You've heard about it a million times, you've driven past it a thousand times; but how many times have you actually set out on a journey with China Town as your final destination? Well I can speak for the west siders when I say, never. Those of us in Santa Monica/Venice rarely venture east of the 405. There are so many walkable, beach cruise-able restaurants in this little bubble we live in, why would we drive? That was my mindset for the past 4 years and then one day I realized any self respecting foodie actually seeks out great food, this means driving to foreign lands, parking in neighborhoods where there is no valet, walking through dark alleys, scouring, searching, hunting down restaurants that are off the beaten path. I wondered why over the past 27 years I'd been so open minded when traveling abroad; so adventurous and dedicated to seeking out the best food every city had to offer, yet when it comes to my own town, the melting pot of the Universe, I don't travel outside of a 2 mile radius of my house? It had to change and China Town was the first stop!
The kick off "Ethnic restaurant tour of LA" took place at 9:00pm on a Friday night, my boyfriend and 4 of my friends and I embarked upon the first of what I hope to be many adventures. We went to Yang Chow. There were more white people than I'd hoped to see, never a great sign of authenticity. Yet our waiter was indeed, Chinese, always a great sign of authenticity. We learned that it is traditional to eat Chinese food family style, since they put all the entrees in the middle regardless of who ordered what (the times I'm most thankful not to be a vegetarian!). The steamed dumplings were amazing. The wrapping was thick and the stuffing, albeit vegetarian rather than my preferred pork, was flavorful. The slippery shrimp, being what they are most famous for, were actually amazing. They were the perfect consistency of crispy and soft, sweet and salty. As for the shrimp fried rice, it was mediocre at best, I think they forgot the egg... or maybe that is the western way of preparing fried rice? As for my entree; the beef, shrimp, scallops with snow peas- it was decent. Heavy, the scallops a bit gritty, but the flavor was impressive. Overall, I left knowing I would not dream about the meal I'd just consumed, but I would go back. The best part about China town was the Central Plaza. It's a beautiful, authentic plaza with chinese lanterns lighting the walk ways and Chinese crafted buildings. Until I heard the reggae music and smelled the pot wafted out of a near by club, I actually felt like I was in Shanghai.
