alsquared wrote:
Everything you guys mentioned are not Chinese food dishes. They are Americanized Chinese take out. This thread really disappointed me.
I am glad that I did not have to be the first one to point that out because when you say that you come off as snob, however true it is that fries and wings andorange chicken are not Chinese. Americanized Chinese does not necessarily means bad, it is its own unique culinary niche (although many Chinese buffet spotsare indeed bad). With that said, I do like authenticity and because of that my favorite Chinese places are Mandarin Deli and A&W Seafood, both are inNorthridge and are opposite sides of the same intersection. Like most white people, I love places like those two because the majority of the people in thoseplaces are Chinese immigrants who are speaking various Chinese languages.
At the Mandarin Deli, I love the dumplings, scallion pancakes and stewed beef and pork stews. If you are feeling like really having something unique try thecold pork hocks or the pig ear or jellyfish salad.
A&W Seafood is the best Dim Sum place in the Valley. It is great deal because the tea is free and the food is good but filling. I recommend getting someChinese broccoli, which is really more like a cross between collared greens and green beans and dip it in hoisin sauce. When you are finished, get some desert,ideally some pastry with sweet red bean curd. If you want a hearty meal get the rice porridge. Besides that just get what looks good or interesting. They havespareribs, pork stuffed pastries, dumplings and lots of stuff with shrimp and a good ix of fried food and steamed food. I also recommend going in groups ofthree or six or nine because the dishes quickly become enough for two people so you get less variety and they will not be enough from one dish for four people.Three or multiples of three is the ideal size for your party.
