I greatly appreciate the Fat Guy's informative recommendations but also recognize that food tasting is a highly subjective experience. My field trip to Grand Sichuan Int. Midtown was very positive overall and the restaurant was definitely authentic and competent considering all the dishes sampled. I was especially eager to try the Kung Bao chicken from the special menu as this is one of my all time favorites, sampled with delight at scores of retaurants. Grand Sichuan's rendition was, unfortunately, a major disappointment. Chinese chicken is normally delicious, but the dish was so heavily overspiced with hot chillies that critical tasting became impossible. The sauce was too sweet, too thick, and generally cloying. Its orange brown color was another turn offf. My wife, the daughter of a master Chinese chef was equally turned off. Sorry Fat guy, but on this one (and on pizza!) we have to part company. So what IS the best for Kung Po? My pick goes to Jade Palace in Flushing (163-14 38 Ave) Queens. I invite all eGullet tasters to sample both and report back your vote in this forum. While at Jade, sample the lobster with ginger and scallion (my favorite dish there). (Edited by Budinado at 10:25 pm on Jan. 27, 2002)
