Taste of Sichuan

Let me begin by bemoaning the fact that most Chinese restaurants are deeply Americanized. I have in fact eaten at three close or very close to authentic Chinese restaurants in the pnw in a thirty year period. One in Vancouver bc, one in Everett, one in Seattle, that are sadly no more. It's been so long, I cannot remember the names of them anymore. So the search for good Chinese has been daunting. Especially in the north end. panda candy lovers, this review is not for you. In fact if you like or love panda candy or magic dragon, run away. Stay away from places like this. It is your terrible palate and love of food coated in sugar that pushes places like this to become pits slinging cloyingly sweet syrup coated fried bits of meat that I loathe.



This place has promise, so much that I want to return and try some other dishes on the menu. We had twice cooked pork, orange beef, and almond chicken... the twice cooked pork was well flavored, nicely balanced, and pretty good. It was made with pork belly and a mix of vegetables including cabbage and mild chillies. the orange beef was pretty good, a touch sweet, but the flavour was outstanding, would have liked to have Orange peel in the dish (the more authentic dishes do and aren't as sweet), but would order it again. It wasn't overly breaded, and not greasy. The hot and sour soup was delightful. It had bits of woodear, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and had good flavour. Not overly spicy, and right amount of sour. The eggroll was small and light with a vegetable filling. It was a just right couple of bites. The almond deep fried chicken wasn't greasy and pretty typical. The person who ordered it, that's all he eats when he gets Chinese, not a very adventurous eater, but he loved it.



Some people get caught all up in how a place looks, but I don't, I've eaten in some pretty sketchy places,however I was surprised when we walked in. This place is modern, clean lines, with an accent of traditional Chinese restaurant kitsch. The outside is very modest and very little parking out front.



Overall, I recommend this place. Definitely worth stopping in and trying.