Sweet Ginger (Chef Gao)

Sweet Ginger (Chef Gao)

TL;DR
- Price: $10 - 15 per person
- Flavor: Szechuan/Sichuan/Szechwan
- Filling?: Yes
- Parking: Magnificent

The parking is magnificent because it's intended for a full plaza, but much of the plaza is empty. If those slots fill up, I imagine the parking may be more highly contested.

Pretty busy. Their dining area is fairly small. It seems like there's a special reserved area for parties. It wasn't open.

They have a special Chinese menu in addition to the regular English menu. Interesting... I'll have to bring someone who can read it next time to see if there are any notable differences.

They seemed short-staffed this evening. Perhaps they didn't anticipate the dinner rush. 

Shanghai Steamed Pork Dumplings take 15 minutes so not going to get those on this schedule.

Music might be good here. Just something to focus on amidst the chatter and clanging of pots and pans.

The Spicy Boiled Fish is wonderful. A lot of places struggle with covering up that distinct fishy taste that no one likes. Sichuan cooking does a fantastic job with spices to handle that issue. It is pretty spicy, though, so keep that in mind. The vegetables are have been imbued with the spices and yet are surprisingly crisp. The fish is the clear main attraction, and it is a ride worth waiting for. The portion size is very good as well, and in harmony with the rice they provide, will fill you up.

I would like to return to try something new... but the Spicy Boiled Fish beckons my name. The food is excellent, just make sure you have time to wait.

Eva's Bakery

Eva's Bakery

TL;DR
- Price: $10 - 17 per person
- Flavor: French Bakery/Lunch
- Filling?: Yes
- Parking: Streets in Downtown

I was told there'd be a long wait (15 minutes) for a table. Ah, not as long as estimated! Only 5 minutes or so before I was seated. Bonus points.

Tight fit in terms of seating. Cozy. It was pretty cool to see the racks of breads from where I was sitting. I must apologize to the two French women sitting to my right. I cannot help but eavesdrop on such a beautiful language.

Beautiful place settings.

Caffe Ibis black coffee. The coffee came in a very large cup. Careful, I had to use two hands to handle it; it was very hot.

Server was very quick and helpful with recommendations. Stuffed French Toast is big, I hear, so I decided to go with that. Perhaps it'll leave me some room for the scrumptious pastries in the glass display.

The French onion soup looked really good. My eavesdropping extending to occasional glances to the dishes that others ordered, and this was one that caught my eye. It deserves a place on the list.

The Stuffed French Toast is magnificent. They do not skimp on the fruit. The filling is sweet yet it melds perfectly with the fruit atop the toast. I am historically hesitant when it comes to fruit in heated dishes. I am very picky when it comes to something like this or like a fruit pie. 

This is how fruit should be used in a dish. The flavor is exquisite. The dish isn't too sweet. They achieved the desired texture of French Toast: crispy on the outer crust and fluffy on the inside without being mushy from the filling.

The Stuffed French Toast was so good that I forgot I had coffee until I was nearly finished. The Toast was on its last legs when I thought, "you know what would complement this perfectly? Oh wait..."

I will come back to give the French Onion Soup a taste. If the toast is any indication as to their ability, I expect my favorite soup to be given the treatment it deserves.

All Chay

All Chay

TL;DR

- Price: $10 - 15 per person
- Flavor: Vegan Vietnamese
- Filling?: Yes
- Parking: Decent

Parking is decent. They have a parking lot, shared with other businesses.

Upon entry you're greeted by soothing instrumentals from their boom box. A nice instructional sign tells you to order at the register before sitting down.

The lighting is pretty dim/romantic. The overall setting is very functional. I would bring a steady girlfriend here but not a first date (unless she's a foodie who likes food over atmosphere, too). This place utilizes a lot of self-service with regards to drinks, silverware, napkins, and bussing your finished plates and bowls.

They don't have very many employees so the wait can be long during busy times. Come with good conversation and a loose schedule to counteract this.

I ordered the All Chay Egg Rolls and Large Pho.

One of the workers in particular was very welcoming, providing me with hoisin and sriracha sauce.

You get four big egg rolls. Very crispy with that distinctive Vietnamese egg roll flavor. The sauce that accompanies the rolls is a sweet and spicy chili sauce. It tastes good, but make sure to try the roll without sauce first, to capture the full essence of the egg roll.

The pho is quite good. The flavors are not as bold as I'm accustomed to, but I can't fault them for me being used to MSG broths. They don't have MSG, which is excellent. I love tofu and they deliver far more tofu than I expected.

Voracious for very tasty Vegan Vietnamese cuisine? You've got it right here.