favorite spots in chinatown? (dining, location, venue)

[Army_Guy]

Originally Posted by Gaylord_Focker

Surprised to hear there arent' a lot of dim sum cart places. Houston was full of them.

Most places just don't have the space for them.

There used to be a large restaurant named Three Happiness next to the fire station that served dim sum via carts.

I really liked the experience of dim sum in carts, not sure why. Just seemed really cool.

[personone]

Originally Posted by quigboto

Its not in Chinatown, but Sun Wah BBQ has the best Peking Duck and roasted pork.
We like the dim sum at MingHin, Cai and Phoenix.
If you want authentic dim sum served on carts, I think Furama is pretty much the only place that does it anymore and thats not in Chinatown.
My gf is Chinese, and with her leading the way, I've tried countless hole in the wall joints that were almost always awesome, but I can never remember the names of all of them.

Yeah, Sun Wah BBQ is in Little Saigon/Argyle. Their BBQ duck is good and it's a good restaurant. Although, there was a place I got fried duck in Chinatown that was even better. Forget the name of the place. Sun Wah is a Chicago staple and is great for Little Saigon.

[Gaylord_Focker]

Originally Posted by Army_Guy

Most places just don't have the space for them.

There used to be a large restaurant named Three Happiness next to the fire station that served dim sum via carts.

I really liked the experience of dim sum in carts, not sure why. Just seemed really cool.

Same. I prefer the cart experience over ordering. For one they're guaranteed hot.

[garyjohnyang]

Originally Posted by lepoisson

This place is really good, but it's outrageously expensive. I got three plates of dumplings (each plate had maybe a 10-12) and the total price was almost $100.

Oh yeah, totally agree. I should have specified that it's my favorite on taste, but definitely not the most budget-friendly meal by any means.

[emathias]

小笼包 (XiaoLong Bao / XLB) are something I really love. The first time I had some was actually in Shanghai (where they originate from in China).

I've been to two weddings in Toronto. One was a Jewish wedding that unexpectedly had an oyster bar. I must have eaten $200 worth of oysters. The other wedding was a Chinese one. I must have eaten $200 in xiaolong bao.

[Master Jay]

Don Coccino, good morning..

I may have said it earlier in the thread, but a good sign of the authenticity of the given ethnic restaurant is when that same given clientele is of the ethnic group.... True.

At the same time, everyone has their likes and dislikes.

Again, for me: I really like Golden Gate. Certainly Chinese working there. And Oh Yes, there are Hispanic guys in the kitchen!

I like Golden Gate's flavor..... And it may be "Americanized" since the clientele are not Chinese ( based on my experiences), but I DO like it!

[Ycomoque]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Don Coccino, good morning..

I may have said it earlier in the thread, but a good sign of the authenticity of the given ethnic restaurant is when that same given clientele is of the ethnic group.... True.

At the same time, everyone has their likes and dislikes.

Again, for me: I really like Golden Gate. Certainly Chinese working there. And Oh Yes, there are Hispanic guys in the kitchen!

I like Golden Gate's flavor..... And it may be "Americanized" since the clientele are not Chinese ( based on my experiences), but I DO like it!

Highly underrated indicator of greatness.

[Master Jay]

Ycomoque, forgive me. You mis-understood my point.

I re-read the comment, and see HOW it coukd have been misunderstood.

So allow me to clarify.... I was trying to say that it is not JUST, for example, Chinese staff members that will lend to a Chinese restaurant, to be great.

I hope that clarified things. Again, my apologies for the mishap.

And whereEVER you ALL find your meal, may it be delicious! And here's to Chicago entering Phase 5!

[Nearwest]

My 'go to' spot in Chinatown is Lao Sze Chuan. It's located at 2172 S. Archer Ave.

I have been patronizing this Chinatown gem for nearly a dozen years. It was recommended on "Check, Please" (Ch. 11 restaurant review program) by a guest who had lived in China.

It's a traditional Chinese restaurant which has infused its menu with gourmet Szechuan dishes.

A great dining experience.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by Ycomoque

Highly underrated indicator of greatness.

In Chicago you'd be hard pressed to find any successful restaurant not mostly staffed by Hispanic back-of-house staff.