| rev:text
| - Unique and delicious!
My girlfriend and I visited Szechuan Gourmet for the first time yesterday and were very impressed. We were initially drawn to Szechuan Gourmet because it was beside the Asian Grocery we typically shop "Tinkholl", and secondly by the distinctive dishes displayed, on the menu in the entry way. I was glad to see that the menu contained many dishes, not typically found on other menus. I ordered the Beef Stomach with vegetables and hot pepper, my girlfriend chose the Eggplant in Black Bean Sauce. When looking at the menu, my initial impression was that the meals were a little highly priced, however when our meals arrived, that thought was quickly gone. My dish arrived in a large well heated metal bowl and my girlfriend's dish arrived in a large glass pie pan, from reading other reviews, most dishes are family portions, made to share. The Beef Stomach with vegetables and hot pepper, contained a good amount of tripe and a good variety of vegetables (two full meals with leftovers) and had a spiciness that made my brow sweat, just as I had hoped. All too often spicy dishes do not live up to their description, however the Beef Stomach with vegetables and hot pepper did not disappoint. Beyond that, the Tripe was very flavorful and tender, not typical of most tripe dishes. Also, the broth was very unique and flavorful paired nicely with the slight sweetness of the Tripe, would definitely order again! The dish my girlfriend selected, the Eggplant in Black Bean Sauce was also very good. This consisted of three whole eggplants sliced in quarters long ways, lightly breaded, pan fried. The Eggplant was perfectly seared and crispy, not at all soggy as can be the case when cooking Eggplant. Additionally, the Black Bean Sauce was quite dynamic both slightly sweet and spicy and different than Vietnamese Black Bean dishes I had tried. I would definitely would order the dish for myself. I can't wait for my next trip to Cleveland to try another dish!
Finally, we were very pleased with the service. Our servers were prompt, friendly and helpful in deciding from the large menu, we were not left waiting for anything. If you like a unique authentic meal definitely try the Szechuan Gourmet we will definitely be back!
|