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(April 24, 2009)
| The fascination that many Chinese
people have with games of chance is well documented. So it's not
surprising that Shanghai restaurant owner John Yim met his wife
Alice at a Hong Kong restaurant called "456" (also the
name of the optimal outcome of a popular Chinese dice game). And
since then, they have helmed a number of popular area restaurants
including Marco Polo and Shangri-La and now Shanghai on Middle Fiskville
Rd. at IH-35. And in my opinion, once again, they have come up sevens. |
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John Yim and CIA trained son Raymond are something
to watch in the kitchen. Consider the Pan Fried Dumplings These pork
and cabbage potstickers are enormous yet surprisingly light and packed
with subtle flavors. And no excess of ginger. The deluxe Won Ton soup
delivers amazing tastes on the first spoonful. This large bowl mixes
chicken, vegetables, shrimp, pork and won tons. Great taste all delivered
sans MSG. And if you want rich flavors but are watching your carbs,
then try the Chicken Lettuce Wraps. The chicken is sautéed with
mushrooms, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts. And the ginger soy vinaigrette
provides a beautiful finish.
It is no secret that I'm a total sucker for good Sesame Shrimp. And
Shanghai serves up a fine version of this dish. What makes it work is
the almost perfect batter along with a seriously tangy and not overly
sweet sesame sauce. The Chicken with Black Bean Sauce sizzles with bell
peppers, onions and jalapenos and has that unique ability to create
the sensation that every bite has to be anticipated. Another favorite
of mine is the Chef's Special Tofu. This is Raymond's dish and it should
get some kind of reward. He mixes soft tofu with minced shrimp and then
serves with a brown sauce. The texture is stunning and the taste evokes
visions of the orient. Wow! You must also try the Pepper Steak Flat
Noodles with Black Bean Sauce. This dish epitomizes the best elements
of Chinese cooking. the sense of immediacy and the integration of diverse
flavors. The noodles work so well here and the taste: well, it comes
at you in waves!
And if you are a fan of the ancient culinary art of dim sum, Shanghai
offers dim sum brunches every Saturday and Sunday and a smaller menus
during the week. We're talking everything Shumai dumplings to Salt and
Pepper Shrimp, shrimp with cilantro dumplings... man the list is endless
and endearing.
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