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| - China Chili is one of those places you visit when you want something you know you'll like and need to get in and out really quickly. I started working on Central and Indian School just around the time China Chili closed prior to the lightrail construction, so my first experience was at the new place. I wish had gotten the opportunity to eat at the original location just to see if the experience was any better.
I have ordered two things at China Chili: the orange chicken and the sesame chicken. I only order the former now. I have never had to wait longer than five minutes for an order. This is good yet slightly unnerving. It makes me feel as though everything is ready-to-serve in the back, even though the freshness and temperature of the food says otherwise. The orange chicken is out of this world. An entire breast fillet is battered, deep-fried, sliced, and covered with a really delicious orange sauce. If you ask for it extra spicy, be prepared to feel your face melt off. The consistency of the heat level is a bit hit-or-miss, but when they get it right, you'll be simultaneously pleased and in pain.
My biggest beef with this place is the wait staff. Very rarely is service pleasant. Most of the waitresses are brusque and a bit too efficient for my liking. When the dining room isn't full, they tend to huddle up near the kitchen and watch the patrons as they eat, usually talking quietly amongst themselves. It is quite unsettling and makes me feel as though I'm not welcome. The one exception is one of the very sweet older women who reminds me a bit of my grandma in that she always has a smile and is always so quick to ask if I need a refill. I don't know her name, but I always hope she's there when I go.
So, visit China Chili when you're in a hurry and craving the best darn orange chicken you'll ever have. Also, beware of really terrible parking options.
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