I was optimistic about eating out in Jan 2020, I guess, but somehow this never happened? But I’m trying to make use of what may be the last of my afternoon flexibility for some time (at least I sort of hope so) to make a couple stops. Moved my lunch outing up to C square to check this place out.
Armed with suggestions (see above, thanks @fooddabbler and @DrJimbob ) I ordered way too much food for one person to eat for lunch. The dry fried string beans were excellent and came out in about three minutes, hot off the grill and chock full of seared garlic. The pan fried egg with tomato soup had great broth and lots of simmered greens–though I’m not personally sold on this dish. I wish I could have tried the version from the late lamented Shangri-La before it closed. I liked it fine, but I’m not on board via this one bowl–the eggs were cooked well but I’m not sure the browned eggs give enough texture and the industrial tomatoes (to be fair, I do not expect any more in a 9$ bowl of soup) maybe lack the full flavor to make it sing. Still pretty good, though.
My favorite thing by far was the dan dan noodles, cooked perfectly and with an deep, intriguing flavor. I loved the nuance of the sichuan pepper here and the dish in general just had a great balance of texture and taste. In general this was a great lunch, and honestly I ate the leftovers for breakfast today and I’ll be doing the same tomorrow.
The dining room is somewhat cavernous and a little dank (as someone who lived in C Square in the 90’s, I tried to remember what this space was previously but cannot), but probably it’s more homey when it’s full of people like in the old times. The food is good, though, and it’s a nice place to have around.
