Lao Sze Chuan

[DutchMuse]

I did a search but didn't find a thread specifically on this celebrated local restaurant. (If I missed it, you can direct me to it). Can folks recommend some "not to miss" dishes to get here?

Thanks!

[jesteinf]

Check out this and this and this.

Two of my favorites (which are definitely can't miss items) are Tony's 3 Chili Chicken (aka Chicken Crack) and dry chili prawns.

Enjoy!

Edited July 26, 2008 by jesteinf (log)

[LAZ]

Tea-smoked duck and lamb with cumin.

I'm actually not a huge fan of the 3-chili chicken, which is made from chicken breast and is often dry.

[nsxtasy]

One of my favorites is their spicy slaw. Not only is it a "not to miss", but it's also a "can't miss"; they bring it to the table automatically, as a complimentary starter.

[ulterior epicure]

I did a search but didn't find a thread specifically on this celebrated local restaurant.  (If I missed it, you can direct me to it). Can folks recommend some "not to miss" dishes to get here?

Thanks!

←

DutchMuse, it's coincidental that this past week I met Tony Hu and completed my tour of his triptych of restaurants.

Hu is Szechuan and Lao Szechuan is arguably the most authentic and best of his three regionally-focused restaurants (although I just had a pretty spectacular meal at Lao Shanghai, which I hope to write about as soon as I clear through some others that have been waiting in the wings for far too long).

Ma po tofu is a Szechuan standard that I would encourage you to try at Lao Szechuan.

p.s. jesteinf, lamb with cumin is more accurately Beijing, if I'm not mistaken. But, as you probably know, with 150+ items on each of his restaurants, there's a good overlap.

[jesteinf]

s. jesteinf, lamb with cumin is more accurately Beijing, if I'm not mistaken.  But, as you probably know, with 150+ items on each of his restaurants, there's a good overlap.

That wasn't my rec, but I'm pretty sure lamb with cumin is on the menu at Lao Sze Chuan.

[ulterior epicure]

s. jesteinf, lamb with cumin is more accurately Beijing, if I'm not mistaken.  But, as you probably know, with 150+ items on each of his restaurants, there's a good overlap.

That wasn't my rec, but I'm pretty sure lamb with cumin is on the menu at Lao Sze Chuan.

←

Ooops! I stand corrected.

[nsxtasy]

I'm pretty sure lamb with cumin is on the menu at Lao Sze Chuan.

←

Number 553 Lamb with Pure Cumin Powder Xin Jang Style $11.95, according to the menu on their website.

[Michaeltheonion]

Chili Prawns. By far the best thing I ate there. I used to order two servings of them and eat everything tail and all. I should have asked the chef how he made them...

[LAZ]

That wasn't my rec, but I'm pretty sure lamb with cumin is on the menu at Lao Sze Chuan.

←

That was my rec. They've always had it, as far as I know. You can also get good versions at Mapo in Naperville and at Ed's Potsticker House.

Mapo Restaurant

1563 Naperville Wheaton Road, Naperville

630/420-1388

www.maporestaurant.com

Ed's Potsticker House

3139 S. Halsted St., Chicago

312/326-6898