Certified Barbecue Judge and eat my share of BBQ throughout the year. When I’m told that I have to have BBQ at a certain place because “it’s the best BBQ I’ve ever had”, I’m slightly suspicious (thanks Chef Bryan for being the person in my ear telling me I had to go to Scott’s). On a recent business trip to Charleston, when I had barely no down time, I decided to make my way to Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ for a ‘snack’ before a business dinner.  

Rodney Scott’s been around his family BBQ business since birth. He’s well-known as the king of whole hog in America. In July of 2016, Scott left the family business, a little roadside joint in Hemingway, SC., to open his own place and start his own legacy. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ Charleston takes all the things that Rodney values about BBQ and his time in the family business and marries them with a larger space and an expanded menu that allows him incorporate his life experiences into the foods he loves to eat.

While other menu items looked tantalizing and I’ll return for them, I was here for pig. I’m a huge grits fan so I opted for the pork on grits with one side and cornbread for $14 – insane deal. The grits were cooked perfectly and had just the right amount of cheesiness to them. I chose coleslaw as my side and it was some of the best I’ve had.

Scotts Outdoor Seating

Back on topic – the pig! Whole hog is smoked over oak coals with a little hickory and pecan hardwood. The hogs are initially cooked for 12 hours belly down then flipped on their backs, seasoned and mopped liberally with Rodney’s Sauce and cook a little longer to let the flavors permeate the meat. The outcome is the moistest hog meat I’ve had the pleasure of testing. The perfect porky flavors aren’t overpowered by the sauce – everything is magically balanced.

I’m bringing friends next time so I can sample the fried catfish and the spare ribs. Oh, and the ribeye sandwich and the BBQ chicken…basically the entire menu.

There’s indoor and outdoor seating and one places his/her order at the counter and staff delivers the food to the table.

Don’t miss a chance to taste what is perhaps the best BBQ pork in America – stop in at Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ when in Charleston.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , ,
1 April 2017 Mercantile Dining & Provision – Denver Elevated Comfort Food at Its Best

Mercantile Dining & Provision – Denver Elevated Comfort Food at Its Best

April 1, 2017 By

Photo by Mercantile Dining & Provision

Each time I’m in a different city for work, I try to find creative restaurants to dine at for the evenings free of clients and colleagues. Since there was so much buzz about Mercantile Dining & Provision, I had to try it. A quick Uber ride from my downtown Denver hotel and I arrived at Union Station, where the restaurant is located. The space is divided into a market, a bar and the restaurant.

Mercantile Market

From the spices to the charcuterie to canned and preserved goods to cheeses and coffee, the European-style Mercantile Market features products from the country’s best artisans. Mercantile Market serves breakfast from 7am until 11am, lunch from 11am until 2:30pm and what it calls ‘snacks’ from 2:30pm until 5pm. I could easily sit at the market and have cheeses and salumi from the extensive menu with one of the available wines-by-the-glass and be a satisfied customer, but, the restaurant is a can’t-miss.

About The Restaurant at Mercantile

Chef’s Counter

When I checked in with the friendly hostess for my reservation, she asked if I preferred a table, a high top or the chef’s counter. Is that really a question!? Chef’s counter, of course! The dining room has views into the bustling open kitchen. There, a team of chefs uses the products available in the market to craft the dishes offered at the restaurant. Chef Alex Seidel’s culinary style is “elevated comfort food”. Mercantile Dining & Provision follows in the footsteps of sister restaurant, award-winning Fruition Restaurant, in creating seasonally-inspired food and serving it in a casual dining atmosphere without the pretenses that ‘fine dining’ entails.

