A Hidden Gem Tucked away in the rear of Salt Lake’s Chinatown shopping center on State Street is a hidden gem of a restaurant called Chinese Taste. This is one of those charming places where certain things - although not bold flavors - can get lost in translation. Just reading the menu is as entertaining as it is informative, with dishes listed in English such as “Spicy Inc … [Read more...]
Classic Chinese Dish: Beef with Broccoli
Beef with broccoli is one of the classic Chinese restaurant dishes that never fails to satisfy. Well, most of the time. Sometimes I find the sauce to be a bit gloppy due to the overuse of cornstarch. This version is a bit cleaner than some restaurant versions, but is pack with flavor and freshness. The key to success in making this dish at home is organization. Get all your … [Read more...]
Two Moms, One Kitchen: Authentic Chinese Cuisine from Mom’s Kitchen Salt Lake City
One sure-fire way to find great Asian cooking is to go to the places where Asians eat. Such is the case with Mom’s Kitchen, an unassuming little restaurant dishing up the bold, authentic flavors of China. Mom’s Kitchen is thusly named for the two moms who run the place: Mama Chen and Mama Zhang, who hail from Taiwan and Beijing, respectively. The cuisine at Mom’s Kitchen ref … [Read more...]
Chinatown-worthy Kung Pao Shrimp Recipe
In the past couple of decades, kung pao chicken and kung pao shrimp have become among Americans' favorite Chinese dishes, second probably only to fried rice and cream cheese-filled wontons. In this country, kung pao is often loaded up with veggies: carrots, celery, onions, zucchini and such. In Szechuan, China, however, it's traditionally a much more basic dish. And, that's … [Read more...]
Mandarin Restaurant in Bountiful, Utah Celebrating 40th Birthday
As the Chinese New Year draws to a close—the Year of the Dog—I’m reminded how enduring Bountiful’s Mandarin restaurant is. The annual Chinese New Year has been being celebrated there since it began on February 16th and the festivities come to an end this weekend. It’s always a fun, colorful time to dine at Utah’s venerable Chinese eatery, which is doing some celebrating of its o … [Read more...]