Though Sushi and Ramen are the go to items for many who dine here, this rather upscale spot offers a fairly varied menu, with some interesting items worth sampling - appetizers like Gyoza, Hamachi Kama. Duck Rolls, Scallion Pancakes, and Soft Shell Crab - and more: Dan Dan Noodles, traditional Benton Boxes, Hibachi & Teriyaki, and Poke Bowls!
On this visit I was on my own but decided to sample several items, and settled on Dan Dan Noodles
and the Soft Shell Crab appetizer. I also chose a large Kirin (25 ounces for $8.32, a seemingly odd price).
The Soft Shell Crab was out first, accompanied by some unseasoned, undressed shredded lettuce with a bit of carrot ( utterly tasteless) and a cold, soy based sauce with a nice flavor. The crab was well coated in a tempura manner, and nicely fried. It was very tasty and was even better dipped in the sauce. Would order again, if I come again.
The Dan Dan Noddles were out in another 5 minutes or so, and this is a large amount of food. I have tried this dish more than a few times (New Sichuan in Winston, Gourmet China in Greensboro, Super Wok in Cary) and this is the most against the norm version I've ever encountered, and a dish I would not consider reordering!
This dish has several key components and a standard process of cooking and assembling. First the broth - there was little of it; it was brown rather than the traditional red, with a cloying taste and no discernible heat factor, thus the lack of red coloration.
There were no pickled mustard greens, another traditional item, though often excluded in the US due to availability - but the lack of it reduces the inherent complexity of this traditional Sichuan dish.
The noodles were tasty but clumped together in a tangled mess, nearly impossible to untangle into an edible amount in any socially acceptable manner.
Too much work for too little reward! Definitely not a reorder item.
The environment here is pleasant, attractive, with soft colors and lighting, instrumental music playing soothingly in the background. The service was good, attentive and personable.
They charge a onerous 4% for credit card use ( and their "suggested" tip is based on full amount including sales tax and CC charge), and as is my practice I reduced the tip by an equivalent amount, and any tip, however adjusted is based on the the check total less sales tax, less CC charge! This pushing for more tips needs to be pushed back, strongly!
Will ponder on a return visit, but probably not, there are other places with equal or better dishes at a better value. read more