About the Libations

As soon as I sat at the chef’s counter, I felt immediately pampered – service is exemplary. The beverage program and wine list mirrors the food – creative and interesting. I was going to order a glass of bubbly to set the mood for the dinner, but I was quickly given a complimentary welcome pour of bubbles – this place gets me! From the extensive by-the-glass list and to pair with my starter – ricotta flan and my pasta course – mushroom risotto, I ordered the 2014 Pinot Noir “Aux Seurrets” Clos du Moulin Aux Moines from Burgundy. It was a perfect pairing with those dishes. Next, I ordered the 2013 Leth Grüner Veltliner from Austria which paired beautifully with my entrée – octopus.

About the Food

Octopus

I must say that coming alone to this restaurant was an error, as I would have liked to try just about every dish. I did manage to order three courses. First, I enjoyed the Fruition Farms Ricotta Flan, then the Acquerello Mushroom Risotto and lastly the Spanish Octopus à la Plancha. I’m an avid fan of Anson Mills grains so I had to order the flan made using Anson Mills farro verde and served with foraged mushrooms, baby turnips and a bold, fantastic fortified mushroom tea. This dish was pure comfort in a bowl with amazing earthy flavors from the mushrooms and broth contrasting perfectly with the light, velvety ricotta flan. I was somewhat pessimistic that food could get better than this starter but my doubts were quickly dissipated when the risotto arrived. This was the best dish I’ve had in recent memory. The perfectly-cooked, Acquerello rice for the risotto was creamy and was gilded by a rich, wonderfully-salty Parmesan sabayon and graced by a truffle brined egg yolk. I’ve literally been dreaming of this dish since my visit…just wonderful. Octopus is one of my favorite foods so I was pleased when my waiter recommended it. The octopus was perfectly-charred, tender and served with roasted fingerling potatoes, herb aïoli, and masterly-prepared crispy veal sweetbreads drizzled with tangy green olive crudité. Octopus and sweetbreads – I’m in heaven.

I walked into the restaurant eager to sample Pastry Chef Elizabeth Walsh’s desserts, but unfortunately just couldn’t, coffee (delicious coffee by the way, sourced and roasted locally by Commonwealth Coffee) was all I could muster.

I left Mercantile Dining & Provision with a satisfied smile on my face. Every accolade Chef Seidel and his team have garnered is well-deserved. This place is a gem.

1701 Wynkoop St #155, Denver, CO 80202. 720.460.3733.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
16 February 2017 Vital Dining in Montclair

Vital Dining in Montclair

February 16, 2017 By

Last week, I was invited to come try Chef Kwame Williams’ contemporary Jamaican/Caribbean dishes at Vital Dining in Montclair, NJ. Chef Williams and his sisters/business partners, Nataki and Kanika, provide warm, welcoming hospitality and a menu that’s friendly for carnivore, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free diners. 

About Chef Williams and Vital

After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Chef Williams worked at some of NJ’s top fine dining establishments: The Ryland Inn, Rat’s, The Bernards Inn, Pleasantdale Chateau, Highlawn Pavilion, Hyatt and Minton’s in Harlem, NY. He believes that nutritional and healthy food are synonymous with delicious food. The principal of the “Ital” (where the “Vital” name derives) lifestyle is that food at its most natural state is not only the best, but essential to the gaining and maintaining of life’s energies. This concept plays a major role in Chef Williams’ Caribbean/Jamaican-centric cuisine where everything is made from scratch in house and is always fresh, never frozen.

The Drinks

We visited for lunch so had an opportunity to sample some of the freshly-made drinks. I enjoyed the Sunsplash – a drink made from grapefruit, orange, mango and my guest had the best-selling Vital Lemonade – pineapple, basil, lemonade. Vital also serves various elixirs, smoothies and teas.

The Food

Lunch is comprised of soups, salads and lighter entrées. All are served with a choice of house made chips, okra fries or a side salad.

We started with a newly-added menu item, the Callaloo Dip – callaloo is a green popular in the Caribbean and here it’s served in a creamy hot dip fashion with whole wheat chips that are addictive. We also had the Vital Hummus which is cleverly made with black-eyed peas instead of the more typical chickpea and then served with plantain chips.

