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| - They changed the name, but kept the deliciousness.
Sichuan Gourmet (formerly China Star) offers authentic and dishes in addition to the American hybrids most locals think of as "Chinese food." The spicy Sichuan pantheon nicely complements what I grew up thinking of as the classics, so Sichuan Gourmet is a top tier choice for any type of Chinese meal.
Favorites on the authentic side include chengdu style diced chicken with dry peppers (sauteed with hot peppers, oil, and some amazing spices) and the double cooked sliced pork belly (a more unusual, almost woodsy, taste for some American palates, but this thin sliced meat with green peppers has never disappointed).
Excellent dishes that might look more familiar include cumin lamb (which is particularly good here) and the also excellent Singapore style curried rice noodles.
The worst part of a trip here is choosing. Do I pick an old favorite, or try something new from the extensive menu? Do I go Sichuan style today, or opt for a more American taste? Do I share with the table, or horde my precious preferred delicacy all for myself? These are real dilemmas, which deserve careful deliberation before a trip (personally, I like to go with a group and share, so we can order all kinds of cuisine and try new things in addition to old standbys).
Another drawback might be the servers. Occasionally you'll get an off day on the service side, and more often than that there may be some language barriers (if you're like me and don't speak Chinese). But don't let that stand in the way of a fantastic culinary experience that seems to be truly unique in Pittsburgh.
Bottom line: Great quality and recipes make this establishment a taste leader among Pittsburgh Chinese restaurants, and it's certainly worth a detour, or a special trip. In fact, I'll go out on a limb right now and declare: this is my favorite Chinese restaurant in all of Allegheny County.
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