I organize a regular jour fixe for a bunch of ‘chile heads’ at one of the Sichuan restaurants in town. We usually alternate between two ever since our absolute favorite (and forever gold standard) closed its doors and became some rice noodle hot pot joint.
12 of us got together last night at Yummy Cafe, popular with the Chinese student contingent and Sichuan food lovers alike. I ordered family-style for the slightly crammed table, and we were quite happy with the selection. With two vegans at the table I made sure to include a bunch of vegetables, plus the veg version of mapo doufu (even tho it’s much better with pork, of course). The garlic eggplant came with wood-ear shrooms, peppers and onions — a different version than we’re accustomed to, but delish nonetheless.
The mapo doufu had a good heat level, but lacking a bit in the ma la department.
The flounder and silken tofu dish was a chile head’s request (yes, I do take requests 
), and it was quite good. Also different from a similar dish we often order.
Next up, their fantastic Chongqing chicken, referred to on the menu as Sichuan popcorn chicken. Sure, why not. Still tastes like spicy kronchy chicken clouds 
Dry-fried green beans are always a must for this crowd, and these were faboski.
Finally, the excellent cumin lamb. Tender meat, cuminy, spicy.
We liked that it’s not too greasy or salty… like our favorite, now defunct place 