For my entrée, I had the Jerk Chicken Wrap which was served with an avocado spread, sweet plantains and spinach. I’ve missed plantains so much since moving away from South Florida so this was a nice treat. I opted for the house made chips which were thin, crispy and delicious. My guest opted for a vegetarian entrée: the Jerk Portabella Mushroom Wrap which came with the avocado spread, mixed greens and tomatoes. She paired her sandwich with the side salad which was fresh and crisp.

Sunday brunch features interesting takes on breakfast favorites – Banana Waffles served with coconut nectar, coconut powder, fresh fruit; Cornmeal Porridge with almond milk and nutmeg; St Mary Breakfast which is scrambled eggs, plantains and callaloo.

I was fortunate enough to secure one of Chef Williams’ dessert recipes – Chia Seed Pudding with Rose Petals, and I’m sharing with you so you can enjoy it at home or fall in love with the picture and go visit Vital!

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia Seed Pudding with Rose Petals

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • ½ teaspoon rose water
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries
  • Optional: chopped up rose petals for one rose
  • Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients except chia seeds and strawberries in a bowl. Whisk until maple syrup is completely dissolved.
  2. Add chia seeds pour mixture into a jar or glass container and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to let gel.
  3. Before serving add chopped strawberries and rose petals, if using.
  4. Finish with grated nutmeg and enjoy.

Makes 4 servings.

Vital is a BYO restaurant.

Vital Dining / 387 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ / @vitaldining

Lunch & Dinner 11am-10pm Tues-Thurs / Sun Brunch 11am-3pm

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
22 November 2016 Must Meal in Scottsdale – Virtu Honest Craft

Must Meal in Scottsdale – Virtu Honest Craft

November 22, 2016 By

I’ve been planning another Scottsdale vacation and read about Virtu Honest Craft and Chef Gio Osso and had to visit. Our dinner and service were simply outstanding.

About Virtu

Virtu, the Machiavellian term for achieving excellence, is situated in Old Town Scottsdale at the charming Bespoke Inn bed and breakfast. The quaint restaurant was named as one of the top 20 “Best New Restaurants” in the U.S. by Esquire Magazine right after opening in 2013. In 2014, it was nominated by the James Beard Foundation for “Best New Restaurant”. At Virtu, Chef Osso crafts a Mediterranean-inspired menu that changes continuously, sometimes daily.

The Space & Booze

Octopus Photo by Virtu

Photo by Virtu

We arrived at Virtu to find a welcoming adobe building with heating lamps ablaze and candles glowing. The space is cozy with indoor and outdoor seating. There’s a large bar with counter seating where mixologists create delicious, ingredients-driven cocktails. I enjoyed the Ice Queen – Vodka, rhubarb, strawberry, white Balsamic shrub, fresh lemon topped with a Champagne foam and cracked black pepper. Sexy, fun and most importantly – tasty drink. The wine list offers a nice blend of big names and creative finds. I opted for a glass of white Burgundy and a glass of Nebbiolo – both under $15 and properly fresh, not always the case with wines by the glass.

The Food

The menu made me smile – what to order when all the dishes read like a list of my favorite ingredients?! We opted for three starters: Charred Octopus, Asparagus and Beef Tartare and two pastas: Gnocchi de Castagne and Pappardelle.

The octopus was some of the best I’ve had, and I consider myself an octo-expert. The charred octopus was served with chick peas, calabrese chile butter and a side of arugula and fennel salad. The octopus was perfectly-tender, the chile butter brought nice heat to the dish, the chick peas some texture and the salad a lovely tart freshness – stellar dish and a must-order.

Asparagus Photo by Virtu

Asparagus Photo by Virtu

The asparagus was topped with a nicely-cooked duck egg, Feta, bacon candy and a foie gras Hollandaise sauce – decadent, brilliant and addictive.

