There’s no denying the fact that I love Chinese food. All of it; saucy stews and crispy noodles of Cantonese cuisine, spicy numbing stir fry dishes and fiery soups of Szechuan, sweet and sour notes of Hunan. The magic of Chinese food is that China is over 9 Million square kilometres, has 23 provinces and boarders 14 countries. The fine intricacies of Chinese food change from region to region and reflect the locally available produce, ingredients and influences of neighbouring countries. It’s all “Chinese food” but all very different, but similar. I recently checked out Restaurant Delice Oriental (Huang He Lou), a spot downtown serving up classic Szechuan, Hubei and Hunan specialties.
Dear the person who invented brunch, I don’t know who you are, but I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kiss you on the lips with an open mouth. I mean, what a novel idea. There’s breakfast and then lunch, but to have the presence of mind to discover the hidden meal in-between meals takes an innovator and culinary visionary. What’s even better, is brunches that stray from the traditional offering of cookie-cutter chains. Brunches by chefs and restaurants that incorporate their cuisines into their weekend menus. “Like what,” you ask? Great question! How about Cajun inspired brunch from Bistro Nolah?
What do you consider “street food”? Dirty water street meat from New York? Our version of food trucks that situate themselves in random spots around the city? Or street hawker stalls usually operated by an auntie who’s last fuck she gave was in the late 80s, manipulating a fiery wok and bubbling cauldron wearing flip-flops? Unfortunately for us, we do not have the luxury of food hawkers and the romantic image of curb-side noodles and spicy grilled something-something like in Asia. However, we are lucky enough to be home of some of the most creative culinary minds to realize those dreams in their own ways. First it was Singaporean satay and laksa, now, Cambodian fish amok, sausages and men siam. Make your reservations immediately for Les Street Monkeys.