Vanessa's Finesse
VANESSA'S DUMPLINGS | 118A Eldridge St. | 212.625.8008 | vanessasdumplinghouse.com
No Horse Play
XI'AN FAMOUS FOODS | 2675 Broadway (bet. 101st & 102nd Sts.) | [no phone yet] | xianfoods.com
Unexpected Gem
...The portion was more dinner sized, and, again, my skepticism was foiled by an ample amount of chicken meat, and scant traces of MSG or cornstarch. The dish, while delivering on its promise of spice, was refreshingly light, with the impressive rice noodles, rightfully gummier and spongier than regular noodles, making any residual cooking juices get absorbed into them while the flavored oils clung to them. Even being supportively optimistic, this lunch me surpassed my expectations at every turn.... [Full post]
Down For Chinatown
... With the unfortunate exception of the shrimp paste (better in idea than in execution), this dish was quite a winner. The pork and beef were nicely seasoned and tender, and were enjoyed more with wrapped in the lettuce with a leaf each of basil and mint, some rice noodles, and a drizzle of house-made vinegar dipping sauce. The springs deftly crispy and not greasy on the outside and chock full minced veggies and meat on the inside.... [Full post]
Hot Belly and Flaming Hare
...Your first question, probably: What did the rabbit taste like? I could usually tell you. I've had it once before, in a stew, and in that particular application, it was only subtly gamey, and it absorbed the flavors of the broth and vegetables that surrounded it.... [Full post...]
