Potpourri

"Fashion is in Europe, living is in America, but eating is in China". Chinese people not only enjoy eating but believe eating good food can bring harmony and closeness to the family and relationships. Thankfully we have plenty of Chinese food options in the United States (and around the world). We present you with a guest article on a profile of Chinese cuisine. I bet you'll be too hungry to finish the article. So read it in bite-sized chunks!

Alisa Smith of "CentralMenus", https://centralmenus.com/, contributed this article on the Chinese dishes you will likely find on the menu at your favorite Chinese restaurant. What's your favorite dish? Is it one that's listed, or something different?

"Diamaru" a Chinese restaurant offering Ramen and Udon noodles, is located in the basement food court of the New World Mall in the downtown heart of Flushing, NY. You have lots of dining options on the upper and lower levels of the Mall. Should "Daimaru" be on your shortlist? Have you been? What other Chinese restaurants and food stalls have you tried? If not, will you now?

"Secret Kitchen", a Chinese restaurant in Fresh Meadows, NY recently held its Grand Opening! We dined there the other night and got let in on their secret. It's good food! Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. Authentic like it is cooked in China. Reservations are highly recommended as it was full by early evening. But, is it Quest-worthy?

If you're hungry, if you're in downtown Flushing, NY, and if you jonesing for Chinese Food, you can satisfy all of your needs by going to the New World Mall in Flushing, NY at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Main Street (entrances on both streets), and head downstairs to the Food Court. Try your luck at any one of the 40+ food stalls offering everything Asian. Chinese? check! Japanese? check! Korean? check! Thai? check! Vietnamese? check! Street foods? check! Appetizers and Entrees? check! check! Dumplings? check! Desserts? check! The hardest decision will be which food stall to choose. Today, I spun the roulette wheel in my head, and it came up #20. "Yozi"! Did I like it? Well, you'll have to read the article to find out. What's your favorite spot in the New World Mall?

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, on Prince Street in Flushing, NY. Even their name says "Soup Dumplings", so you have to order their signature dish. Also, get the Shanghai Pan Fried Udon noodles with beef! What else should you order? Click to read what I think, and what you should stay clear of!

After having a few rounds of Mai Tai's with friends, you'll all shout “Maita’I roa a’e!” In English, that means “Out of this world! The best!" Don't believe me? Invite me the next time you go out for Chinese food and I'll show you. Read the intriguing story and mystery behind the Mai Tai cocktail. Cheers!!

Grand Opening: Kai Burgers & Dumplings in Great Neck Plaza, NY 11021 Asian fusion, hamburgers and dumplings obviously, and also Keto dishes, beef dishes too, oh my! The restaurant looks very modern and has a full bar and two large-screen televisions. We think you are going to like it. We wish Kai Burger & Dumplings lots of luck.  Let's all do our part as we come out of the pandemic and let's show our support of local businesses too.

Where it all began over 8 years ago.  We made a pilgrimage to Ground Zero. Albert's Mandarin Gourmet in Huntington, NY. Read why Albert's Mandarin is Ground Zero and the profound effect it had on our lives.

Dining in COVID-19 days is quite the challenge. But China Station in Stony Brook, NY was up to the challenge and did not disappoint. Though major modifications had to be made for the safety of customers and employees, I'm glad to say that the menu was not modified at all.. When in Stony Brook, or nearby, come see why!