Jan 22 2009

Dinner

Bamboo Garden
We weren't planning to go out to eat tonight, but as I started considering what to have for dinner I realized that Szechuan was absolutely imperative to my continued well-being. I then very quickly convinced Maika that Bamboo Garden in Bellevue was our only choice, primarily on the strength of the fact that they have Dan Dan Mein, labeled as Cheng Dun Dan Dan Noodles (With Pork) on their menu. We ordered, that, a spicy cold sliced beef appetizer, Chong Qing Spicy Chicken, and Lamb with Scallions. I had heard mixed reviews of this place, but after this meal I can safely say it is above average when it comes to traditional Szechuan favorites. The spicy beef was excellent. It had a hint of sweetness to it, and the meat was sliced a little on the thin side without too much chewy tendon. It was also very spicy. The Spicy chicken was a little different from other place as it had a slightly sweeter (but still spicy) taste and it was sprinkled with sesame seeds. I thought it was on par with some of the best we've had elsewhere. The lamb was good, but nothing spectacular. It was surprisingly tender though. Of course the most important thing was the Dan Dan, which was quite good. There was plenty of very finely ground pork and a nice spicy nutty broth. The noodles were thick hand-shaven noodles that were cooked perfectly. I have occasionally had examples of these noodles that were still a little bit chalky in the middle. These were not. There was no bok choy in the dish, unlike 7 Stars Pepper, but other than that they were pretty similar. Now I need to go try Szechuan Bistro again I guess.
One question was how we would decide in the future whether to eat here or at Szechuan Chef when we're on the east side. The answer is simple. Bamboo Garden does not have Ants Climbing a Tree on the menu.