The beef tartare was made with masterly hand-cut tenderloin and paired with an avocado crema and tomato vinegar. This isn’t your boring, bland, almost pureed tartare – the beef is diced into impossibly-small cubes and the kitchen knows how to season food and make big flavors shine – can’t say that of many places, unfortunately.

The chestnut gnocchi was pillowy and earthy and served with Marsala-braised rabbit and Cavolo Nero cheese – pure comfort in a dish.

The Pappardelle was tossed with mushroom Bolognese, toasted garlic, black pepper Ricotta, N’duja (spicy, spreadable pork salume) and basil – rich yet light (not sure how Chef Osso accomplished this) with big flavors. We appreciate the heck out of the black pepper purposely-adorning the plate for bites we wanted more heat for.

We were tempted by the desserts, but opted for some very good coffee instead, served in a giant mug…nice touch.

We have three dinners to go in Scottsdale and can’t imagine our meals can improve after this feast we experienced at Virtu.

Virtu Honest Craft – 3701 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
14 October 2016 FLX Table – Dining in the Finger Lakes Has Arrived

FLX Table – Dining in the Finger Lakes Has Arrived

October 14, 2016 By
lounge-counter

Bar

My bi-yearly Finger Lakes pilgrimages are usually focused on sampling the new wine vintages, checking in with favorite wineries and enjoying the picturesque surroundings. What they don’t typically include – mind-blowing food. Yes, there are a couple decent restaurants in this beautiful part of the country, but nothing to write home (or on my blog) about. This all changed during my September visit when I discovered FLX Table.

Chef and certified master sommelier Christopher Bates and his very hospitable wife, Isabel Bogadtke, recently opened FLX Table in Geneva, NY. Bates also owns FLX Weinery and Element Winery in Arkport, NY. Bates cooks up the magic while Bogadtke tends to the front of the house and to food/wine sourcing.

We arrived for our reservation (do make a reservation) on time and were escorted to a bar area where we were told our table wasn’t quite ready. The dining room consists of a 12-person communal table, so Bates and Bogadtke are somewhat at the mercy of the first seating to leave to sit the next. Did we care? Not in the least, and especially not when greeted with sparkling wine and a giant slab of Manchego cheese! Smart, simply smart service. What further set the tone for the lovely meal to come was Bates pouring us an ultra-flavorful bowl of smoked chicken bone broth. Welcoming and comforting!

Bubbles and Manchego

Bubbles and Manchego

When we made our way to the table, we were taken aback by the bounty of farm-stand vegetables and fruits displayed on a tree trunk platter. This presentation is dubbed the Farmers Board. Bodadtke told us the presentation was meant to get conversations started between guests who might not know each other – love this idea. The array of produce consisted of yellow and green beans, cauliflower, endive, radishes, ground cherries, raspberries and more then served with a couple of dressings, including a delicious green goddess.

As if we weren’t already experiencing an amazing start to our meal, next came a crusty and warm loaf of sourdough bread served with extra-addictive schmaltz, fresh burrata and brown butter. Like my guest and I, you’ll likely be inclined to devour the whole display but don’t, the four-course meal that comes next deserves your full appetite.

The second course was named Uber B.L.T. and consisted of tomato, sweet summer corn and lamb bacon. The presentation was glorious with a pool of tomato water in the bowl of the plate and beautifully-arranged raw and dried tomatoes, the bacon and corn then avocado and Thai basil. The combination of creamy avocado, sweet crunchy corn, raw tomatoes, crispy bacon and crunchy dried tomatoes was a cacophony of textures and flavors. I remember thinking to myself that there was no way Bates would be able to top that dish, but I was wrong.

The third course was the Potato. There was nothing modest about the modestly-named dish – pickled and roasted chanterelles, black garlic, cottage cheese and a raclette fondue gilded the tiny creamer potatoes. I think about this dish, a lot.

Fourth course was Lots of Duck – a multi-preparation of duck – melt-in-your-mouth duck heart medallion, seared duck breast and a slab of foie. The accompaniments were roasted carrot, seabeans, farro and dehydrated black olive (genius).

