Can not believe that this was my first visit EVER to the Chinese Mall on 16th Avenue. Always meant to - but never did.
Terry Lo hosted a Chinese New Year dinner there last Sunday. When we arrived, we found the restaurant on the 2nd floor of the mall and as we approached I was surprised how full it was. We were in a room on one side that had 6 tables - with 8 people at a table - room could easily accomodate 50 people. Nice for a group event.
Tables were all round with a lazy susan in the middle - eliminating the need to pass around dishes, we could just spin the wheel as needed. Handy!
Terry had arranged for a 10-course menu. The food was incredible.
I will just mention my favorite dishes...
- Veggies with Shrimp: I'm not usually a veggie person, so this surprised me. The veggies had a silkiness to them - can't describe it differently that that. So good.
- Shrimp Balls rolled in Almonds: These rounds were the size of small fists and incredibly hot - so I kept dropping it and spashing almonds all over. But it was so worth it. Can't wait to enjoy these again.
- BBQ Chicken: I love chicken and I LOVE eating the skin. Not sure how this was prepared, but it was so tastely and I'm sure it must have been deep-fried. The skin on the chicken was crunchy... for me it could not have been prepared more perfectly. I will enjoy one whole order myself next time (ok - will probably have left overs to take home!)
- I'm a dessert person and I was waiting to see what fancy treat would be laid before us. Will admit that my heart sank a bit when I realized dessert was Naval Oranges cut into slices. Wow - it turned out to be perfect. As I for sure enjoyed to much of the NINE other dishes, these oranges were the perfect way to cap the meal. So juicy - they did NOT buy those at Safeway. :)
Loved it - can't wait to return!