The Search for Great and Cheap Chinese

Posted by Kathryn @ 1:20 PM

When I was down in Virginia I was spoiled, because I knew where some great authentic Chinese places as well as some good cheap American style Chinese. Among these places I could get a nice brunch of dim sum, a sizzling casserole, a crackling peking duck, and the best beef and broccoli for under 5 bucks.

Here in Pittsburgh there are no shortage of Chinese restaurants, but admittedly I have not yet made the rounds to them all. Nor would my pocketbook want to visit that many establishments. So far I have tried Little Asia, China Palace, New Dumpling House, Orient Express, and some buffet on Penn Ave that is on my way to Home Depot. China Palace wins longest menu award, with several selections that remind me of my favorite authentic haunts, but my first meal could use more kick, light on the vegetables and slightly more expensive than a typical lunch spot for me. New Dumpling House has not failed to disappoint in the cheap Americanized Chinese category, but I can't always make it to Squirrel Hill. So consider this my call to all Pittsburghers for recommendations. Let me know what places you like best and what you order.

Orient Express

Posted by Kathryn @ 3:27 PM

So I have passed the Orient Express almost every day since beginning work in Oakland.  I always dismissed it because I am not a big bubble tea aficianado.  Today though, my husband suggested we try it out for lunch.  It is a simple restaurant with more ambiance then the neighboring Little Asia but less then Lulu's Noodle. 

I opened the "dinner" menu and found on the last page a lunch menu.  The typical suspects were present but I was pleasantly surprised to see Chinese Casseroles and other combinations on the adjoining page.  I ordered beef curry with rice.  The beef was pleasantly tender, there was no grizzle or visible fat to speak of, the sauce was nice but not over powering, and the portion was enormous.  It could just be that beef potato and rice are filling, but it seemed like a mountain of food.  For under 6 dollars I essentially bought myself two meals, which while not gourmet were nice winter comfort food.  My husband ordered his perennial favorite at all Chinese restaurants, the lo mein lunch special.  The vegetables looked fresh, the chicken was tender, and it seemed slightly less greasy than his favorite version, but on the whole had less soy flavor than he expected.  One the side came a chicken teriyaki skewer.  My husband thought it was good, but I thought it was rather bland and on the tough side.  We both agreed that we would come back for the beef curry though!