The dessert course was Blueberries and consisted of pungent curry iced yogurt, lemon cake and candied quinoa. We loved how Chef used flavor-packed blueberry juice to soak the lemon cake in.  

I’d be remiss to not spend some time writing about the wines. Bates is a master somm and the list basically rocks with many interesting, unusual wines served in 30ml, 150ml and by the bottle. I can’t say enough how smart serving wine in these quantities at a multi-course dinner is. FLX Table uses the best wine gadget of all times – Coravin, that allows the wait staff to pour a tasting size serving of wine by inserting a needle-like contraption through the cork in the bottle keeping the wine intact for future enjoyment. We opted for two of the three suggested wine pairings: The Fun ($35) and the Baller ($55). Both options offered us wines we absolutely enjoyed and we felt were a bargain. On our next visit, I’d like to try the Big P.I.M.P.n wine pairing priced at $150 – amazing, rare juice being poured at the price point.    

This dining extravaganza lasted over two hours with Bates in the open kitchen creating some of the best food I’ve had in recent memory and Isabel offering the warmest, most hospitable service one could expect at a restaurant. One issue – this all cost $49 and I felt like I was robbing the place!

I’m finally looking forward to the Finger Lakes for more than fab dry Riesling and Cab Franc – FLX Table hit high marks on all fronts.

FLX Table – 22 Linden St., Geneva, New York 14456. (315) 730-3083.

Dinner Hours: 3 Courses on Weeknights; 5 Courses on Weekends.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
11 October 2016 The Habit Burger Grill Introduces Its Golden Chicken Sandwich

The Habit Burger Grill Introduces Its Golden Chicken Sandwich

October 11, 2016 By

golden-chicken-sandwich-v2Last weekend, I was invited to come sample The Habit Burger Grill’s new ‘Golden Chicken Sandwich’. Since I absolutely love the Santa Barbara chain’s burgers, I accepted and I’m pleased I did.

This Golden Chicken Sandwich ($6.25) is made using a fresh, filleted chicken breast double hand-dipped in a seasoned flour and buttermilk batter then fried to order. The flavorful chicken is ultra-crispy and juicy then topped with a spicy red pepper sauce and served with fresh sliced tomato, lettuce and tangy pickles on a soft toasted bun.

The Golden Chicken Sandwich is available until November 22nd at all participating restaurants including The Habit Burger Grill at Fair Lawn, Eatontown, River Edge, Teterboro and Parsippany.

About The Habit Burger Grill

The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade albacore tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Habit was named the “best tasting burger in America” in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America’s leading consumer magazines. The first Habit Burger Grill opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 and has since grown to more than 160 restaurants in 16 markets throughout California, Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

More information is available at www.habitburger.com.

Best,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: ,
11 April 2016 Laurel Glen and Flowers Dinner at Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern

Laurel Glen and Flowers Dinner at Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern

April 11, 2016 By

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to a very exciting dinner held at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn. It was a wine dinner featuring the lovely wines of Laurel Glen and Flowers. Executive Chef Hank Barrett created a menu worthy of the fantastic wines and Laurel Glen Proprietor, Bettina Siche, was in attendance to mingle with diners and offer insight on her wines and the industry.

The menu and pairings were:

1st Course

Flowers Chardonnay 2014

Boquerones-Ricotta Cavatelli, Grilled Romaine, Parmesan, Crisp, Cured Lemon-Garlic Sauce, Focaccia-Pine Nut Crumbs

2nd Course

Flowers Pinot Noir 2013

Seared Miso Marinated Black Cod, Bok Choy, Sushi Rice, Pickled Ginger

3rd Course

Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Charred Rare Lamb Salad, White Truffle Dijon Mayo, Crispy Capers, Red + Green Lentils

4th Course

Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Grilled Pheasant Breast, Glazed Fava Beans, Crispy Polenta, Wild Berry-Chocolate Demi Sauce

5th Course

Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Chocolate Royal Cake, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Espelette Crème Anglaise

The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn holds incredible wine dinners throughout the year and to stay abreast of upcoming events, visit the restaurant’s events page or like its Facebook page.

