The Righteous Wok of Lao Sichuan
Pleasantly full and tingly, with warming Sichuan peppercorns and red chili oil in by belly, I feel a bit like a kerosene lantern, but in a good way.
The tea-smoked duck, which was what I went in craving, didn't disappoint. The crispy three-chili chicken surpassed expectations, and was easily the standout of the meal. The lamb, while possessed of pleasing flavors, was a bit salty for my taste, but the spicy pig intestines were tender and succulent. The dragon wonton, in addition to being quite tasty, served double duty in that their sauce, over rice, made a good palate cleanser (helpful to prevent your mouth from going completely numb).
What To Look For
-The necessity of convincing the server that yes, you realize that you're ordering a big bowl of spicy hog guts, and yes, your delicate gwailo constitution can handle it.
-The increasing difficulty of finding a clean place on your napkin, so as to not smear burning red oily doom into your eyes or nose.
-The panic of the guy who isn't familiar with ma la seasoning, and isn't expecting things like "numbness" or "tingling" to play a part in his dinner.
The tea-smoked duck, which was what I went in craving, didn't disappoint. The crispy three-chili chicken surpassed expectations, and was easily the standout of the meal. The lamb, while possessed of pleasing flavors, was a bit salty for my taste, but the spicy pig intestines were tender and succulent. The dragon wonton, in addition to being quite tasty, served double duty in that their sauce, over rice, made a good palate cleanser (helpful to prevent your mouth from going completely numb).
What To Look For
-The necessity of convincing the server that yes, you realize that you're ordering a big bowl of spicy hog guts, and yes, your delicate gwailo constitution can handle it.
-The increasing difficulty of finding a clean place on your napkin, so as to not smear burning red oily doom into your eyes or nose.
-The panic of the guy who isn't familiar with ma la seasoning, and isn't expecting things like "numbness" or "tingling" to play a part in his dinner.