There are two ways to rock the Szechwan Palace: 1. The small menu and a fork, 2. The larger menu and some chopsticks. You will likely be profiled upon entry and, unless you're Chinese, get a fork. On my first venture to the SP, I didn't let my lack of chop slow me down. Since the specials were off limit to us because they were "in Chinese" I ordered the water boiled fish. As mentioned in other reviews, the sauce miraculously changes the way other foods (including water) taste and should be experimented with at length. It isn't so much spicy as it is transcendental. On my second venture, a friend snagged us some respect by grabbing the Chinese menu. We liked the squid with pickle, missed out on the water boiled eel but settled for more of the fish, and really loved the baby bok choy with mushrooms. It is best to end a meal here with some of the fine corn jelly candies at the Ranch Market next door.