This was my second time visiting Hong Hua, both times with my host family. Coming back from Chicago, right before returning to the dorm, this was my last feast of the Memorial Day weekend. I remember that last time I liked the Wok-fried Scallops and Asparagus the last time, and wanted to try the Walnut shrimp, which I tried somewhere else and liked. Yet, Linnea's advice was that after the long weekend, it would be a good idea to stay away from seafood, especially fish, that may not be fresh as usual. So we did, even though we ended up ordering one shrimp and scallop dish.
And of course, the Peking Duck. So the table came, with the Hoi-Sen sauce, vegetables, chinese crepes and a duckling with crispy honey-glazed skin.
Rick says that it is a little too rich for him, and I agree. But I don't think it is a bad idea to order one when we have five people; we can take it. I mean, that I agree that this duck is rich does not mean that I cannot finish the whole duck by myself! It is the richness I like, and it is nice- it's not your everyday meal anyway.
So they slice the crispy skin part, and put in on individual plates. It is all set up, and all you have to do is pick it up and devour the richness. The vegetables help to make it not overly rich. Originally we got two each on five plates, but since Owen was late, Lizz and I each had one extra. I remember how our waiter was surprised when the extra plate was gone! Sorry for Owen, but being late always carries a penalty. I honestly think I can have the whole ten.
The rest of the duck was stir-fried with vegetables, and I really loved the beansprouts. The flavor was good and I know that especially Rick liked it. Actually, I think he liked the ducky crepe part too. I love how he always says he doesn't like it that much but still somewhat enjoyes it; it is just like how he says he never quite liked Sondheim but still enjoy his shows.
This was Chicken Fried Rice. By itself it was delicious, but since the other dish had their strong flavor, after a while the fried rice itself loses its taste a little. I still liked it, though I ate the other entrees with white rice and enjoyed this by its own, rather that together.
The Crispy Chicken always seems to be Lizz's favorite. It is good of course, with crispy skin just like its name, along with soft and oily flesh. The flavor is good too, also not salted too heavily or light, but still- personally, I wouldn't order this twice unless I have been here so many times that I tried almost everything. There are lot more interesting stuff to try. But Lizz insisted on it, so whatever. Haha.
Orange beef was also something we ordered again. This time it was actually pretty spicy as we requested, though it did not feel quite as spicy after eating the scallops and shrimp below. Though I liked this, I thought it was a little too sweet and there was too much sauce. Maybe next time I order something similar, I should ask them to make it less sweet. I think I like General Tso's Chicken better, though that also is sometimes too sweet. I prefer things as Mongolian Beef.
I remember this. Last time we came here, we had it just with shrimp, not scallops. I really liked this, though I thought it was too salty. The spicyness was just right though. It was very good with the shrimp and scallops. I only wish it were less salty.
So this is the feast table. I liked it because we were sharing, trying variety of stuff. My favorite was the Peking Duck- I liked it even more than the first time. Not just the crepe part but also the stir-fried vegetables. I think the orange beef was a little sweet and the scallop and shrimp dish a little salty. But I really enjoyed the meal and also, the left over of fried rice and orange beef I ate the next day for dinner instead of dorm food.It was another delight and a fine ending to the Memorial Weekend Glutton Trip. I don't think I ever had this much food in one weekend. Yes, I came back with almost 5 pounds on the side, and hope to lose it back soon. I am going to be careful this week(though I already know where I am having dinner on Friday). Well, since I weighed myself right after this dinner, the next day it was a little better. I am not too worried, though I cannot confidently say that all my meals were worth the fat since I had a dream of gaining weight because of my hubris. But food is glorious. Yay. And so is my host family.
