Chinese Lettuce
Mccb

Mccb

2138 S. Archer Ave., 60616 Chicago, United States Of America

Asian • Vegan • China • Chinese


"MCCB Chicago is a culinary gem that skillfully blends traditional Chinese cuisine with modern twists. The restaurant's sleek, bar-like ambiance is perfect for date nights, creating a vibrant and upbeat atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. This lively environment complements the bold flavors of the dishes, making every visit memorable. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, MCCB Chicago stands out for its dedication to quality and innovation in its culinary offerings. The menu is a delightful exploration of Sichuan and Cantonese cuisines, featuring both authentic and creative dishes that shine in Chicago's crowded food scene. On my first visit, I sampled a mix of traditional and innovative items. The Crispy Crab Rangoon set the stage with its perfect balance of textures—crispy on the outside and creamy inside, bursting with the delicate flavors of crab and cream cheese. Next, I enjoyed the Szechuan Dan Dan Noodles. Cooked to perfection, the noodles had a firm bite that held up well to the robust, spicy sauce. This dish was a harmonious blend of savory and spicy, with a lingering depth of flavor. The minced pork added a satisfying meatiness, while the crushed peanuts provided a crunchy contrast, enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile. The highlight of the meal was the Stir-Fried Duck in Beer Sauce. This dish was a revelation, showcasing MCCB Chicago's unique take on traditional Chinese cuisine. The tender and juicy duck absorbed the rich, slightly sweet, and malty flavors of the beer sauce, which was a complex medley of earthy beer notes, subtle sweetness, and umami. MCCB Chicago offers a dining experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new. With its modern and upbeat atmosphere, it is an ideal spot for enjoying high-quality Chinese cuisine with a contemporary twist. Whether you're a fan of traditional dishes or eager to try something innovative, MCCB Chicago promises a memorable culinary adventure that will leave you eager for your next visit."

Xiang Hotpot

Xiang Hotpot

5816 Fort Hamilton Pkwy, Brooklyn I-11219-5884, United States

Soup • Chinese • Hot Pot • Seafood


"This all-you-can-eat (AYCE) hotpot experience stands out because you have to serve yourself from a mini food bar. The only items you can specifically order are beef or lamb if you choose the least expensive Hotpot Buffet, priced at $23.99 for lunch and $28.99 for dinner. If you opt for the AYCE seafood buffet—which includes shrimp, sea mussels, crabs, red clams, salmon, cuttlefish, clams, sea snails, wagyu, tender beef, beef tongue, duck tongue, boneless duck feet, oysters, bullfrog, and scallops—it's $40 for lunch and $46 for dinner. There's also a station where you can make your own sauces and grab fried Mantou (Chinese sweet bread), sweet potato fries, and Youtiao (Chinese doughnuts). However, I found it disappointing that the sauce and dessert stations closed over an hour before closing time, especially since my group was still there at 9:45 PM and wanted to try the fried Mantou with condensed milk. On a positive note, they offered us ice cream to finish, with flavors including Vanilla, Chocolate, Mango, and Strawberry. Most of the canned drinks are complimentary, which I thought was a nice touch, so I enjoyed a can of Sprite and iced tea. My main issue with the place was that the selection for the Regular Hotpot was quite limited compared to what you could get at Laojie or 99 Favor Taste for a more reasonable price. Additionally, the beef took a long time to arrive, and the slices were cut very thin. Overall, it was a decent place for the experience, and I would definitely return to try their Seafood Hotpot. Also, I must mention that the chopsticks were notably large!"