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| - Having spent three decades living and travelling in areas of heavy Chinese populations in both Asia and along the West Coast, I have never been a fan of the Chinese Restaurants here in Cleveland (in fact, typically avoid them). Hunan in Solon is clearly the dramatic exception!
The food at Hunan is authentic - not just "close". Full of marvelous flavor and character, I particularly enjoy their barbecue spare ribs (appetizer, $7.00), Cantonese-style roast duck ($15.00), and choy sum with oyster sauce (requested, off the menu). Of course their menu offers the complete "standard fare" known at area Chinese restaurants but at a far better quality. For the more adventurous, some of Hunan's more flairful entrées include Singaporean Chow Ho Fun ($10.00), Tangerine Beef ($12.00), Lamb Scallion ($12.00), and Beef Yau Tsoi Portabella Mushroom ($13.00).
The interesting thing is Hunan incorporates other Asian palates into their menu, including Korean (like the spare ribs appetizer I mentioned) and Thai, such as fresh spring wraps and a complete line-up of Thai curries available in 9 meat/seafood/vegetarian selections. I would estimate their offerings weigh in between 75% Chinese and 25% other Asian. Typically this is a dangerous premise for a restaurant to attempt - but Hunan's execution of this diversity is flawless and spot on!
The cost ranges from average to a shade under pricey for the less mainstream, more exotic items in regard to the price-to-portion ratio. However, once you sample the cuisine you will quickly discover you are clearly getting what you pay for.
The restaurant is located on the industrial side of Solon, easily accessible south of 422, across the complex of small hotels. Use caution: it's relatively small and insignificant-looking in the small strip mall it's situated in and can easily be overlooked.
Some may criticize that Hunan is still Americanized or Anglo-Chinese. True. It is important to keep in mind this is the best Chinese Restaurant in the area but it must still cater to the NEO palate. Personally, it is not 100% what I'm used to in Singapore, Honolulu, or San Francisco but for Hunan to mimic that level of authenticity and expect to stay in business in NEO would be unwise. On the positive side, Hunan Solon has successfully bridged that crossover well enough that Chinese dignitaries we host have made repeated requests to dine here. (An alternate menu is available for Chinese readers.)
Best Chinese Restaurant in Northeast Ohio? Hunan Solon is without doubt a prime contender for that title.
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