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| - We came here based on the Yelp ratings. It also helped that they have a Yelp coupon offer (pay $10 for a $20 certificate).
Upon entering it was interesting that the music sounded Indian, not Chinese or Thai. The personnel we saw clearly were not Chinese or Thai. The chef (who came out to greet us) appeared to be Indian. Not a big deal, but I will have a tie-in momentarily.
We ordered the "tempering spicy chicken" appetizer first. It was different. Can't say I've ever experienced that flavor before. It was pretty good, really. They served it like an entree, but no rice. I would rate that item at 4 stars.
I ordered the Kung Pao entree and my wife ordered the "American Chop Suey" entree (both of which come with rice). I forgot to specify brown rice, so I got white rice. White Basmati rice. Do I detect a theme here? Indian music, Indian chef, and Basmati rice most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Very interesting.
The Kung Pao wasn't. That is, it wasn't Kung Pao chicken. I've have had a few different versions (including when I was in Taiwan), and they all had an undertone that left no doubt it was a version of Kung Pao. This dish lacked that entirely. It was a different flavor I don't recall encountering before. I can't say it was bad on its own if I was served this without being told what it was. But as I ordered Kung Pao and this wasn't Kung Pao I have to say it was bad Kung Pao.
My wife had a similar comment about her Chop Suey. It was sort of like sweet and sour without the sour. I did sample it and my wife was exactly right (aside: I know that's redundant...wives are always right, so there's no need to say it...it's just understood). She didn't really like her meal either.
The staff was friendly and helpful. They explained there is an "Indian influence" in their dishes. Which is fine, except they didn't tell you that on the menu. "Kung Pao" means something specific. "Thai Basil" (also on their menu) means something specific. If they are going to use those names for the dishes, and not remain true to the basic flavor of those dishes, then they shouldn't be surprised when people say they got a bad "Thai Basil" or "Kung Pao" or whatever. They need to change the names of the dishes, or do something so that patrons know they aren't going to be getting anything close to a traditional Chinese dish.
I debated going to three stars. If those dishes were served to me at a dinner party without anyone identifying them, I would have been OK with them. And the "tempering spicy chicken" was quite tasty. But if I rate the food for what they claimed the dishes were, then I just cannot give three stars. Because those dishes weren't really very good interpretations of the dishes that bear those names.
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