I tried these spots across from each at the intersection of East Colonial (50) and Mills today at lunch. They both are in softs. Just opened last week. The first is a rebrand of what I believe was called Chuan Lu. The second is in the little food market with Unigirl and that hanging duck place that just was awarded a Michelin rating (not sure if it was an actual star).
A Gourmet Chinese Cuisine - A mouthful. And the portion size was as well. May be a Favorite. They spent a lot of money on the refurbishment. Mostly brown tones. Modern classic look. Reminded me of the Brasserie in NYC. If I am remembering correctly. Like it would mean anything to most readers anyway. Lots of dark stained wood that also acts as a decorative element. Big. Open. High ceilings. Around forty tables of four to six seats. Faux leather seating. I'm trying to remember another Chinese restaurant in the area that seems so done up. I wasn't expecting this kind of rebrand. I would hide the high chairs and similar distractions. But, no one else ever seems to think they are an eye sore. I was the first to arrive at 11am. They are open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday. Huge menu. Cantonese mainly. Separate dim sum menu. From $7 to $8 to $9. Really only the last two. Usuals like shrimp dumplings and pork buns. But also, salt and pepper ribs and black truffle and shrimp, etc. The main menu starts with $19+ shareable soups. Apps like from egg rolls to smoked fish ($6 to $23). Chef's Recommendations like pork belly and prawns with salted egg yolk ($19 to $49). Beef, Seafood, Poultry, Pork, Vegetables like General Tso's to Lotus Delight ($17 to $29). Peking duck is $79. Lamb chops are $37. Seafood was MP. Clay Pots ($19 to $25). Rice and Noodles ($17 to $29). Desserts ($9). I didn't price the drinks. I would like to interject here that everyone was drinking water. They do in almost every restaurant I go to nowadays. Do you think that has something to do with your prices? How much revenue are you throwing away be trying to gouge in this area? Fountain soda costs cents. I tried the Teochew Style Wet Beef Chow Fun (flat rice noodles in a brown sauce with stir fried beef and vegetables) for $19. The funny thing is that I just remarked to myself the night before that I dislike Asian noodles. But, I guess I was in the mood for something different. It was mostly good. Three portion sizes. Plated nicely in a decorative bowl. Fresh baby bok choy and carrots and mushroom tops and scallions. The noodles were beyond mushy. As I don't usually order these types of dishes, I am not sure if they are not supposed to be. The beef was mostly too tough. Sixty chews on most pieces. The few tender pieces were very pleasant. Short rib meat? Alot. I'm not sure if these serving sizes will last or if they are just here for the opening when they are trying to make a good impression. Service (4) was attentive and knowledgeable. Uniformed in black. Around seven tables were seated around me. Mix of white and Asian. Their plates seemed nice. I saw a cool fondue like hot pot (I am assuming) set up. I have been waiting for the opening since the Fall. I went here a long time ago when it was the other place (they still have a Chuan in WP). This is a humungous upgrade. Maybe too ambitious? I certainly hope they find a following. They are certainly a positive development. Of course I would like to see the dim sum prices come down. But, I fear these are the new new price points we have to get used to. They are in line with most of the places I have reported on. I think McDonald's is basically charging a buck a nugget at this point. I would make an effort to give this place a go as soon as you are able.
Cowboy Curry - Another one I've been waiting for. They are open Friday through Sunday at noon. Unsure when they close. Ten person line. About five or ten minutes after that. They were only serving a beef curry over rice that you could add things to. I added a Cowboy Menchi Katsu (fried ground beef and pork patty). $15 + $5. It was good. This isn't my thing. I like my curry on Indian and Thai dishes. Not hot dogs and cutlets. Fairly big portion. Big chunks of beef. That's good. I thought it would just be a beef flavored curry. Large hunks of carrot and potato. The rice was good. Don't know how to rate the curry. It had a bit of a dried curry powder after taste. A slight bit of heat. It's a stall. To go orders. Unsure if this will be the only item on the menu forever. How bad do want curry katsu? Or a newish (to the area) thrill? There was another area next to it that seems being prepared to be another Japanese named stall. I hadn't heard that was in the works. Oh. They (4) wear little cowboy hats. If that's your kink.
*I have also been forgetful about construction on Michigan near Orange where I believed the Shaq's Chicken place was meant to go. Is that them? Finally. The new bank mi place is across the street. I think they replaced a donut shop where I made fun of the Mayor's acne in a post.
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