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern – 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423. 201.445.4115.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
10 April 2016 Essex Junction Craft Kitchen & Bar

Essex Junction Craft Kitchen & Bar

April 10, 2016 By

Essex-Junction-750x330 (1)Last week, my recap of dinner at Essex Junction Craft Kitchen & Bar was published by Jersey Bites.

Please read my review here.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: ,
6 March 2016 Cheng Du 23 – Sichuan Cuisine

Cheng Du 23 – Sichuan Cuisine

March 6, 2016 By

Last week, I was invited to dine at Cheng Du 23 in Wayne, NJ to sample some of the area’s most popular Sichuan food. I’d heard of the place, near the Willowbrook Mall, but since Chinese cuisine isn’t a favorite, I’d not made the effort to go. That was an error on my part as the food was presented nicely and actually had very distinct flavors, which I find to be my number one pet peeve at other Chinese restaurants.

From the outside, the non-descript strip shopping center space could appear to be like many in similar drive-to malls, but as soon as we entered the premises, we knew Cheng Du would be different. First, the place was busy on a rainy Wednesday night with a crowd mostly made up of Chinese diners. Second, peppery aromas permeated the air providing a preview of the food to come and, giant tables with equally large Lazy Susans were filled with creatively-presented dishes.

The year it opened, Cheng Du’s Chef Jiang won silver in NTDTV’s 2009 International Chinese Culinary Competition presented by New Tang Dynasty Television. In 2010, Chef Jiang took home the gold at the same competition. Since then, the restaurant has garnered numerous awards and praise from The New York Times and other local publications.

The menu is voluminous and not something  diners will be tempted to “borrow” and take home for future perusing for take-out ordering – it’s massive, and heavy! Featured on the menu are Americanized standard dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce and Chicken Chow Mein, but also authentic Sichuan dishes and a Chef’s Specialties section with dishes photographed to make it easier to visualize. The portions, much like the menu size, are gigantic and perfect for sharing.

Back to those Lazy Susans, why don’t more restaurants have those for larger tables? There were 10 invited guests at our table and the Lazy Susan made it so much simpler for us to share dishes with others. While we sampled over 15 dishes, some of my favorites were:

Dry Sautéed Green Beans – not certain what made these blistered green beans so addicting, but they are a must-try.

Crispy Scallops – large scallops coated lightly in cornstarch then fried to a golden brown color and tossed with spicy sauce. The contrast of crispy exterior with the soft, tender scallop was lovely and the fiery sauce was a surprising compliment to the subtly flavors of the scallops.

Pork Shanks with Bok Choy – the shanks were melt-in-your-mouth and bold in flavor. The crunchy baby bok choy was a nice match to the well-cooked shanks.

Jing Sha Qie Zi – boiled eggplant with salted egg yolks and chopped green pepper. Was this dish visually-appealing, perhaps not. Was it incredibly delicious and comforting on a cold rainy night, absolutely.

Fuji Mountain Beef – sautéed sliced Angus beef with brown sauce, egg whites (acting as the snow on the mountain peak) and baby bok choy. Perfectly-cooked beef in a savory mix of three sauces – Hoisin, oyster and dark soy. Simple and wonderful.

Heavenly Chicken – white meat cut to look like flowers in bloom with in a mild, garlic sauce. The chicken flowers actually look more like baby octopus, but if you can get beyond that, the dish is super.

The only dish I’d stay away from on future visit is the San Jiao Ji – dry sautéed diced chicken with triple pepper. I enjoy spicy food but this just killed my palate for a while.

Cheng Du 23 is the perfect place to visit for a relatively-inexpensive meal with friends where many dishes can be sampled. Take out is also available.   

6 Willowbrook Blvd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »