Review by LovingAnnie from USA
Cost per head was 25 pounds
It is a tiny restaurant, with perhaps six tables in the front, and six tables in the back.
Michael greets me, (he is the son of the owner) and kindly offers me a table by the window, although technically they are not open for lunch for another half hour.
Michael Buble's Feeling Good plays in the background, and I DO feel good :)
There are lovely lillies in a glass vase by the bar. Chinese paintings of the Emperor are on the walls, and there are Buddha figurines, dragons and vases on top of a cabinet.
The tablecloths are beige and white. Heavy off-white chopsticks rest on a delicate white china stand.
The lady behind the bar brings me hot tea, which she says is specially blended to go with the food, and does not need sweetening. (being a sugar junkie, I disagree, but do not ask again for sweetener.)
She follows this up with tiny bites of pickled cucumber (delicious), and salted pine nuts.
I watch deliveries being made, as there are hidden steps to a basement on the sidewalk. Crates of brown eggs, beans and fresh vegetables disappear and my stomach growls.
Michael comes over again to ask what I like to eat. There is no menu. Chicken, pork and vegetables, I tell him. Sour, hot and spicy...
Individual servings are brought. As I finish one, within two minutes, another appears.
Minced chicken in lettuce has a very fresh, light taste.
A century old egg is brought with pickled vegetables. The egg is, as expected, gray, almost black. I think it tastes gross, but pat myself on the back for being adventurous enough to try it.
(But after one bite I try to hide it under the vegetables so Michael will not know that I haven't finished it)
Crispy garlic beans are next, and they are wonderful. Spicy smoked chicken is equally good, and Michael comes to check and see if everything is to my liking.
Pork with tofu and shredded vegetables comes next, followed by plum & pork parcels in a sesame crusted wrapper. Everything is fresh and nothing is left over.
Taro chicken arrives, and after I have finished its savory goodness, I am stuffed, and cannot eat another bite.
(although Michael would have brought more had I been able to. No-one leaves his restaurant hungry.)
There are bites of toffee banana, apple and pumpkin for dessert.
I'll be back, and next time bring some friends. This was wonderful food, with attentive service.