Xi’an Famous Foods

Yet again, the food was much too delicious to take the time to snap a photo.  There are a couple of clips from the Travel Channel and the Cooking Channel on Xi’an Famous Foods Homepage.  I hadn’t realized that there several locations in New York City.  There are two in Flushing and two in Manhattan.  I went to the one inside the Flushing Mall Food Court and since I was running errands in Flushing, I got my order to go.  Yes, it is the stall that has the picture of Anthony Bourdain framed in front.  Although I have had their hand pulled noodles before (excellent), I had a hankering for the cumin lamb burger.  I ordered their Liang Pi, which is a spicy cold noodle dish.  I’ve been craving Liang Pi ever since my parents said they ordered it from a restaurant in San Gabriel, California.  From the Xi’an Famous Foods page:

Kyochon is the New KFC

Move over Colonel Sanders!  Korean Fried Chicken is all the rage.  I recently visited two different Kyochons.  As far as I know, Bon Chon in K-town and Flushing started the trend.  There is also UFC (Unidentified Flying Chickens) which is also very popular.  What is so special about Korean Fried Chicken?  I’ll try to explain in words but it really must be experienced for yourself.  Sometime I’ll have a blind taste test to see which one of these would win in a throw down.  Let me know if you want in on the taste test!  Double battered and fried wings and drumsticks with various types of glazes.  Although I am fiercely loyal to New York now, I’m sorry but Buffalo Wings have nothing on the new KFC.  The wings come in a non-spicy glaze but to quote my pastor, “Why would you get chicken that wasn’t spicy?”  He also said that compared to Bon Chon, Kyochon tastes more like something his mother would make.  UFC is excellent as well.  Each one suits a different mood.

At the Kyochon in Flushing we had the whole chicken non-spicy and the drumsticks spicy.  They were Spicy (with a capital S).  We also ordered the dukboki with sauteed chicken and onions, simmered in a spicy red sauce.  Below, at the Kyochon in Korea Town on 32nd Street, we had rice balls, miso soup, and pickled daikon radish to accompany the wings.  This Kyochon is hip indeed.  The second level provides seating with plenty of televisions with a lounge feel to it and a great street view.

Hot wings

Oven used at Kyochon (Manhattan)

Rice Ball and Miso Soup

Flushing- Sago

Sago Tea Cafe on Main Street in Flushing serves appetizers, rice, and noodle dishes along with bubble tea (aka pearl tea or boba).  They also have a Korean food menu.  Instead of having my usual almond milk tea or green tea smoothie, I tried the Fried Green Tea Ice Cream as I caught up with friends.  Joe’s Bestburger is right across the street they have a half price deal for their Rewards Card members a couple hours before closing.  My friend Sam was recommending the chicken sandwich, claiming that it is better than Chick-fil-a.  I tried holding out until 10pm to have dinner but I didn’t make it.  I had Burger King instead.  Hardly interesting at all.  My model/actor friend Jay gave me his rewards card to Joe’s Bestburger so I’ll make it there sometime soon.