I have been hearing great things about Grand Sichuan International since I moved to north Chelsea. It seems to be the place to go, but I had never been. When my Aunt and Uncle came in for a visit and Uncle Shelley wanted Chinese, it clicked. It was time to try the “amazing Smoked Tea Duck” I kept reading about.
Aunt Lynne ordered the pickled cabbage. It was not in a format we were used to, but it tasted good. It was quite spicy, however, so I had one piece and called it a day.
As mentioned in my previous entry about Rickshaw Dumpling Bar, I love pork dumplings at Chinese restaurants. Luckily, Uncle Shelley shares my fondness and ordered them when I forgot. They were delish! (One curiousity I’ve always had… how do all Chinese restaurants have almost the EXACT SAME recipe for pork dumplings? They all pretty much taste the same!)
I had to order the Smoked Tea Duck, even after being told it was a fried dish. I am SOOOO glad I did! It was perfect flavor with fatty goodness in between a crispy skin and flavor filled, meaty, and not greasy duck meat. It was over cucumbers (which, in my opinion, should have filled the weird gap space on the plate, but I’ll take it). It was probably some of the best duck I’ve had to date.
Aunt Lynne ordered healthy and went with the “Four Precious Jewels” which sounded too good to be good for you! It consisted of jumbo shrimp, scallops, fish filet, and beef slices with snow peas, baby corn, carrots, and soft bean curd. She got it with a side of garlic sauce. Aunt Lynne said it was delicious and cooked to perfection.
Uncle Shelley went with the Seafood Delight and was delighted! (yes… I just made that joke)
Overall, it was certainly above average Chinese. I will definitely be going back if I want Chinese again.
Total Nom Points: 7 out of 10
