A few years ago, I first discussed the concept of the “Chinese stomach,” which describes the preference of Chinese diners for Chinese food over other types of food. My initial article focused on Chinese travelers who prefer to eat Chinese food — even of inferior quality — on their trips, rather than what might be considered higher quality host country food.
Doubters argued that tour operators served low-quality Chinese food to cut costs, but I found the “Chinese stomach” at work throughout the United States under other manifestations. For instance, Chinese food is used to entice Chinese Americans to casinos along the East and West Coasts. When college campuses see surging Mainland Chinese student populations, authentic Chinese restaurants and food trucks quickly follow. On these campuses, some Chinese students will even shell out $50 delivery charges for food from far-flung restaurants. And at upscale shopping malls frequented by well-heeled Chinese tourists, Chinese restaurants either open onsite or nearby restaurants adapt their menus to serve these visitors.
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As I have mentioned in a number of previous articles, Mainland Chinese students studying at American universities have created a demand for authentic Chinese regional food that has resulted in many campus towns and cities across the country getting their first taste of authentic Chinese food. But these students do not get their homeland food fix solely through restaurants. Newer options are available for Mainland Chinese students longing for a taste of home. (more…)
As a whole, Los Angeles’s Chinese food scene surpassed New York’s over 20 years ago and continues to pull away. However, you’ll find some things Chinese food-wise in New York that simply don’t exist in Los Angeles, including these four restaurants.
The Chinese fine dining establishment: La Chine
Situated in the Chinese-owned Waldorf-Astoria, La Chine is the type of high-end authentic Chinese restaurant on offer in New York, along with Fung Tu, Cafe China, and Hakkasan. After the demise of Hakkasan Beverly Hills (and perhaps Chi Lin), there are no longer such posh Chinese dining options in LA. Perhaps Los Angeles is just not as much of an expense account town. Sure, it does boast the entertainment industry, but still pales in comparison to New York, with Wall Street, the investment banks, and all the corporate headquarters. (more…)
Photo by Michele Ursino / Flickr
You hear the statistic all the time – 60% of all restaurants fail in the first year, and a whopping 80% don’t make it past five years.
But is the situation even worse in New York?
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Photo by erik forsberg / Flickr
There’s a reason why everyone loves sandwiches. They’re easy to eat on the go, and pack a wallop of flavors and textures in each bite. But some sandwiches are better than others, and these 10 are famous for a reason. (more…)
Photo by cyclotourist/Flickr
Why choose one restaurant for dinner when you could choose dozens? There’s a food hall and farmer’s market renaissance happening around the country, and if you visit any of these locations, you’ll want to make sure you start with an empty stomach.
Photo by Christophe Porteneuve / Flickr
You may love checking out the latest restaurant to open in your neighborhood, but these historic inns, restaurants, and taverns beat the new kids in town any day.
Photo by Travis/Flickr
Filet mignon and roast chicken have their place, but for more adventurous diners, it’s all about the offal.
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Photo by Anne Noyes Saini, courtesy of Real Cheap Eats
Buss-Up-Shut with Pumpkin Curry and Tomato Choka
Sandy’s Deli & Roti, 12110 Liberty Avenue, South Richmond Hill, Queens
Photo by Anne Noyes Saini, courtesy of Real Cheap Eats
Buss-up-shut, a Trinidadian flatbread, resembles a tattered, busted-up shirt (or shut in West Indian parlance) — thus the name. Try pairing it with the Pumpkin Curry, seasoned lightly with onion and garlic, and a side of Tomato Choka (roasted tomatoes tossed with raw onion). It’s a soothing, filling meal.
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What the Duke’s Having. All photos by Mary Martin
Are you up for a night of dimly-lit merrymaking and great drinks to boot? Adventure across every drinking scene imaginable with me as I explore the underbelly of the New York City nightlife, checking in and drinking up all the best speakeasy bars Manhattan has to offer. (more…)
